During the Interview
Interview Questions and answers – what to expect during the interview:
Prepare an answer that illustrates the value you will add to the company.
The most crucial part of insuring your job interview proceeds successfully is interview preparation beforehand to answer the interview questions during the interview. Each interviewer will ask a differing set of questions, although some questions are generally asked more often. To gain an idea of the type of questions you may be asked, investigate online. Read articles on the correct answers to give to difficult interview questions, make a list and prepare your answers to the most common questions. There are some you simply can’t be prepared for, however the more reading and research you do on this subject the more prepared you are.
Interviewers and the style of asking questions are all different.
Even though you may have been asked a similar question at another interview, the way the interviewer asks the question may be different. He or she may use clipped speech, this demands concise responses, and the interviewer may approach the questions on a more informal level this allows you to elaborate a little further. The reason for these different approaches often relates to the type of job applied for. They are testing your response to varying situations and personality types, your ability to read body language and voice intonation.
Interview questions are your testing ground.
Interview questions may be categorized into:
a) General questions – ascertaining information about your character,
b) Job related questions – finding out if you would fit into the applied for position and
c) Tricky interview situations – to ascertain your ability to navigate difficult circumstances on your feet. The interviewer is not being mean or vindictive he/she simply has a job to do in the shortest possible time, and must insure that the right candidate is picked.
The first set of questions.
During the interview, an interviewer will run through your resume with you asking you about why you left a company. why you were unemployed for a period? And, may even ask you about your schooling so go back and check the subjects you took and the grades you got. Your resume should mention something about extra-curricular activities, such as sport and hobbies, as this suggests a rounded personality.
The second set of questions.
These questions will probably surround your suitability for the position applied for. Practicing for the interview will help you to prepare an answer that illustrates the value you will add to the company due to your qualifications and experience. During these questions interviewers are looking for key personal skills, i.e. the ability to communicate on all levels, ability to delegate and attitude towards responsibility. Technical skills maybe tested via in house tests, certification may remove the need for testing. Your qualifications and references should assure the interviewer, that on paper you are the right person for the position.
The third set of questions may be the most difficult to answer during the interview.
These questions are sometimes called trick questions, and are designed to ascertain the candidates’ ability to think clearly and quickly given a difficult situation. These will test your diplomacy levels, your body language and the ability to keep your voice calm and well modulated.
Examples of these questions may include:
A) Why haven’t you studied further?
B) Why are your salary expectations so low?
C) Have you attained the goals you set for yourself five years ago?
D) What type of personality do you least get on with?
Expect to be thrown a sharp curve, take breath smile pleasantly and weigh your answers. The interviewer maybe very impressed.
Interview Questions you could ask.
There are some questions you may ask and some you definitely shouldn’t. You may ask intelligent questions about the company and its future expansion, demonstrating your research to date. Ask about the role you would play in the company and possibilities of advancement. Ask the interviewer if she/he enjoys working for the company? All responses show knowledge, ambition and guts.
Questions not to ask.
Follow good Interview Questions Etiquette and until the job is offered to you, do not ask about the salary. Do not ask about the annual leave given or company benefits, these questions will look bad and the interview is likely to be terminated.
Some interviewers take risks and ask illegal questions.
These maybe “I see you have dependents how is this going to affect your working life?’’ or “you have no car, how will you get to work?’’. These questions are unnecessary and impertinent, if you are qualified for the job your personal arrangements have little to do with the company. Answer the questions politely, leaving no room for discussion.
Certainly interviewing for a new position is no easy task, however if you put plenty of preparation and researching the company into the project, the experience may almost prove enjoyable. During the interview each interview offers you a chance at refining your skills and answering the interview questions with growing confidence until finally it is your last interview as you are awarded the placement.
During the Interview preparedness offers Job Interview techniques as well as interview questions and answers addressed during the interview process.