The Interview: Hints, Tips and FAQs

Always research a company before an interview. You should not appear to be just looking for a job. You should give the impression that you have researched the company and the job and decided that both were desirable. Your interest and motivation will impress an interviewer, and you will be able to explain what you can do for the company.
Bear in mind that an interview is not just you appealing to a company, the company must also appeal to you. Your research on the company should generate questions about its potential for growth and your career path. It is important to plan beforehand some of the questions you will ask. Prepare 3-5 meaningful questions. Good questions can greatly enhance the impact you make. They also help you determine whether or not the job is a good match for you.
You should consult reference sources such as the company website, the public library, company annual reports, newspapers and business magazines.

Some Useful Hints

Before interview:
If you are asked to complete an application form, do so in a thorough manner. An answer such as see CV is not acceptable.

At Interview:
The first impression you make on the interviewer is likely to have a strong impact on how the interview proceeds as well as on the interviewer’s final conclusion about your suitability for the advertised position. So dress well, neatness is essential.

Greetings:
Walk confidently into the interview room and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake. Greet the interviewer with eye contact and a relaxed smile. Use the interviewer’s name when greeting him or her.

Answering the question:
Answer the question that is being asked. Keep to the point and make as many positive remarks as possible to emphasise your good qualities. Do not misrepresent your qualifications, experience, or current salary. Always act as if you are going to be offered the job you are discussing.

Be enthusiastic:
Show enthusiasm and maintain good eye contact to emphasise your sincerity. If it is a first interview, do not ask for the starting salary, holidays, benefits etc. Your job is to sell yourself and highlight the positive contribution you could make to the company. Emphasise that you are primarily interested in the opportunity.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Introductory Information

• Tell me about yourself?
• How do you think a friend/colleague/employer would describe you?
• What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• How has college changed you?
• What are your hobbies and interests?

Third Level Education:

• Why did you choose to go to your college or university
• Why did you choose your course?
• Do your results accurately reflect your ability?
• Were you involved in extracurricular activities?
• Do you plan to pursue further studies?

Education and Work Experience:

• How can you relate your education experience to this job?
• What have you learnt from your previous work experiences?
• What can you offer us?
• Why should we hire you for this position?

Organisational Knowledge:

• What do you know about this organisation?
• Why are you leaving your present position?
• What features of your most recent position did you like the most/least?
• What were you most recent contributions while in your most recent position? What criteria are you using to evaluate potential employers?
• Can you work under pressure and to deadlines – provide examples ∙ What type of work environment do you like best?
• Can you give me an example of when you had to deal with conflict in the workplace?

Career Goals and Aspirations:

• What are your career goals and aspirations?
• How do you plan to achieve these goals?
• Where do you see yourself in five years or ten years from now?
• What are you salary expectations?

Situational Questions:

• If you could start your career again, what would you do differently? ∙ If you could change any part of your college experience what would it be and why?
•  If you had six months free with no obligations or financial constraints what would you do?
• If you were hiring for this position, what qualities would you look for in a candidate?

#hints and FAQs

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