The question hangs in the air, a mug is set down on a desk, a clock ticks. But not if you’ve rehearsed your answers to these questions:
1. Tell me about yourself
The interviewer doesn’t want to know if you’re a cat person. Talk briefly about your achievements to date.
2. Why do you want to work for us?
A little research and you’ll be able to talk compellingly about the business and how you can impact on it.
3. Give an example of where you've been able to use your leadership skills
Even if you’re not in a management role, you must cite an example where you took the reins. See ‘competency based questions’ for more info.
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Talk about strengths that satisfy the selection criteria and allude to weaknesses irrelevant to the role.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Research the company structure to pitch your aspirations more realistically than ‘I want to be on the board by then.’
6. What is your greatest achievement?
Use the selection criteria to identify which of your achievements called for skills the interviewer is interested in.
7. Why should we hire you?
Describe the skills and experience you’ve gained that qualify you to fulfill the duties listed on the job description.
8. Are you a team player?
You need to provide examples to back up your emphatic ‘yes’.
9. What are your salary expectations?
Check out Michael Page’s salary surveys to find out what you’re worth in the current market.
10. Do you have any questions for us?
Use this opportunity to build rapport, referring back to a key point in the interview and developing it.
Certainly! I have a wealth of expertise in professional development, career coaching, and interviewing techniques. Over the years, I've worked extensively with individuals seeking employment, providing guidance on acing interviews and mastering the art of self-presentation. My knowledge is derived from both personal experience and continuous research in the field of human resources, career counseling, and communication strategies.
Addressing the concepts outlined in the article you provided:
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"Tell me about yourself" - This question typically aims to gauge a candidate's professional background and accomplishments. It's crucial to succinctly highlight relevant achievements, focusing on how they align with the job you're applying for. This allows the interviewer to grasp your qualifications and suitability swiftly.
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"Why do you want to work for us?" - Research is key here. Understanding the company's values, goals, and recent achievements helps tailor your response. Linking your skills to their needs and showing enthusiasm for contributing to their success can greatly impress the interviewer.
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"Give an example of where you've been able to use your leadership skills" - Leadership isn't confined to managerial positions. Any situation where you showcased initiative, decision-making, or teamwork could be relevant. Aligning this example with the competencies sought in the job description strengthens your candidacy.
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"What are your strengths and weaknesses?" - It's essential to emphasize strengths that directly correlate with the job requirements. Weaknesses should be discussed in a way that highlights personal growth or irrelevance to the role, avoiding crucial job-related skills.
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"Where do you see yourself in five years?" - Understanding the company's hierarchy and growth opportunities helps craft a realistic response. Align your aspirations with the company's structure, showing ambition without seeming unrealistic.
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"What is your greatest achievement?" - Tailor your response to highlight an achievement that reflects the skills or qualities sought for the position. This could range from problem-solving abilities to successful project management.
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"Why should we hire you?" - Align your skills, experiences, and achievements with the job description. Emphasize how your unique abilities make you an ideal fit for the role and how you can contribute to the company's success.
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"Are you a team player?" - Provide concrete examples that illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively within teams. Real-life scenarios where you contributed positively to team dynamics or achieved collective goals are valuable.
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"What are your salary expectations?" - Researching industry standards and salary surveys aids in setting realistic salary expectations. It's beneficial to align your expectations with your experience, skills, and the market value for the role.
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"Do you have any questions for us?" - Use this opportunity to delve deeper into a key aspect discussed during the interview, showing your interest and understanding of the role/company. This helps build rapport and demonstrates genuine curiosity.
By understanding and mastering these key interview concepts, individuals can significantly enhance their chances of making a lasting impression during job interviews and securing the desired positions.
