The
questions most typically asked at interviews have been grouped
into the following topic areas (but are seldom as structured
during the interview process). The questions below are focused
towards a European market; please note that the style and
types of questions do vary from one country to another. This
list is not exhaustive but should provide food for thought.
You should prepare for questions about your background, your
aspirations, the potential employer and the position, your
personality and your interests.
Potential Employer
Why did you apply to us?
Where did you hear about the position?
What do you know about our organisation?
Do you know anyone who works for us?
What interests you about the position?
What do you think we have to offer you as a company?
Career Ambitions
What are your long/short term goals?
Tell me about your career aspirations.
What are you looking for in a career?
Do you have plans to gain further qualifications?
Where do you see yourself in 2/5 years time?
Describe your ideal employer.
Skills and Requirements
Why should we hire you? - Give me three reasons.
What have you got to offer the company? - What skills will
you bring?
How do you work best? - Leading a group, in a team or alone?
Are you prepared to travel?
Are you looking for a position with training?
What has been your main career achievement to date?
What was the most difficult problem in your current/previous
position - how did you find the solution ? You say you have
xxx skills…how did you demonstrate these in your previous
position ?
Personality
Describe yourself - strengths/weaknesses?
How would your friends describe you?
What motivates you?
What are your strengths/weaknesses?
How do you spend your spare time?
Problem/Sticky Questions
What salary or benefits are you looking for ? (We can give
you advice regarding how to deal with this question prior
to your interview).
Why are you changing your career?
Explain the gap in your work history.
Given your career plans, how long do you expect to stay with
our organisation?
Can we contact your current employer for references ? (this
question is usually only asked after an offer letter has been
sent - nevertheless be prepared).
Questions to ask the Interviewer
Why is the position available?
What skills are needed to succeed?
What are the initial priorities of the position?
How does the position fit into the organisational structure?
How much scope (autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities)
is there within this position ?
What is the company’s managerial style/culture ?
Questions typically asked of Graduates.
Why did you chose your particular degree/discipline ?
Why did you chose your college/university ?
What did you most/least like about your course ?
What was your strongest/weakest subject ?
Tell me about your project work ?
How are your studies related to this position/vacancy ?
Tell me about your career aspirations ?
Describe your ideal employer ?
Do you plan to gain further qualifications ?
How do you spend you spare time ?
How would your tutor describe you ?
Besides your degree, what else do you feel you gained from
college/university ?
Were you active in any societies ?
What positions of responsibility do you hold/have you held
?
PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW
Prepare - Prepare for Interview Questions, have a few to ask
the interviewer, dress well.
Identify - Who are you meeting? Their titles, relationship
to job.
Research - Find out what the job entails. A good agency will
always provide you with a detailed job specification. Make
sure you have all the information.
Plan Ahead - Get a location map, contact telephone numbers,
have money, mobile phone if possible, allow yourself a good
30-60 minutes of additional time to arrive, etc.
Check Out - Company brochures or website. Most companies today
have a Web Site and they expect you to have researched their
company. If going for a marketing/sales/finance position -
research company products and the company potential (e.g.
Annual review report, etc.)
DURING THE INTERVIEW
Smile and make eye contact.
Relax and be friendly.
Be positive and enthusiastic.
Think about your body language.
Don’t discuss salary until you’re offered the
job.
REMEMBER
7-10% is what you say
20-30% is how you say it
60-80% is your image, your body language and the overall impression
you create.
|
