When times are good, people seek jobs for greener pastures for bigger paychecks and greater career visiblity (hint: me!). When times are bad, poor folks that are retrenched seek jobs to ensure a livelihood. In both cases, we all face those darn bloody questions at job interviews. Unless you are a seasoned job (ahem..) or have an extremely high EQ, interviews really get a person all nervous. Yours truly thinks it is deeply embarassing to have "dead air" at an interview, as it either means the interviewer is not interested in you, or you are really lousy at communicating effectively.
These 2 years, a couple of my friends have sought for advice on job interviews. OMG. Do I have "JUSTIN IS A JOBHOPPER" written in fat bold letters on my forehead? Sigh.. Anyway, I had compiled some common interview questions and possible intelligent answers to them!
1. So tell me a little about yourself?
This is the most commonly asked question. It is a conversation opener by the hiring manager to break the ice, and hopefully know they are not speaking to a sex maniac or murderer. Well, I personally think this opportunity to sell (or shall I say “market”) yourself – highlight relevant facts (integrity counts so please don't include a single fabricated lie) about your education, previous employment, and current lifestyle (we can leave out the moments of drunken stumpor at rave parties). Impress the interviewer further by emphasizing details regarding leadership qualities and organisational abilities.
2. Tell me what you know about this company?
This is usually asked to see if the job applicant takes initiative. Take this opportunity once again to impress the hiring manager by pointing out qualities of the company profile, product or services, history, or recent news that attracts you to the job. Stop shot of being too long-winded or Mr Know-it-all. Give the interviewer a chance to give his personal input from his experience at the company. That will gently stroke his ego and make him feel superior about what he is doing.
3. If your previous colleagues were here, what would they say about you?
This question is a reality check where boasting is strictly prohibited. But that doesn’t mean you need to make yourself sound lousy. Be very modest by using phrases such as “My colleages are likely to mention how I am not reserved in giving constructive criticism” or “They appreciate having me around as I inject some life into dry and tedious meetings” or “I am a supportive team player”.
These 2 years, a couple of my friends have sought for advice on job interviews. OMG. Do I have "JUSTIN IS A JOBHOPPER" written in fat bold letters on my forehead? Sigh.. Anyway, I had compiled some common interview questions and possible intelligent answers to them!
1. So tell me a little about yourself?
This is the most commonly asked question. It is a conversation opener by the hiring manager to break the ice, and hopefully know they are not speaking to a sex maniac or murderer. Well, I personally think this opportunity to sell (or shall I say “market”) yourself – highlight relevant facts (integrity counts so please don't include a single fabricated lie) about your education, previous employment, and current lifestyle (we can leave out the moments of drunken stumpor at rave parties). Impress the interviewer further by emphasizing details regarding leadership qualities and organisational abilities.
2. Tell me what you know about this company?
This is usually asked to see if the job applicant takes initiative. Take this opportunity once again to impress the hiring manager by pointing out qualities of the company profile, product or services, history, or recent news that attracts you to the job. Stop shot of being too long-winded or Mr Know-it-all. Give the interviewer a chance to give his personal input from his experience at the company. That will gently stroke his ego and make him feel superior about what he is doing.
3. If your previous colleagues were here, what would they say about you?
This question is a reality check where boasting is strictly prohibited. But that doesn’t mean you need to make yourself sound lousy. Be very modest by using phrases such as “My colleages are likely to mention how I am not reserved in giving constructive criticism” or “They appreciate having me around as I inject some life into dry and tedious meetings” or “I am a supportive team player”.
4. What motivates you to do a good job?
If you are going for a sales job, make sure your answer includes talk of the “money factor” that will motivate one to clinch deals in a aggressive manner.
If you are seeking a back office or support role, it is more important to discuss internal satisfaction that drives one to succeed such as “recognition of your work”.
5. What is your biggest weakness?
I swear this is the most difficult question if you are an interview dum-dum. Don’t fumble, and act cool. This question assesses how potential employees react to difficult situations. Don’t rush give a half-baked answer. Instead, give an answer that highlights the steps taken to improve on those weaknesses. Some "A*" answers include “In my desire to meticulous, I sometimes miss out on the big picture. Thus I deliberately take time before submitting a peeve of work to ensure it is in line with the company’s objectives” [read: I’m slow and lazy.]
6. So, explain why I should hire you?
This is a sign the interviewer needs to be convinced that you are worth it (so Loreal, I know!). Take this opportunity to focus on yourself – talk about your personal achievements, talents, attitudes that can benefit the company if you are part of the team.
If you are going for a sales job, make sure your answer includes talk of the “money factor” that will motivate one to clinch deals in a aggressive manner.
If you are seeking a back office or support role, it is more important to discuss internal satisfaction that drives one to succeed such as “recognition of your work”.
5. What is your biggest weakness?
I swear this is the most difficult question if you are an interview dum-dum. Don’t fumble, and act cool. This question assesses how potential employees react to difficult situations. Don’t rush give a half-baked answer. Instead, give an answer that highlights the steps taken to improve on those weaknesses. Some "A*" answers include “In my desire to meticulous, I sometimes miss out on the big picture. Thus I deliberately take time before submitting a peeve of work to ensure it is in line with the company’s objectives” [read: I’m slow and lazy.]
6. So, explain why I should hire you?
This is a sign the interviewer needs to be convinced that you are worth it (so Loreal, I know!). Take this opportunity to focus on yourself – talk about your personal achievements, talents, attitudes that can benefit the company if you are part of the team.
So there, some tiny advice coming from Tintin who has gone through a number of interviews in his previous jobsearch. Hope it comes in handy for anyone who is looking for a job in this current economic downturn.
No comments:
Post a Comment