There are limits to the amount of preparation that can be done for any interview. You may be able to anticipate some of the ‘classic interview questions’ and have the answers filed at the back of your mind but be wary of sound bites and reciting prepared answers. The interview can prove to be a lottery as the interviewer is at liberty to move from topic to topic at will.
Questions that interviewers ask are designed to provoke well-thought-out and valid answers, not to be purposefully nasty ~ allegedly! Interviewers expect convincing answers delivered articulately. If you are going to meet clients as a representative of the company the interviewer needs to see evidence that you carry yourself in a calm, dignified and professional manner.
There are some questions that have been the staple of the interview room for many a year – as such you can afford to do a bit of guesswork here and prepare a few answers to some classic interview questions.
Tell me a little bit about yourself
More often than not this is simply a way for the interviewer to get the ball rolling. The interviewer is probably a busy person and consequently does not want to hear your life history or preferred holiday destinations. Remember why you are there, and keep the answer relevant to the role you are applying for. It's your chance to introduce your qualifications, good work habits, etc. Establish a link between your past and your current interest in the job.
What do you feel are your main weaknesses?
Please resist the temptation to say “I work too hard” or “pay too much attention to detail”. This sort of answer probably didn’t impress the interviewer the first or fiftieth time they heard it! Everybody has weaknesses but tread carefully when revealing yours. There are really only three types that can be deemed acceptable: those that everyone else possess, those that are irrelevant to the job and those that you used to have but have taken positive and pro-active steps to overcome. Provide a work-related example and show that you have taken steps to correct it.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Exercise caution if planning to say “behind your desk”. Humour can be an effective tool in an interview but only when it works! Once again, tailor your answer so that it fits the requirements of the job you are trying to get. Demonstrate that your career goals are consistent with the strategic objectives of the department and company as a whole. Make it clear that your drive and ambition will be an asset to the company.
What made you leave your previous job?
This question makes many people uneasy so avoid stammering over half-truths and aim to be as honest as possible. Interviewers are human and appreciate that company’s re-organise, downsize and get sold. Don’t be defensive around this subject and simply call it a positive career move. Avoid statements such as “I need more money” or “I had too much work” – however true these might be!
The killer question
There is no way to legislate for the random question an interviewer will slip into conversation when you least expect it. However, you must be ready for it as research carried out by recruitment agency Office Angels reveals that 90% of employers pose a killer question in interviews.
Some well known examples include; Is a Jaffa Cake a cake or a biscuit? Which famous three people would you invite to a dinner party? The killer question is designed to test your ability to think on your feet, and perform under pressure. The most effective way to manage this sort of question is to remain as calm as possible and give a considered answer.
After listening to a question resist the urge to answer straight away; it is infinitely better to employ a bit of thinking time than to blurt out the first thing that enters your head. Keep your answers short and to the point, but avoid using yes and no, as being monosyllabic is not a highly sought quality. When asking questions keep the big ones for the end when specifically asked – remember you are the interviewee!