An interview is the most frightful and trickiest part in career-making. Whether it’s your first attempt or you’re just changing jobs, you’ll always have to face an interview and make a good impression.
To make a good impression, you have to be confident and well-prepared. Confidence comes from your skills and your appearance. Wear something you are comfortable in and is appropriate for the interview. If you fully understand your skills and are comfortable, you will be able to answer questions and talk with confidence. It is also a plus to do some research about your future employer’s company or business so you can match what you find with your skills or your previous experiences and thus convince your interviewer that you are perfect for the job. Always remember to stay calm and to not be in a hurry. Take your time when answering the questions and understand what is really being asked.
Here are questions typically asked on interviews and suggestions on how to make your way through them:
“Give us your background”
Remember that less is more. You’re not answering a slam book so don’t go into too much detail about your personal life. Just briefly mention your family background, highest education, any experiences or trainings and then gradually work your explanation to your future career goals. If asked (and if applicable), you can give a detailed explanation about your role in your last employment.
“Do you know who we are, and why do you want to work with us?”
This part is where your research will come in handy. Knowing about the company’s history, market reputation, and management culture will positively add points for you. This will make your interviewer pleased and impressed because of your efforts on doing a background study on their company. Tip: It’s also good to mention that above all the companies you know of, you have chosen to join their company for your future career.
“What do you know about this organization and your future role in the position that you applied for?”
What the interviewer wants to know here is that if you fully understand what the position you’re applying for entails. Make sure you understand the nature of the job you’re applying for – its requirements and the problems that may come in the future. Do not be scared to ask questions though, if ever you need to clarify particular aspects about the job.
“What is your past performance record, and how soon can you show results?”
This is the chance for you to showcase all your achievements. Talk about how you can easily adapt to a new environment and to the new job requirements because of your past successes and because you fully understand the overall job requirements. When answering the second part of the question, you must remember not to make unrealistic promises. Explain to your interviewer that because jobs differ from company to company, wit would be premature to foretell your future contributions until after a reasonable time with the company.
“What features do you like and dislike about your job/this position?”
This question is really about what motivates you in your job. Try and match those motivations with your expectations on your new job but make sure to avoid mentioning work-related things that you don’t like.
”Tell me about a time you failed in some task at your job”
It may seem like your interviewer is seeking your weaknesses in this part so, heads up. It’s okay to admit some past failures or weaknesses – it’s only natural. But, an impressive comeback would be by answering that you have learned through your failures and that you have learned to overcome your weakness and can now handle any difficulty that may come your way.
“What was your last boss like?”
Do not, in any way, answer this by stating any conflict you may have had with your previous employer. Instead, mention only his positive traits and how he led the department through difficulties.
“Why did you decide to leave this job?”
Go by the rule honesty is the best policy. Though you’re being honest, avoid mentioning any previous conflict or issue if there are any. Highlight all the positive aspects of your previous employment but again, avoid mentioning the negative ones that may have led to your decision to change jobs.
“Why do you feel that you are better than other candidates?”
This may be the trickiest question of all. When answering, remember to be humble and do not be over confident. Explain that though you have skills that may be similar to others, it is your ability to get along with others, your proven track record of success in your past employments, and your exceptional way in applying your skills that give you the edge.
“How long do you plan to work with us?”
The interviewer is basically asking if you are a job hopper. In this part, tell the interviewer that you are applying to their company in the hopes of building a long-term career and that if there ever comes an opportunity, you are hoping to someday lead a team.
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