First, the good news. The fact that you have an interview means you are almost there. You may be feeling anxious and nervous. It's only natural. But the important things to keep in mind are:
- Interviewers do not waste their time. An interviewer's time is expensive. You deserve to be on the shortlist. You have a realistic chance of getting the job.
- By being on the shortlist the odds of winning the job have been significantly reduced in your favour.
- An interview is a golden opportunity to illustrate your enthusiasm and passion for the role.
- Be positive!
Continue reading "Interview preparation" »
The interview is the forum within which you will need to answer three questions:
* Do you have the technical skills and experience to do the job?
* Will you have the right attitude and commitment to do the job?
* Will you fit in?
Skills and experience
The fact that you've been asked for interview shows your potential employer believes the answer to this question is 'yes'. However, the majority of the interview will probably be spent confirming this. Avoid monosyllabic responses and volunteer supporting information whenever possible.
Continue reading "Performance" »
Questions you could be asked
* Tell me something about yourself.
* What brings you to the job market at this point in your career?
* Why would you like to work for this company in particular?
* What attracts you to this role?
* What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
* Describe two major achievements in your career.
* If you could change anything about your career so far, what would it be?
* How would members of your team describe you?
* What important points came out of your last appraisal?
* Describe your management style.
* What do you look for in a manager?
* Describe your toughest client.
* What do you want from your next role?
* What does success mean to you?
* What are the key things that drive or motivate you?
* What really winds you up in the workplace?
* Describe your greatest challenge so far.
* Describe a difficult work scenario and how you managed it.
* Where do you see yourself in two to five year's time?
* What are your career aspirations?
* What would you say about your current and last employers?
* Describe your preferred company culture.
* If you could have your time again, what career would you choose?
Questions to ask the interviewer
* How has this vacancy arisen?
* How would you describe the firm/company culture?
* What do you see as the key challenges of this role?
* How do you differentiate yourselves from your competitors?
* What are the organisation's major business objectives in the coming year?
* How are employees measured in terms of performance?
* What processes exist to support employees in their career development?
* How would you describe the firm/company's values?
* What key issues currently face the organisation?
* What can I expect to be involved in during my first six months of joining?
* What are the department's priorities during the next six months?
