First Impressions - The Interview
So you have finally landed an interview, now what? Once the initial
excitement begins to subside, you will probably find yourself anticipating
all the possible things that could go wrong in the interview. You might start
to have doubts about yourself and wonder how you are going to convince a
panel of strangers that you are the person for the job!
Example Questions
Why should we employ you? Why do you want Remember that it’s entirely natural to feel nervous
this job?
and anxious. Interviews can be daunting experiences
This is an invitation to sell yourself on the
and most people find them challenging. But there
basis of your interest in the position, skills and
are things you can do to prepare yourself for the
personal qualities and how they match the
challenge. Read on…
employer’s requirements. The employer is
trying to identify how well you understand the
What is an interview?
organisation’s needs and how confident you are
The interview is basically about selling one thing
of your qualifications for the job.
– YOU. It’s all about convincing the employer you are
the right person for the job. Through the interaction
Why would you like to work for our organisation?
What do you know about us?
you have with the employer he/she will be assessing
This is another effort to establish what you have
you on your skills, strengths and weaknesses
to offer and how your needs and those of the
and qualifications, not to mention your attitude,
organisation, complement each other.
aptitudes, motivation and maturity.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
The right approach
This question is drawing out your ambition,
A positive way of approaching the interview is to see
motivation and ability to look ahead. You
it not as a contest but more a marketing exercise – a
need to be realistic in your expectations and
‘performance’. By concentrating on the performance
demonstrate you have given some thought to
rather than the outcome, your focus will stay
your future.
on those factors under your influence. View the
interview as a conversation with a purpose.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
The employer is interested in your assessment
Logistics
of your own abilities. Provide examples to back
Many job-hunters get so wrapped up in their in-
up your claim. When speaking of weaknesses
depth preparation they forget to pay close attention
it is best to answer in a positive way, ie. by
to the basics, like the interview time and location.
expressing your desire to learn more about a
Make sure you are clear about the interview logistics:
certain area, or describing the action you have
you should know the exact time and place of the
taken to address a weakness.
interview; the interviewer’s full name (and correct
What do you consider to be your greatest
pronunciation); means of transport and parking
achievement?
factors. Mistakes in this area are surprisingly common
The employer is interested to know why this
and can mean the difference between getting the
achievement is important to you and what
job and not getting the job.
obstacles you had to overcome to succeed.
What led you to choose this career/Why are you
interested in this career path?
Such questions are exploring your motivation
and commitment to the work, your capacity for
logical thought and your approach to decision-
making processes.
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