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Understanding The Interview

Although every interview is unique, it can help to be aware of the usual, standard format most interviews follow:

Introduction
Interviews almost always start in a fairly relaxed manner. Your interviewer will introduce themselves and then usually break the ice by asking about something trivial such as the weather or your journey. During this part of the interview, it is important to make a good general impression -remember that first impressions count! Try to come across as alert, interested and friendly.

Checking
The interviewer will often want to verify information on your CV, or ask you to expand upon it. A typical question in this section of the interview is `You say that you worked for X for 3 years - could you tell me a little more about that?` Try to avoid giving just short, factual answers to these questions - elaborate on your responses, so that you talk about your strengths and what you have learned through your previous experience.

Evaluation
This is probably the most important part of the interview. The interviewer will ask open-ended or probing questions in order to find out your strengths and weaknesses.

Questions
All good interviewers will give you the chance to ask them some questions, usually at the end of the interview. It is vital that you have something to ask, as it shows that you have put some thought into the job and that you are interested in the company. It is recommended that you write down 4 or 5 questions in advance - that way you have enough even if the interviewer has answered a few of them already. There`s nothing wrong with consulting your list of questions in the interview - if anything, it shows that you have prepared thoroughly.

End
After you have asked your questions, the interview usually draws to a close. The interviewer should explain what happens next - when and how you will find out if you have been successful. If they do not tell you, then you should ask.

Typical Interview Questions

• Why do you want to work for this company?
• Why did you leave your last company?
• Have you done this kind of work before?
• What did you do in your last job?
• Do you have examples of your work?
• Why should I take you on?
• How do you get on with people?
• What do you think makes you a good team member?
• How do you cope with pressure?
• Can you identify three of your strengths?
• Can you identify three of your weaknesses?
• What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?
• Tell me how you have overcome a difficult situation?

Tough interview questions answered
Maybe you are trying to land your first job. Perhaps you are returning to the workplace. Or maybe you are a seasoned executive taking another step up the career ladder. Whatever your situation, making a success of the job interview is vital. This brief guide highlights some of the tough questions you might be faced with - and suggests strategies to answer them as persuasively as possible. Always bear in mind that every interviewer is trying to evaluate you on three criteria:

1. Are you able to do the job?
2. Are you willing to put in the effort to make the job a success?
3. Are you manageable?