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Interview Questions You May Be Asked
Before attending an
interview you should think about the best responses
to some typical interview questions. Your answers may depend on the job
or company in question, so you should go through your responses just
before each interview. Here are just a few typical questions for you to
practice responding to them in the best possible way - |
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Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects, which
have attracted you to apply for this position and do not mention the
negative aspects of your current job or the job in question.
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What qualities do you think will be required for
this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you
should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These
may include leadership ability, communication skills, interpersonal
skills, problem solving, analytical skills, etc.
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What can you contribute?
Tell them about your achievements in your previous
position(s), which
are relevant to the new position you are applying for. This is your
chance to shine.
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Tell me about yourself
Your CV introduction is a helpful start. Focus
on your positive points and keep this to a brief couple of minutes. You
should give a brief outline of where you are from and where you want to
be going.
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Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but
avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours.
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What do you know about this company?
This is your chance to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of
their company. Give them a run down of their products/services, sales
figures, news, company figures, customers, etc.
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What can we (the new company) offer that your
previous company cannot offer?
Again do not mention money. Stress opportunities for personal growth,
new challenges, etc.
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Why should we employ you?
The answer to this question will be based on your previous experience
and achievements, which relate to the company. You could add that you
think there is a good fit between you and the
job, and do ask the
interviewer for their opinion.
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How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my
job?
Depending on the position you are applying for you may want to sound
fairly ambitious, but do not look too arrogant and as if you are after
the interviewer's position.
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What do you like and dislike about the job we are
discussing?
Likes: stress things such as a new challenge or the opportunity to
bring fresh experience to the company. Dislikes: Imply there is nothing
to dislike about the job, which is why you are so interested. Try to
pick at least three likes and just one minor dislike.
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Why did you choose a career in ...?
If you have changed careers you should have a logical argument as to
why you did so. Be positive about your reasons.
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Why are you changing careers?
Only if you are making a radical change in your
career will this
question be asked. Always stress the positive aspects of the change
rather than the negative aspects of your previous career, as you do not
want to come across as someone who is moving just because you hate your
old career. Say why you think you will be good in the new career -
using your experience and achievements, stress the transferable skills
you have, such as leadership ability, etc.
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What do you think of the last company you worked
for?
You should stress the positive aspects of your last company saying that
they were a good company to work for. Tell them about the training you
received or the work related experience you gained.
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Why did you join your previous company? Why are
you leaving now?
Always be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a
company. Be very careful that you do not say anything negative about
your present
employer. If you do, the new company will wonder what you
will say about them when you leave. You might want to stress that you
are looking for a new challenge and that you feel that the company who
is interviewing you fits the bill!
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Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large
company?
If the company interviewing you is a small to medium sized company say
that you enjoy a close atmosphere with a good team spirit. At a large
company, say that you enjoy the stability of working for a large and
established company. Remember where you are!
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What are you looking for in a new job?
Make sure your answer fits in with the company who is interviewing you.
A suitable reply would be that you are looking for a
new job where you
can apply your existing skills and learn new ones.
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Are you considering any other positions at the
moment?
If you are, say so, but do not give too many details away. If you do
not have any other
job offers at the moment just say that you have a
few offers.
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What did you do on a day to day basis?
Stress the positive things you did, including your achievements. Even
if some or much of it was paperwork, you can still show your interest
in the way it was tackled.
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Did you increase sales or profits in your last job?
This question is only relevant for senior managers or sales people. If
you have increased sales and/or profit then do not be afraid to
emphasise this point. If you have not increased sales say why not, e.g.
general downturn in the market, etc. It might then be a good idea to
mention an achievement in a previous
job if your performance was better
there.
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What interests do you have outside work?
Your hobbies and interests can tell an employer a lot about you. Think
about which interests will paint the right picture of you given the
position you are discussing and include whether you are sociable or
solitary, and whether you can take on 'leadership' roles.
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Are you prepared to relocate?
If you are, say so. If you do not want to move then you do not have to
accept the
job - try and come across as someone who is positive.
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Are you willing to travel?
Again if you are, say so. You want to sound positive, so find out how
much travelling is involved before you turn down the job.
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What did you earn in your last
job?
You have to be very careful when answering this question because once
an interviewer knows your current salary they will try and fix your
salary based on this figure. This may be satisfactory if you only want
a modest rise in salary and your current salary is in line with their
salary range, but, what if your current salary is substantially lower
than the rate for the job, or if you want a salary rise? In these cases
you would be best advised to say that you do not really want to
prejudice yourself by being too high or too low. Ask if you can discuss
this later after the responsibilities for the job have been discussed;
you may also want to ask them what the range for the
job is (if you do
not already know).
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What level of salary are you looking for now?
Again be very careful when you answer this question - you do not want
to appear to be greedy. If you are applying for a specific vacancy you
could ask them what the salary range is. Once they have answered you
could say I think my experience would place me at the top end of your
range. If they ask you this question fairly early on in the interview
you could delay answering by saying It is hard to discuss salary
without first knowing a little bit more about the job and the
responsibilities.
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What will your referees say about you?
Say that you expect excellent references.
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Fantasy questions
These may be very difficult to answer. Such questions might include: If
you could invent something, what would it be? You should give the
answer, which in your opinion will give you the best chance of getting
the
job.
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Other relevant Career articles......
Challenging Interview Questions
15 Reminders of what NOT to do at Interviews
The Most Common Interview Mistakes
Top Ten
Interview Tips
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