How to Do Interview

INTERVIEW TIPS

Preparation for the interview
• Know how to keep yourself calm. The best way to do this is to be prepared!
• Research the company.
• Research the interviewer, if possible.
• Know what kind of interview to expect—a screening interview, a stress
interview....
• Have you done any informational interviews about this industry?
• Know why you want the job.
• Identify your wants and your needs—and know the difference!
• Be able to express, specifically, the marketable skills you have to offer the organization.
• Be prepared for the standard interview questions and know your answers to
them
• Be prepared to answer that killer question.
• Know how to deal with illegal questions tactfully during the interview.
• Prepare questions you wish to ask—only ask questions you can't find answers
to yourself (see below).
• Line up your references in advance and verify that they will be good ones.

Presentation
• Find out the standard dress for the organisation.
• Dress on the conservative side.
• Arrive early.
• Bring extra CV’s, notepad, pen.
• Be sure you know how to pronounce your interviewer's name correctly.
• Be polite to everyone you meet there. They all count.
• Be personable as well as professional.
• Do not chew gum, smoke, swear or use slang.
• Be aware of body language, vibes, reactions—use your instincts to keep things
on course.
• Assume all questions are asked for a good reason and answer accordingly.
• Do not assume that your interviewer knows how to elicit the information
he/she is looking for.
• Feel free to ask for clarification before answering a question.
• Take some time to formulate your answers before you speak.
• Answer all questions honestly, but in the best, most positive light.
• Do not bad mouth old employers.
Perseverance
Make some notes about the interview right after you leave.
Send a thank you letter ASAP to each interviewer.
Be sure to know how to spell all names and know correct titles.


Tough Interview Questions

General Questions

Tell me about you!
Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your CV summary as a base to start.

What do you know about our company?
Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.

Why do you want to work for us?
Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.

What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer.

What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.

Why should we employ you?
Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills.

What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.

Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being interviewed).
Keep it brief -- give an action- and results-oriented definition.

How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Not long at all -- you expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve.

How long would you stay with us?
As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc.

Why are you leaving your present job?
Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.

How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits?
Concerned but not panicked.

Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
One in which people are treated as fairly as possible.

How would you evaluate your present firm?
It's an excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences.

How much are you looking for?
Answer with a question, e.g., "What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company?" If the interviewer doesn't answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace. Check

How much do you expect, if we offer this position to you?
Be careful; the market value of the job may be the key answer, e.g., "My understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be in the range of £______."

What kind of salary are you worth?
Have a specific figure in mind…don't be hesitant.

If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Emphasize your skills, and don't be overly negative about your weaknesses. It's always safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming.

Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.?
Yes, it's a way of life in business. Be sure to cite examples of your success.

How have you changed the nature of your job?
Explain how you have improved the efficiency, productivity, and the like.

In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked?
Keep it brief and don't brag.

Do you feel you might be better off in a different size company? Different type company?
It depends on the job -- elaborate slightly.

How do you resolve conflict on a project team?
Explain that communication is important, and that you would first you discuss the issues privately.

What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.

Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you?
It depends on the circumstances.

What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?
Talk about books, sports or films to show that you have balance in your life.

What is the toughest part of a job for you?
Be honest. Remember, not everyone can do everything.

Are you creative?
Yes. Give examples that relate to your current job.


How would you describe your own personality?
Balanced is a good word to use, but remember the type of company you are interviewing at. Some companies may want someone who is aggressive and a go-getter.

Are you a leader?
Absolutely! Cite specific examples using your current job as a reference point.

What are your future goals?
Avoid, "I would like the job you advertised." Instead, give long-range goals.

What are your strengths?
Present at least three and relate them to the company and job you are interviewing for.

What are your weaknesses?
Don't say that you don’t have any. Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if the interviewer presses. Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing an assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late."

If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?
Nothing ... I am happy today, so I don't want to change my past.

What career options do you have at the moment?
"I see three areas of interest..." Relate those to the position and industry.

How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far?
Think carefully about your answer and relate it to your career accomplishments.

Questions To Ask the Interviewer

Even if you don't ask any questions during an interview, many employers will ask you if you have any. How you respond will affect their evaluation of you. So be prepared to ask insightful questions about the organization.

Good topics to touch on include:

• the competitive environment in which the organisation operates
• executive management styles
• what obstacles the organisation anticipates in meeting its goals
• how the organisation's goals have changed over the past three to five years.

Generally, it is most unwise to ask about pay or benefits or other similar areas. The reason is that it tends to make you seem more interested in what the organisation can do for you. It is also not a good idea to simply have no questions at all. Doing so makes you appear passive rather than curious and interested.

I would ask the following questions:

1. What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
2. How does the company expect these objectives to be met?
3. What obstacles are commonly encountered in reaching these objectives?
4. What is the desired time frame for reaching the objectives?
5. What resources are available from the company and what must be found
elsewhere to reach the objectives?