Job Interview Advice

ARE YOU TONGUE TIED?

That was my chance, and I completely blew it!”

 

There is nothing worse than being unable to answer a question an interview for a job that you desperately want. It’s the kind of scenario that can keep you awake at night Well, don’t have sleepless nights, Graduate Courses and Careers is here to help you to prepare for some of the typical questions you may get asked.

Tell me about yourself?

Starting with the easiest...This question is usually one of the first questions asked at an interview. The potential employer is trying to establish your suitability for the job so discuss your work experience but highlight any areas that have a relevance to the position advertised. Also try to establish what you have learnt from your experiences

What I learnt from this was the ability…

1. To work as part of a team
2. To learn to deal with the public
   
3. To work to targets and deadline
   
4. To ask for help when I needed it
   
5. To deal with the financial aspects of my job
   
6. To develop my organisational skills
   
7. To learn to deal with administration
   
8. To organise my time effectively
   
9. To work in a pressured environment
   
10. To self motivate myself

Brownie Points: Remember this is an opportunity not only talk about your experience but to establish what sort of person you are. Try and come across as good-natured, honest and reliable – however people want to eel excited about the sort of people they work with so try and remain upbeat and positive

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Most people if they are honest can list a whole host of both. However, it’s very difficult to admit certain weaknesses in an interview situation if you want to be viewed only positively. A good trick is to select a weakness that could be viewed as a weakness AND a strength. (See examples below). However, try and show that you can assess yourself and draw positively off your experiences both positive and negative

My Weakness? I suppose:

I’m a bit of a perfectionist and can’t leave something unfinished
I’m sometimes a bit too organised
I find it hard to switch off from work and sometimes bring my work home with me
I’m quite ambitious and sometimes need to appreciate what I have achieved
I’m my own worst critic and am always striving to improve myself.

Brownie Points: Make a connection, if you can, using either a specific strength or weakness establishing how this could be developed upon, if you using a strength, or how this role would be good for a weakness. E.G.: *I imagine for a position like this though I think that being too organised could be considered a strength

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

This question is designed to determine your career plan and also to see if this job is a short or long term prospect for you. Ideally employers would like to think that if they have invested money and time with you that you will progress through the ranks so to speak and stick with the company. Always make sure your response matched the field you are applying for a job in. Show that you are ambitious but be realistic. Nobody wants to hire someone who will be then after their job!

In five years in time:

I hope to be working in the same field – perhaps running my own team
I’d like to perhaps stay with a good company and fully develop a market
I have an open mind, but am really looking for a company that I can develop with.

Brownie Point: Ask if there is there opportunity to progress with the company- this will show a long-term commitment.

Why do you want to work for the company?

The interviewer is trying to find out how much you know about the company and the market that you will be working in. This is where a bit of research before the interview can really pay off. Have a look on their website and find out about the companies reputation in the market place, even if they are a small firm. Any positive aspects about this company that you discover should be mentioned here.

I want to work for the company because it has:

An excellent reputation
The right attitude towards its clients
Long-term career prospects
Excellent products
A great package on offer. 
A good attitude towards its staff.

Brownie Points: Do your research – it always pays off!

Why should we employ you rather than one of the other candidates?

Before you get to the interview think about what exactly makes you unique - what qualities do you have that you may bring to the role. Remember the smallest of things from being able to hit deadlines to being a team player will count in your favour. Also study the job spec and consider what qualities they are looking for in the ideal candidate. Remember to be positive and upbeat drawing on your experience, if you have any, to back up any points you make

I am excellent candidate because:

I’m a team player
I have a great attitude
I’m highly organised
I have strong experience
I’m self motivated
I can work to targets/deadlines

I’m an excellent communicator I get on with people at all levels

Brownie Points: Use the smallest of positives to promote yourself. Remember this is your opportunity to charm the interviewer. Express that you are very interested in the job and that you like the company. Also show that you have a good sense of humour and that you would be an exciting person to work with by being up-beat!

If you are seeking employment Join Xcel now for free, Job information please fill in the Career Information form

The College Information service is your free, Study information service, helping you find out about study opportunities at colleges and universities