1. With what sort of personalities do you work well?
2. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work recently?
3. What are your strengths / weaknesses?
4. What projects at work have you taken on that you didn’t have to?
5. What would you do differently in your career if you started over?
6. How do you handle the pressure of having too much to do?
7. What sort of challenges do you like?
8. What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?
9. Why are you interested in leaving your current job?
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Question Time
During the interview, you will be asked to demonstrate your suitability for the job. Why have they asked you this particular question? What are they trying to find out?
Below are some of the more commonly asked questions, and some simple suggested responses.
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: They want you to open up to them. Tell them about your qualifications, career history and range of skills. You may even want to tell them a little about your hobbies and interests - it shows what motivates you.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
A: This doesn't have to be work related. The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever. Demonstrate how you achieved and how it has benefited you. Do you still use those skills?
Q: What are your strengths?
A: We all have them, it's just acknowledging them in a proficient manner. Try to look at personal attributes such as 'I'm a team player', or 'I have great attention to detail', then demonstrate how they could be a benefit to an employer.
Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: The interviewer wants to see how self-aware you are. Don't use personal weaknesses such as 'I find it hard to get out of bed in the morning'. A weakness can also be considered a strength. Use a professional weakness such as lack of experience (training can always overcome that) or one that can be turned around into a strength such as 'I'm very focused at work, so sometimes people think I'm ignoring them'.
Q: How would your family/friends/spouse describe you?
A: Another way of asking how you perceive yourself. Choose three or four adjectives that show the positive side of your personality, such as 'they would say I'm outgoing, reliable and loyal'.
Q: Why do you think you're suitable for this role?
A: If you haven't done your research, you'll not be able to give an answer with substance. Use your prepared list and match your skills and personal attributes. By this stage, the interviewer should have told you about the role. If they haven't, ask them to explain it fully, then give them your answer. You cannot tell them you're the perfect candidate if you don't know what the job is.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
A: Do not be tempted to respond in an arrogant manner - i.e. 'in your chair'. The interviewer wants to know your motivation and career aspirations. Whilst wanting to progress is a natural desire, don't let this overshadow the job you are being interviewed for. Try not to give a specific job title, but more what you will be gaining from a role and environment. Such as 'I see myself in a role that allows me to be autonomous, and one that is both challenging and rewarding.
The interview is a two way process. You will have a chance to ask questions, but make sure they are relevant to the role and company.
Do not get involved in discussing money at this stage - unless the interviewer asks you. Remember that the questions you ask tell the interviewer more about you than some of the answers you give.
Below are some of the more commonly asked questions, and some simple suggested responses.
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: They want you to open up to them. Tell them about your qualifications, career history and range of skills. You may even want to tell them a little about your hobbies and interests - it shows what motivates you.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
A: This doesn't have to be work related. The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever. Demonstrate how you achieved and how it has benefited you. Do you still use those skills?
Q: What are your strengths?
A: We all have them, it's just acknowledging them in a proficient manner. Try to look at personal attributes such as 'I'm a team player', or 'I have great attention to detail', then demonstrate how they could be a benefit to an employer.
Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: The interviewer wants to see how self-aware you are. Don't use personal weaknesses such as 'I find it hard to get out of bed in the morning'. A weakness can also be considered a strength. Use a professional weakness such as lack of experience (training can always overcome that) or one that can be turned around into a strength such as 'I'm very focused at work, so sometimes people think I'm ignoring them'.
Q: How would your family/friends/spouse describe you?
A: Another way of asking how you perceive yourself. Choose three or four adjectives that show the positive side of your personality, such as 'they would say I'm outgoing, reliable and loyal'.
Q: Why do you think you're suitable for this role?
A: If you haven't done your research, you'll not be able to give an answer with substance. Use your prepared list and match your skills and personal attributes. By this stage, the interviewer should have told you about the role. If they haven't, ask them to explain it fully, then give them your answer. You cannot tell them you're the perfect candidate if you don't know what the job is.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
A: Do not be tempted to respond in an arrogant manner - i.e. 'in your chair'. The interviewer wants to know your motivation and career aspirations. Whilst wanting to progress is a natural desire, don't let this overshadow the job you are being interviewed for. Try not to give a specific job title, but more what you will be gaining from a role and environment. Such as 'I see myself in a role that allows me to be autonomous, and one that is both challenging and rewarding.
The interview is a two way process. You will have a chance to ask questions, but make sure they are relevant to the role and company.
Do not get involved in discussing money at this stage - unless the interviewer asks you. Remember that the questions you ask tell the interviewer more about you than some of the answers you give.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Personal Profile
Although not essential, a personal profile can give your CV a more personal touch and in many instances can be targeted towards a specific job.
Below is an example of a generic personal profile (this should go at the top of your CV underneath your name).
PROFILE EXAMPLE
Below is an example of a generic personal profile (this should go at the top of your CV underneath your name).
PROFILE EXAMPLE
I am a commercially focused individual with a proven track record of achievements, capable of making a significant contribution to the profitability of any employer. Having worked well under pressure and to tight deadlines, I take great pride in seeing a task through to completion with a well-developed capacity to work within a team, seeking, willing and able to play a key role in company development. I am good at building client relationships. I have excellent verbal and written communication skills. I have strong negotiation and interpersonal skills. I am equally at ease dealing with customers as I am with internal colleagues and departments. I thrive on having a full and varied workload. I have a strong ability to quickly understand and familiarize myself with the key systems used in a new organization.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Preparing for a Telephone Interview
1. Do Your Research - Look at the company website, it's one of the best sources of information. Research company history, size, structure, its products and its markets.
