Below you will find some of the obvious questions asked at an interview. Try to give an honest and persuasive answer to each of the questions.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

- Why do you want to join our company?

- What can you bring to our company?

- Why did you leave your last job?

- Could you please tell me a bit about your last/present job?

- What are your strengths and weaknesses?

The question, 'what are your strengths and weaknesses' will come up in all interviews. And many times the answer to this question will give the interviewer the first real impression of whether you fit to the job. It is imperative to make a good impression during the interview and there is no better chance than when you have a direct invitation to state your strengths. However, when you do so, you should keep in mind what is the interviewer looking for and what qualities would the job require of you. In your answer you need to identify those exact strengths that best compliment the job for which you are appearing. In order to do so effortlessly, you need to prepare well before the interview and be aware of what are the company goals overall and what the proposed job entails specifically. Strengths are classified in three main categories:

* Technical skills: This includes your education, and any knowledge-based skills that you have acquired, such as computer skills, other languages known, additional and special training undertaken, technical qualifications, etc)

* Soft skills: These include those traits you acquire from your past experience in different jobs, such as people management skills, conflict managing skills, analytical skills, planning and organizational skills, etc)

* Personal skills: These are your inbuilt talent and skills, such as friendliness, dependability, good team worker, deadline oriented, etc).

To add to the impact, you should be ready to back your answer with specific examples.

In the question, 'what are your strengths and weaknesses' the second part is about weaknesses. This is one of the more difficult questions you will face as no one really wants to own up on their weak points. However, weaknesses too can be strengths if put correctly. The key to the best answer here is to stay fixed on the positive aspect, while minimizing the trait. For example, you could say 'I am sometimes too much concerned with details but I have learnt that delegation (= engaging others) solves this aspect and I am using it often'. Your weakness should come out as a problem which is almost solved, not a critical and hopeless trait that cannot be helped. When you finish, it should leave the impression that you are a person who is overall a good fit for the job, in spite of some small shortcomings.

5.3. Other very important things to keep in mind during the interview. Which of them go against your character?

* Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.

* Arrive on time for your job interview.

* Any applications handed before the interview begins, are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your CV and Cover Letter.

* Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.

* Have a good firm handshake.

* Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.

* Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.

* Stress your achievements.

* Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humor.

* Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language. With the right body language you will come over as a confident candidate.

*Listen carefully to the questions asked. Don’t interrupt people while speaking to you during the interview

* Reply to all the questions asked clearly. Do not answer questions by just replying with YES or NO.

* Make notes of points you would like to discuss later in the interview.

* Be polite to everyone you meet during the interview.

* Be honest at all times.

* Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.

* Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.

* Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.

* Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research beforehand.

* And last but not least remember to believe in yourself and your abilities. Every interview is a learning opportunity. Each one will teach you a bit more about what to do and what to avoid. So if the first one is unsuccessful don't be too disappointed because there will be more opportunities.

Date: 2015-12-18; view: 776