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Attending an interview
for a job you really want can be a nerve wrecking experience especially
if you are unprepared. Luckily, Jobsite have created a list of typical
interview questions and best responses so you need worry no longer!
The Basics
1. Tell
me about yourself
- Keep your answer
to one or two minutes; don't ramble.
- Do not go back
to childhood experiences, just give a brief outline of where you are
from and where you want to be going.
- Use your CV introduction
as a starting base.
- Say only positive
statements
2. What do you
know about our company?
- Show that you
have done your research. Know what their products are, how big the
company is, roughly what their annual revenue is, what reputation
it has within the industry and on the street. Know the company's history,
image, goal, and philosophy.
- Project an informed
interest which allows the interviewer to tell you some more detailed
aspects about the company.
3. Why do you
want to work for us?
- Don't talk about
what you want; first talk about their needs and what you can do for
them.
- You wish to be
part of their company: identify its strengths.
- You relish the
challenge of solving their company problem/s.
- You can make
a definite contribution to specific company goals.
4. What would
you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
- Talk about successful
past experience where you have helped an employer solve a problem
and relate this to the job being offered.
- Stay positive
and don't be seen to criticise other candidates.
5. Which aspects
of our position do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
- List three or
more attractive factors and only one, minor unattractive factor. Aspects
to pick up on could include; office location, company reputation,
the chance to work with esteemed colleagues, training opportunities
etc.
6. Why should
we hire you?
- Because of the
knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills you possess. Be very
positive and confident in your reply, not vague.
7. What do you
look for in a job?
- An opportunity
to use my skills, to perform and to be recognised.
- The opportunity
to develop further skills; throughout life we should be constantly
learning.
- Relate your answer
to the job for which you are applying e.g. "I enjoy a challenge
and I believe this position would offer me that."
8. Please give
me your definition of a ... (the position for which you are being interviewed).
- Keep it brief;
actions and results oriented.
9. How long would
it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
- Very quickly
after a little orientation and a brief period of adjustment.
10. How long
would you stay with us?
- As long as we
both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing etc.
Management and
Experience Questions
11. What is your management style?
- For example 'Management
by Coaching and Development (MBCD)' where Managers see themselves
primarily as employee trainers. 'Open door' is also a good one.
12. Are you a
good manager? Give an example. Why do you feel you have top managerial
potential?
- Keep your answers
achievement and task oriented.
- Emphasise management
skills - planning, organising, leadership, interpersonal, etc.
- Describe relevant
personal traits.
13. What did
you look for when you hired people in the past?
- Skills, initiative,
adaptability, team players.
14. Did you ever
fire anyone? If so, what where the reasons and how did you handle it?
- You have had
experience with this and it worked out well.
- Describe how
you spoke to the person and explained precisely but tactfully where
they were underachieving.
15. What do you
see as being the most difficult task in being a manager?
- Getting things
planned and done on time within the imposed constraints e.g. budget.
- Do not imply
that these are insurmountable difficulties.
16. What is your
biggest weakness as a manager?
- Be honest but
don't dwell on it and end on a positive note.
Industry trend
questions
17. Why are you leaving your present job?
- No longer provides
a suitable challenge, time to move on, I wish to move into .…(the
area this company specialises in).
- Give a "group"
answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.
18. How do you
feel about leaving all your benefits?
- You feel the
challenge and satisfaction this new role will bring outweighs the
benefits lost.
19. Describe
what you feel to be the perfect working environment.
- Where people
are treated as fairly and equally as possible.
- Don't mention
'naked Fridays!'
20. How would
you evaluate your present firm?
- An excellent
company which afforded me many fine experiences.
Visit Part 2 of this guide to find more specific job interview questions.
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