2. Communication - When you answer the phone, do so in an enthusiastic style, sound interested, alert, be assertive and avoid waffling and the overuse of jargon.
3. Your CV - Have your CV to hand and prepare mentally, or better still in writing to answer the inevitable 'Tell me about yourself' question. Also have a pen and paper ready to take any notes.
4. Avoid making any derogatory comments about your past employers and try not to answer questions with Yes or No.
5. Prepare A List of Questions - Ask about the role, training, opportunities for you within the company and future growth of the company.
6. Closing the interview - As soon as it seems appropriate during the conversation, test the water and see if a date can be arranged for a face to face interview.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Your CV
Your CV is your single most important asset. It is vital that you invest the time in producing a document that at best probably has 1 minute to initially sell your skills. It should be easy to read, and concise but relevant.
Your essential personal and contact details should include the obvious, but it is surprising how many cvs do not contain an address. Always include your postcode as this is often used by agency search engines in producing shortlists.
Follow this with a bullet pointed summary of your marketable skills.
Next, describe your career history in reverse order, clearly showing employer, dates employed, and job function/title. Explain any gaps in employment. A summary of your main duties and responsibilities should then follow, clearly reflecting any technical skills that you used or acquired during the course of this employment. The emphasis should be on the work you have done in the last 2/3 years.
Finally, if at all possible try to keep your CV to 2 pages, or at most 3 and finish if at all possible with the names and contact numbers of past employers who can provide a reference.
When sending your CV to an agent, ensure that you state clearly the minimum salary or contract rate that you would consider, whether you will look at both permanent and/or contract, and your flexibility on location.
Your essential personal and contact details should include the obvious, but it is surprising how many cvs do not contain an address. Always include your postcode as this is often used by agency search engines in producing shortlists.
Follow this with a bullet pointed summary of your marketable skills.
Next, describe your career history in reverse order, clearly showing employer, dates employed, and job function/title. Explain any gaps in employment. A summary of your main duties and responsibilities should then follow, clearly reflecting any technical skills that you used or acquired during the course of this employment. The emphasis should be on the work you have done in the last 2/3 years.
Finally, if at all possible try to keep your CV to 2 pages, or at most 3 and finish if at all possible with the names and contact numbers of past employers who can provide a reference.
When sending your CV to an agent, ensure that you state clearly the minimum salary or contract rate that you would consider, whether you will look at both permanent and/or contract, and your flexibility on location.
Monday, July 03, 2006
INTERVIEW TIPS
It is vital to make a good first impression when attending an interview. The first few minutes of an interview are vital.
Ensure you arrive at the office at least 15 minutes early. If you are running late, ensure you either contact the client direct or call your agent. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the company environment and go through any notes you may have prepared.
1. What do I wear to an interview?
Dress in a smart business suit. Many companies have a casual dress policy, however it is imperative you dress in business suit.
2. What should I take to an interview?
Take a couple of copies of your CV in case the one you sent to the company has gone astray. If possible take a portfolio of relevant work which you have done. A pen and paper to make notes with after the interview, perhaps you need to take a tube map or A-Z so that you can find the offices in the first place.
3. What sort of questions can I expect?
The interviewer wants to assess your suitability for the job, so you will be asked about what your previous responsibilities entailed, your qualifications, why you want the job, what you can bring to the company and perhaps some questions about what you enjoy doing out of work.
4. How should I prepare for an interview?
Carry out research into the company, find out exactly what they do, and how many people they employ. What is their history and what is their future business strategy.
Make sure you know exactly where your interview is so you arrive punctually on the day.
You may like to practice by answering some commonly posed interview questions.
5. What qualities are interviewers looking for?
Generally employers are looking for:
Motivation, Confidence, Sociability, Initiative, Honesty, Intellect, Ability, Enthusiasm
Ensure you arrive at the office at least 15 minutes early. If you are running late, ensure you either contact the client direct or call your agent. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the company environment and go through any notes you may have prepared.
1. What do I wear to an interview?
Dress in a smart business suit. Many companies have a casual dress policy, however it is imperative you dress in business suit.
2. What should I take to an interview?
Take a couple of copies of your CV in case the one you sent to the company has gone astray. If possible take a portfolio of relevant work which you have done. A pen and paper to make notes with after the interview, perhaps you need to take a tube map or A-Z so that you can find the offices in the first place.
3. What sort of questions can I expect?
The interviewer wants to assess your suitability for the job, so you will be asked about what your previous responsibilities entailed, your qualifications, why you want the job, what you can bring to the company and perhaps some questions about what you enjoy doing out of work.
4. How should I prepare for an interview?
Carry out research into the company, find out exactly what they do, and how many people they employ. What is their history and what is their future business strategy.
Make sure you know exactly where your interview is so you arrive punctually on the day.
You may like to practice by answering some commonly posed interview questions.
5. What qualities are interviewers looking for?
Generally employers are looking for:
Motivation, Confidence, Sociability, Initiative, Honesty, Intellect, Ability, Enthusiasm
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