It's the moment you've been waiting for -- an interview for the job of your dreams. But what sort of grilling will you get, and shouldn't you be asking a few searching questions yourself? Paul Clutton, director of the Cardiff-based company, Professional Recruitment Wales (UK), offers up some advice on what to expect -- and what to give in return.
So there you are, all dressed up in a new suit looking your best.
You should be well-prepared and in sparkling form, but your palms are sweaty, your voice is shaky, and the interviewer is grilling you.
Questions are being thrown at you left, right and center, and you are trying your best to answer them.
The competition for this great opportunity is intense. You wonder while the interviewer is still talking just how well you are doing compared to the other short-listed candidates.
The initial questions were easy to answer, but things are getting more difficult.
Here's a selection of questions job seekers should expect to encounter at interviews:
- Tell us about yourself.
- What qualities do you think are required for this job?
- Why do you want this job?
- What can you contribute to our business?
- What do you know about this company?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What interests you about our services/products/business model?
- What can we offer you that your previous company cannot?
- What are your greatest achievements within and outside the workplace?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Clearly, to perform well at interviews, candidates must be prepared with answers to the above -- time invested in preparation will pay dividends on the day.
But remember, any job interview is a two-way process, and that interviewer who is firing the questions may well be just as nervous as you!
Your potential new employers will clearly want to find out whether you are suitable for the position they have available -- but you should also be seeking reassurance that the company and position are right for you.
You should, therefore, ensure you glean enough information at the interview to make up your own mind whether the job up for offer is really right for you.
So be prepared to turn the tables and put your interviewer on the spot.
Here are some questions you should be asking:
- What are my specific responsibilities in this role?
- Where will I fit into the overall organizational structure?
- Who will I report to and where does he/she fit in the structure?
- How experienced is the person I would report to??
- What do you expect from me in my first six months?
- What are the performance criteria I will be judged by?
- Who are your customers?
- Where is the company going? What is the strategic direction?
- What are the chances for promotion/advancement in this position, and when would this happen?
- What training do you provide?
- What salary and benefits are attached to this position?
- When will you make a decision about filling this position, and what is the next step?
Once the formal process is complete leave on a positive note -- remember that first and last impressions count highly.
Good luck!
Source: Western Mail. Powered by Yellowbrix.
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