Top 5 job interview tips
If you’re counting down the days till your next job interview, these helpful hints will help you get in the right mood so you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers:
1. Do your research Fail to plan, and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you’ve done your homework on things like their last year’s profits and latest product launches. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence. ;
2. Practice your answers Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions about your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job. ;
3. Look the part Appearances shouldn’t matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you’ve even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you’re applying for shows a desire to succeed. ;
4. Stay calm Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and the may be nervous too!;
5. Ask questions You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.
- Please describe your present job responsibilities.
- Which do you find most enjoyable? Which are most difficult, and why?
- What were the best ideas/greatest accomplishment you contributed to your present employer/during your career?
- What do you know about our company and the position we offer?
- What particular strengths and weaknesses do you feel you would bring to the job?
- What do you think it takes to be successful in this job?
- How does your previous experience relate to the job you are applying for?
- What are your short-and long-term objectives for your career?
- What have been your biggest frustrations in your career?
- What are your hobbies and interests? How do they contribute to, or balance, the work you do professionally?
- Tell me something about yourself.
- How would you describe your personality to me? How do most of your friends and associates describe you?
- What distinguishes you from other applicants; why should we hire you?
- What is it that you would like to do here at our company?
- What is your current annual compensation?
- What did you dislike at your last job?
- Why are you considering leaving your present job?
- Are you in a position to accept this job immediately? What would be involved in your accepting this position?
- What sort of pay do you expect?
- What are your plans for the future?
- Describe the characteristics that you feel would make for an ideal boss over our open position? Over you in particular?
1 What are the responsibilities of this position, and which do you regard as most important?
2 What are the results expected of this position? What accomplishments will be expected?
3. What problems/opportunities exist with this position?
4. Are there any current projects in progress for which I will be responsible? If so, what is their status?
5. What are the goals of the corporation? What are the goals of my department? What are the goals of this job?
6. Where is a person likely to advance after performing this job well?