Prepare for questions you might be asked!
The following is a list of twenty questions you may be asked at an interview. Some suggestions are given which you may like to use to prepare your own answer.
Thorough preparation will give you the confidence to do your best at an interview.
1. Why do you want to work here?
Mention:
Good reputation of the firm, any other positive information you have about the firm, e.g. their training record, It will give you a chance to do work which interests you
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Explaining briefly and honestly the reasons why your last job ended. If there is anything positive to say, say it!
e.g.: If you left for health reasons point out that you are now fit and reassure the employer that you can do the duties required, or, if you were dismissed, that you take responsibility for your actions and have learnt from the experience!
3. Have you done this kind of work before?
Yes – tell them the skills you have and how you can use them.
No – quickly describe other work experience which will help you learn the job quickly. Emphasise your interest and enthusiasm to learn.
4. What did you do in your last job? Describe:
Skills and duties relevant to new job, machines/equipment used, your responsibilities, people you dealt with, how long you were there, if you were promoted!
5. What kinds of equipment can you operate?
Name any type of equipment relevant to the new job, Your training/qualifications, Length of time you have operated this equipment
6. How long have you been out of work – how do you spend your time?
Describe:
job-search activity, voluntary work, further education or study, hobbies
7. Why have you had a) so many jobs? b) only one job?
Mention:
a) so many jobs? – You wanted to widen your experience in different types of work/firms. Many of the jobs were temporary. You would rather be in work than out of work.
b) only one job? – You had several different jobs within your last employment. The opportunity to develop. Their good record in training and development.
8. Why should I take you on?
Be ready for this question and answer confidently and positively – Describe your skills and experience and how they relate to this job. Reassure the employer that you are hard-working, reliable and capable
9. Aren’t you too a) young? b) old? Describe:
a) too young? – Your experience to date including any training or supervisory experience. Explain that you are keen to prove yourself, adaptable and quick to learn, physically fit, not going to move away, etc.
b) too old? – Emphasise the benefits of your long experience, less need for training, your ability to make decisions quickly, your good health – you are looking forward to many more productive years, that you can still adapt to change, your good work history.
10. Aren’t you over-qualified?
Emphasise:
You are looking for something fresh/new/different, You can take as well as give instructions
11. How do you get on with people?
Describe how you have previously worked as part of a team, Mention your ability to get on with people at all levels, Give examples!
12. What makes a good team member?
Describe the skills required e.g.: good communication, flexibility, adaptability, co-operation, sense of humour
13. How do you cope with pressure?
Describe the pressures in previous jobs using a recent example, e.g. how you coped with a changed deadline, completed a rush order or dealt with staff shortages.
14. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
They should already know your strengths from your Application Form/CV or they would not be interviewing you, but if they ask about any weaknesses:
Start by describing parts of your last job that you found testing but explain how you overcame these problems
Be fairly brief but honest, e.g. “I can sometimes be a little too enthusiastic”.
Note: Employers value people who can admit their mistakes rather than blaming their failings on others.
15. What would you like to be doing in five years time?
Explain that you would ideally like to be working for the same company but to have developed within it.
16. When was the last time you did anything stupid/lost your temper?
Avoid describing a work example. Use something from your personal life that with hind-sight you would not do again. Explain how you learned from the experience.
17. What wage do you expect to earn?
If the wage level is negotiable – be prepared to negotiate. The dilemma is “where to pitch your bid?” Too high, you could price yourself out. Too low, you could lose out. Before going to the interview find out about wage levels in the company and compare them with your current needs.
18. How often were you absent from your last job?
If rarely – say so
If absence has been a problem – explain why and reassure the employer that you are now completely fit or the problem will not recur
19. When would you be available to start?
As soon as possible! Do not put any barriers in the way.
20. Do you have any questions?
You may like to prepare for this – it is almost always asked at the interview.
You could ask:
- why is the job vacant?
- why did the last person leave?
- who would I report to?
- what training will I do, if any?
- what would my first job be?
- does the company carry out Job Reviews?
- If yes – how often?
- how soon will I hear about the result of my application?
- how would I be paid?
Before attending Interviews Plan the following:
- Plan your journey
- Consider a “dummy run” before the day of the interview or check how long the journey will take.
- If necessary ask the Employer for directions, bus routes or details of car parking.
- Plan an alternative means of getting there and be prepared for the unexpected.
- If you have a disability, check there are no obstacles which could cause you problems or delays.
- Think about what you will wear!
- This may depend upon the sort of work you will be doing:
- Give yourself plenty of time to decide what to wear and get the clothes ready the day before.
- You don’t have to buy a new outfit! Aim for neat, tidy, clean and uncluttered appearance.
- If you look good it will help you feel good!Gather together the written information you will need at the interview
- CV, references, certificates, portfolio or examples of your work (if requested by the Employer).
- Re -read the job advert to refresh your memory – make sure you haven’t missed something.
And finally
- Try to get a good night’s sleep!
Considerations for interview
Also remember during discussions (and in your letters) employers look again at people who can:
- Cut costs
- Maintain competitive advantage
- Make it look better
- Improve the packaging
- Get it done more quickly
- Avoid potential problems
- Improve appearance
- Organise it
- Increase sales/profits/turnover
- Expedite the workflow
- Make the boss look good
- Use old things in a new way
- Provide more information
- Cut down time
- Open more territories
- Provide a tax advantage
- Reduce the risks
- Meet deadlines easily
- Cut staff costs
- Reduce inventories
- Get Government Support
- Develop staff performance
- Turn round a bad situation
- Introduce new systems
- Improve teamwork and relationships