Preparing for your Interview
- Purpose of the interview
- Before the interview
- Questions An Interviewer Might Ask
Purpose of the Interview
Most employers select people for jobs by interviewing them. It is a chance for the interviewer to find out more about you. It should also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and discover whether or not it is the type of job you think you would like.
Before the Interview
It is important to find out as much as possible about the organisation and the job. If possible, try to find out about the company and the job before you go for interview. This shows initiative and will help you answer the questions. . Find out: – where its headquarters and branches are
– what service it provides or what it produces
– who the main competitors are
– where the main market is
– staff numbers
· Know where the interview is being held and how to get there · Allow plenty of time for traffic jams and public transport running late · Be there a few minutes early so that you have time to relax before you are called. · If you are delayed, telephone and let the firm know you will be delayed and explain why - it creates a bad impression if you arrive late! · Know the name of the person you have to see and his/her position in the organisation. Write it down if you are likely to forget! · Appearance is important. Do not overdress, but look neat and tidy. Even though attitudes to appearances have changed most employers are still looking for people who are clean and smart. · An interview may last 15 minutes or up to an hour. You will be asked many questions- some straightforward and others more complicated.
Questions an Interviewer might ask
Here are some questions employers frequently ask at an interview - and the reason why they ask them.
Why do you think you would like to work for our company? (To see if you have learned anything about the company before applying.)
What subjects did you enjoy at school? (Your answer reveals some of your interests attitudes.)
What activities do you participate in, outside of work? (To see abilities and interests which your work or school record did not reveal.)
What do you consider to be your strengths? (An honest answer is a great help to and but be careful not to brag.)
What do you consider to be your weaknesses? (Shows if you can recognise your own faults – but do not overdo it)
What sort of job do you hope to have in five years? (This is your chance to show your drive, ambition and ultimate goal.)
What starting salary would you expect? (If you are not certain, say; “Any fair
salary is fine to start.)
Would you accept a job which required you to travel? (Many jobs require travel – it before you are asked.)
What do you feel you have to offer to the job? (This gives you a chance to show you have abilities useful to your employer.)
Why did you leave your last job? (In case you had problems there.)
What did you like best and least about your last job? (Try to bring up the qualities that would make you a good employee.)
What suggestions or changes did you make in your last job? (This gives you a
chance to show you are a constructive person who has accomplishments.)
Why did you apply for this job? (Most employers prefer a person who has selected a job to one who drifted into it.)
If you could have any job in the world what would you choose? (This should
relate to the job for which you are applying; but do not show limited ambition by setting your sights too low.)
What types of books do you read or films, TV do you watch? (To see if you are a well-rounded person, with varied interests.)
How did your previous employers treat you? (If you think they all treated you badly, you may be viewed as a chronic complainer.)
Useful Links
Going for an Interview - Young Person Job Interview - Adult