The Interview Day
This section covers the following:
General Guidelines
Interview Questions
Types of Interview
Closing the Interview
General Guidelines
It might seem obvious but always aim to demonstrate a real interest in the company you are visiting and the job that you have applied for. Use the interview to really expand upon your resume, making sure that you answer questions in a positive informative manor.
Each candidate should see the interview as a platform to communicate to the interviewee how suitable they are for a given job. It is not always easy to get your message across, so as well as answering their questions make sure that you own questions can lead on to you further clarifying both interest and suitability in a post.
Interview Questions
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?
Types of Interview
If you haven’t had a lot of experience with attending interviews then you will not be aware of the different ways that employers are able to conduct interviews and the way that they are held. Aside from a traditional interview – one candidate and one interviewer, there are two other different types of interviews and dependent upon the position involved will depend upon the type of interview you may have.
Firstly there is the Telephone Interview. This method is sometimes used if the interviewer is trying to shortlist a group of candidates in a quick manner and is often carried out by an external recruiter such as an agency. The interview should be treated as any other interview and it’s a good idea to make notes as you go along if you can. If you are successful it may be that your interviewer will ask you there and then to attend a face to face interview so make sure you have a pen and paper to hand.
Another type of interview is what is known a Panel Interview. A panel interview will usually have anything from three to six interviewers sitting in on the meeting. Basically this is a way of cutting down on time where the decision for the applicant needs to be discussed by several different members of the business. It’s always difficult attending these interviews as it can feel like you are one against many but it’s not set up like this for any nasty reason it’s just easier for the company. If you are faced with a Panel Interview try and always answer each question posed by each member of the panel back to the individual who has posed the question whilst casually glancing at the other members of the panel. Also when you enter the room you will obviously shake hands with the head of the panel or the person who has taken you in but whether you decide to shake all of the panels hands is a decision you will need to make at the time. If they all stand and offer their hands your decision will be made easier.
Closing And Leaving The Interview
Once the interview has finished and this should be fairly obvious as the interviewer will intimate that it has you will want to stand, pick up your briefcase or handbag from under the chair (if that’s where you put them) and shake hands with the interviewer (again in a firm but not grip wrenching manner). Thank the interviewer for the time that they have afforded to you, say goodbye in a nice smiley manner and leave the room. Some people will escort you out onto the main floor others may see you out of the building but whichever try and stay as professional as possible.