Avoid that awkward silence by brushing up with our interview top tips…
Mastering a perfect interview technique is the next step after your well-formed CV and covering letter has gained you the attention to be invited for an interview. Now, it’s time to grasp the new job opportunity by researching your technique. A series of standard interview questions should be expected, and these you can prepare for.
How to prepare for a job interview
· Make sure you’re fully aware of where the business is based, and allow yourself plenty of time to arrive on time.
· What kind of interview will you be having – will there be a written test, will you be expected to show examples of work?
· Read up on the company before you arrive, employers often like to see that you’ve done your research.
· Plan your outfit and prepare it the night before your interview. Remember to dress appropriately.
· Consider the types of questions you may be asked, and prepare answers in advance. Why you want the job for example.
· Prepare some questions for your potential employer in advance.
Interview tips: Things to remember
· Try to back up every answer with an example if you have one. If you haven’t, don’t make one up – you might have to refer to it again and may end up caught out.
· Take your time to think about the question. Think about the sort of thing that an employer would want to hear.
· Don’t be afraid to not have an answer. Sometimes there won’t be an example that works or you won’t understand the question.
How to answer “What are your weaknesses?”
Despite the temptation, don’t say “if anything I work too hard”. Honesty is always valued and no-one is flawless. The key is shaping your answer into talking about your desire to learn and overcome weaknesses. Reference something that you’ve struggled with in the past and then explain what you’re doing to overcome that.
How to answer “Why did you leave your last job?/why are you leaving your current job?”
Again, honesty is always valued. However, “I didn’t get on with my boss” or “I couldn’t be bothered walking in” might seem harmless but you could end up sounding difficult or lazy.
Instead, discuss your desire to grow and make them see you as an ambitious and hard working person.
If you were fired from your last position and you think that will come up via a reference check, then be honest. Tell them your side of the story, try and make them see it your way.
How to answer: “Have you ever had a conflict with a colleague or employer?”
Nobody gets on with everyone. We all know this and employers are no different. So if you’ve had issues in the workplace before, tell them and then explain how you went about resolving the issue.
So just stay calm, make sure you’re prepared and try and be as honest as possible.
Read the full article courtesy of J Bayley for The Derby Telegraph here: http://goo.gl/2BgcqM
