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Interviews: How to Answer some of those Awkward --
and All Too Common -- Questions
Originally By Susan Akers
Careers Advisor
Northern Territory University
So you have followed the five steps to successful interviews -
- RESEARCHING the organization/firm/company and the position on offer.
Of course you have also asked how many people will be on the panel (if there is going to be more than one person interviewing) and their titles so you can prepare your answers geared toward both the job requirements and their particular focus;
- REHEARSING answers to commonly asked questions such as:
- "Why do you want to work for us?" and
- "Why do you think you are the best applicant for the position?"
- LOOKING SHARP IN PERSON - PRESENTING YOURSELF APPROPRIATELY DRESSED.
When preparing for an interview part of your organisational investigations should be - the culture of the organisation/firm/company. One hint to this is the way employees dress. Going to their main offices & picking up their annual report etc. you should have noted how employees dressed.
Remember - being overdressed or underdressed at the interview can indicate that you don't really know what the potential employer is about. If you dress in a similar vein to the employees, you are subtly projecting the image that you are already "ONE OF THE TEAM."
- PLANNING YOUR ARRIVAL i.e. planning for the unexpected.
Plan to arrive early just in case it rains, your car/bike breaking down,
your child gets sick etc. Remember you don't get a second chance at making
a first impression. If you realise you might be late, ring the interviewer,
first apologise, reaffirm you are still very keen and ask for another time
if possible. It's just common courtesy to let someone know if you're going
to be late or not even able to attend.
- BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.
If you believe you can do the job then others will too! BE CONFIDENT about
your abilities and experience even if they are not directly related to the
position. Employers are often seeking people with transferable skills i.e.
if you are an team player in your leisure activities, that ability could be
transferred over to working as an effective team player with your
professional colleagues.
THOSE QUESTIONS ....
Ok, you arrive (on time) at the interview and are shown into the interview room and introduced to the interviewer or interview panel. Then the interview starts with some preliminary chit chat - THEN .......
"Hello ..., tell us about yourself"
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