In part 2 of our common interview question series, we focus on the company and the position. What questions will you be asked? How can you be prepared?
Here’s our thoughts and advice on the most common interview questions –
In such a competitive market, it is extremely important that you have your research done on the company you are meeting. Find out where they have been and where they are going. Relay the fact that you have read their website. Pick out key areas that were of interest to you in the website and your impression of the company through direct or indirect dealings. If you read recent articles they may have appeared in, new products or services they are launching etc. Also tie in again why the role appeals to you.
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the research you have done on the organisation. Sincerety is extremely important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals and show lots of energy and enthusiasm.
Be aware of the policy on relatives working for the organisation. This can affect your answer even though they asked about friends not relatives. Be careful to mention a friend only if they are well thought of.
Employers ask this especially if the position you are applying for is higher than your former position. This is for them to gauge if you are up for the challenge of the new position. Give a positive answer and show them you are the right person for this job. Highlight any additional duties and projects you took on in your current role.
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.
Have these prepared –
Try to avoid labels. This situational style is safe, because it says you will manage according to the situation, instead of one size fits all.
This is up to you. Be totally honest. Remember though, depending on the job, there will always be an element of overtime and you need to acknowledge this or you will come across as unrealistic.
Here you have to come up with something concrete, a real example, or you lack credibility. Make it a small, well intentioned mistake with a positive lesson learned. An example would be working too far ahead of colleagues on a project thus throwing coordination off.
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready. Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not exaggerate, just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.
This is another great chance to sell yourself without coming across as being over confident. Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a former colleague at ABD 3D Print always said I was the hardest worker she has ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.
If your job involves dealing with clients a lot, then the obvious one will be –
If your current role entails a lot of supervisory responsibilities then your strong points would be –
Always align your strong points with what the position at hand required. Back up with one or two strong examples.
Be generic and positive. Safe qualities are –
All bosses think that they have these traits.
You can say something like “When I have achieved all the goals that were set and I have given more than what is expected of me.”
You should be clear on this with your family prior to the interview if you think there is a chance it may come up. Do not say yes just to get the job if the real answer is no. This can create a lot of problems later on in your career. Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.
The best blog in our series is Common Interview Questions – Your Background and Experience.
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