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It is not possible to guarantee questions in any interview, but you
should consider asking yourself the following questions so that you will be fully
prepared during the interview. You are best placed to know your own shortcomings and where
you might fall below the expected standard, so it is important to anticipate and practice
the answers. Focus on your strengths and what skills you can bring to a position. The
interview is a prime opportunity for you to sell yourself to the interviewer.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
The questions most typically asked at interviews have been grouped into
the following topic areas (but are seldom as structured during the interview process). The
questions below are focused towards a European market; please note that the style and
types of questions do vary from one country to another. This list is not exhaustive but
should provide food for thought. You should prepare for questions about your background,
your aspirations, the potential employer and the position, your personality and your
interests.
Potential Employer
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Why did you apply to us? |
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Where did you hear about the position? |
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What do you know about our
organisation? |
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Do you know anyone who works for us? |
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What interests you about the position? |
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What do you think we have to offer you as a company?
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Career Ambitions
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What are your long/short term goals? |
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Tell me about your career aspirations. |
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What are you looking for in a career? |
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Do you have plans to gain further qualifications? |
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Where do you see yourself in 2/5 years time? |
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Describe your ideal employer.
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Skills and Requirements
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Why should we hire you? - Give me three reasons. |
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What have you got to offer the company? - What skills will you bring? |
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How do you work best? - Leading a group, in a team or alone? |
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Are you prepared to travel? |
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Are you looking for a position with training? |
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What has been your main career achievement to date? |
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What was the most difficult problem in your current/previous position -
how did you find the solution ? You say you have xxx skills
how did you demonstrate
these in your previous position ?
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Personality
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Describe yourself -
strengths/weaknesses? |
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How would your friends describe you? |
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What motivates you? |
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What are your
strengths/weaknesses? |
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How do you spend your spare time?
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Problem/Sticky Questions
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What salary or benefits are you looking for ? (We can give you
advice
regarding how to deal with this question prior to your interview). |
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Why are you changing your career? |
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Explain the gap in your work history. |
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Given your career plans, how long do you expect to stay with our organisation? |
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Can we contact your current employer for references ? (this question is
usually only asked after an offer letter has been sent - nevertheless be prepared).
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Questions to ask the Interviewer
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Why is the position available? |
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What skills are needed to succeed? |
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What are the initial priorities of the position? |
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How does the position fit into the organisational structure? |
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How much scope (autonomy, flexibility, career growth, responsibilities)
is there within this position ? |
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What is the companys managerial style/culture ? |
Questions typically asked of Graduates.
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Why did you chose your particular degree/discipline ? |
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Why did you chose your college/university ? |
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What did you most/least like about your course ? |
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What was your strongest/weakest subject ? |
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Tell me about your project work ? |
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How are your studies related to this position/vacancy ? |
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Tell me about your career aspirations ? |
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Describe your ideal employer ? |
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Do you plan to gain further qualifications ? |
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How do you spend you spare time ? |
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How would your tutor describe you ? |
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Besides your degree, what else do you feel you gained from
college/university ? |
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Were you active in any societies ? |
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What positions of responsibility do you hold/have you held ? |
PRIOR TO THE INTERVIEW
Prepare - Prepare for
Interview Questions, have a few to ask the interviewer, dress well.
Identify - Who are you meeting?
their titles, relationship to job.
Research - Find out what the
job entails. A good agency will always provide you with a detailed
job specification. Make sure you have all the information.
Plan Ahead - Get a location map, contact telephone
numbers, have money, mobile phone if possible, allow yourself a good
30-60 minutes of additional time to arrive, etc.
Check Out - Company brochures or website.
Most companies today have a Web Site and they expect you to have
researched their company. If going for a marketing/sales/finance position - research company
products and the company potential (e.g. Annual review report, etc.)
DURING THE INTERVIEW
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Smile and make eye contact. |
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Relax and be friendly. |
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Be positive and enthusiastic. |
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Think about your body language. |
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Don’t discuss salary until you’re offered the job.
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REMEMBER
7-10% is what you say
20-30% is how you say it
60-80% is your image, your body language and the overall impression you create.
Good Luck with your interviews and don't forget you may not
succeed the first time but practice makes perfect.
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