Interviews

Interviewers face a heavy burden of responsibility in trying to get things right first time, and this is likely to be shown not only in how they design the interview but also how they approach prospective candidates such as yourself. While selection becomes more stringent, high caliber candidates will be able to negotiate more rewarding positions as the pool of scarce skills diminishes.

Greater care in processing your application and devising a more structured interview based on your past experience or future potential will be much more in evidence. This will be of distinct benefit to those who prepare fully and are not judged predominantly on first impressions and like ability.

Preparation before the interview.

Before you go to the interview, consider the kind of interaction which is likely to take place between you and the interviewer. For example:

• Are you persuading or negotiating?
• Are you discussing or imparting information?
• Are you receiving information or selling yourself?

Each type of interaction demands a different strategy on your part. Separate each of these and, for the purposes of your own self-presentation, plan how you would undertake each approach.

Always present yourself in a positive way, avoiding any phrases which indicate that you are not used to problem solving or that show you are somewhat self-deprecating. For example, rather than saying 'the problem with that was ...', or `of course that was always a difficult task ...', talk instead about the challenge of devising solutions, the excitement of tackling a thorny issue and coming up with a creative plan of action. Passivity is of little value when trying to portray yourself as an effective problem solver and creative thinker.

Top 10 interview questions and how you should answer them.

As the saying goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". So here is a valuable insight into the world of interview questions and the techniques best used to answer them.

There are some questions that are asked frequently in interviews and you should prepare your answers beforehand. The key things to remember when responding to interview questions are to keep your answers relevant, brief and to the point. If you are faced with a difficult question, make sure you stay calm, don't get defensive, and take a moment to think about your response before you answer.

Remember, these responses are only suggestions. Try to personalize your response as much as possible.

Question: Tell me about yourself.

Answer: Identify some of your main attributes and memorize them. Describe your qualifications, career history and range of skills, emphasizing those skills relevant to the job on offer. What have your achievements been to date?

Select an achievement that is work-related and fairly recent. Identify the skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit it had to the company. For example, 'my greatest achievement has been to design and implement a new sales ledger system, bringing it in ahead of time and improving our debtors' position significantly, saving the company $50,000 per month in interest'.

Are you happy with your career to date?

A: This question is really about your self-esteem, confidence and career aspirations. The answer must be 'yes', followed by a brief explanation as to what it is about your career so far that's made you happy. If you have hit a career plateau, or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify your answer.

What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?

A: The purpose of this question is to find out what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving. In order to show yourself in a positive light, select a difficult work situation which was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did and what the outcome was. Always end on a positive note.

What do you like about your present job?

A: This is a straightforward question. All you have to do is make sure that your 'likes' correspond to the skills etc. required in the job on offer. Be enthusiastic; describe your job as interesting and diverse but do not overdo it - after all, you are looking to leave.

What do you dislike about your present job?

A: Be cautious with this answer. Do not be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses that will leave you open to further problems. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company, such as its size or slow decision-making processes etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride as part of the job.

What are your strengths?

A: This is one question that you know you are going to get so there is no excuse for being unprepared. Concentrate on discussing your main strengths. List three or four proficiencies e.g. your ability to learn quickly, determination to succeed, positive attitude, your ability to relate to people and achieve a common goal. You may be asked to give examples of the above so be prepared.

What is your greatest weakness?

A: Do not say you have none - this will lead to further problems. You have two options - use a professed weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in an area that is not vital for the job. The second option is to describe a personal or professional weakness that could also be considered to be a strength, and the steps you have taken to combat it. An example would be, 'I know my team think I'm too demanding at times - I tend to drive them pretty hard but I'm getting much better at using the carrot and not the stick'.

Why do you want to leave your current employer?

A: State how you are looking for a new challenge, more responsibility, experience and a change of environment. Do not be negative in your reasons for leaving. It is rarely appropriate to cite salary as your primary motivator.

Why have you applied for this particular job?

A: The employer is looking for evidence that the job suits you, fits in with your general aptitudes, coincides with your long-term goals and involves doing things you enjoy. Make sure you have a good understanding of the role and the organization, and describe the attributes of the organization that interest you most.

Other questions to consider:

• What do you enjoy about this industry?
• Give an example of when you have worked under pressure.
• What kinds of people do you like working with?
• Give me an example of when your work was criticized.
• Give me an example of when you have had to face a conflict of interest at work.
• Tell me about the last time you disagreed with your boss.
• Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why?
• How do you measure your own performance?
• Are you a self-starter? Give me examples to demonstrate this?
• How do you feel about working long hours and/or weekends?