The Job interview

Who will be interviewing? If it is your prospective manager, the interview may be more detailed. If the Personnel Manager is interviewing, it may be less direct or detailed, but could still be testing.

Will there be a test to take? Find out before the interview and ask for an example of the things you'll be asked to do.

If you have a disability, contact the employer prior to the interview if you require any particular arrangements. Check the day before to ensure details have been noted prior to your arrival.

Prepare for questions you might be asked

First, accept that the symptoms of nerves - a fast heartbeat, clammy hands and butterflies in the stomach - are natural. These are your body's natural way of meeting a challenge and in small doses can give you the 'oomph' to make a good impression.

You will make an impression in the first few minutes. It takes this time for people to assess someone and store this information. Once an impression has been formed, it's seldom changed. It's important to make first impression work for you.

Nervous tension may make your voice sound shaky. Practice deep slow breathing before you get to the interview. This will slow down your heart rate and help you avoid taking quick ,shallow breaths.

DO

enter the room confidently

shake hands firmly - and introduce yourself

be polite and friendly - look the interviewer straight in the eye as soon as you enter the room

look interested - ask questions as well as answering

answer questions as fully as you can - avoid yes and no answers

provide examples to prove your achievements

tell the truth

ask if you don't understand a question

speak clearly

sell yourself - get your good points across/be positive

give a friendly smile (if in doubt don't - it is better to look serious than insincere)

DONT

sit until invited

fidget and slouch in the chair

smoke

swear (even mildly)

criticise former employers

interrupt

draw attention to your weaknesses

go over the top - stay calm and stick to the facts

Remember, most employers like,

people who listen

people who answer questions with examples

people who are brief in the right places

people who come prepared

people who appear confident

The following is a list of twenty questions you may be asked at an interview. Some suggestions are given which you may like to use to prepare your own answer.

Thorough preparation will give you the confidence to do your best at an interview.

1. Why do you want to work here?

Mention:

Good reputation of the firm

Any other positive information you have about the firm, e.g. their training record

It will give you a chance to do work which interests you

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Explaining briefly and honestly the reasons why your last job ended. If there is anything positive to say, say it, e.g.:

If you left for health reasons point out that you are now fit and reassure the employer that you can do the duties required, or, if you were dismissed, that you take responsibility for your actions and have learnt from the experience.

3. Have you done this kind of work before?

Yes - tell them the skills you have and how you can use them.

No - quickly describe other work experience which will help you learn the job quickly. Emphasise your interest and enthusiasm to learn.

4. What did you do in your last job?

Describe:

skills and duties relevant to new job

machines/equipment used

your responsibilities

people you dealt with

how long you were there

if you were promoted

5. What kinds of equipment can you operate?

Name any type of equipment relevant to the new job

Your training/qualifications

Length of time you have operated this equipment

6. How long have you been out of work - how do you spend your time?

Describe:

jobsearch activity

voluntary work

further education or study

hobbies

7. Why have you had a) so many jobs? b) only one job?

Mention:

a) so many jobs?

You wanted to widen your experience in different types of work/firms. Many of the jobs were temporary. You would rather be in work than out of work.

b) only one job?

You had several different jobs within your last employment. The opportunity to develop. Their good record in training and development.

8. Why should I take you on?

Be ready for this question and answer confidently and positively

Describe your skills and experience and how they relate to this job

Reassure the employer that you are hard-working, reliable and capable

9. Aren't you too a) young? b) old?

Describe:

a) too young?

Your experience to date including any training or supervisory experience. Explain that you are keen to prove yourself, adaptable and quick to learn, physically fit, not going to move away, etc.

b) too old?

Emphasise the benefits of your long experience:

less need for training

your ability to make decisions quickly

your good health - you are looking forward to many more productive years

that you can still adapt to change

your good work history

10. Aren't you over-qualified?

Emphasise:

You are looking for something fresh/new/different

You can take as well as give instructions

11. How do you get on with people?

Describe how you have previously worked as part of a team

Mention your ability to get on with people at all levels

Give examples

12. What makes a good team member?

Describe the skills required e.g.:

good communication

flexibility

adaptability

co-operation

sense of humour

13. How do you cope with pressure?

Describe the pressures in previous jobs using a recent example, e.g. how you coped with a changed deadline, completed a rush order or dealt with staff shortages.

14. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

They should already know your strengths from your Application Form/CV or they would not be interviewing you, but if they ask about any weaknesses:

Start by describing parts of your last job that you found testing but explain how you overcame these problems

Be fairly brief but honest, e.g. "I can sometimes be a little too enthusiastic".

Note: Employers value people who can admit their mistakes rather than blaming their failings on others.

15. What would you like to be doing in five years time?

Explain that you would ideally like to be working for the same company but to have developed within it.

16. When was the last time you did anything stupid/lost your temper?

Avoid describing a work example. Use something from your personal life that with hind-sight you would not do again. Explain how you learned from the experience.

17. What wage do you expect to earn?

If the wage level is negotiable - be prepared to negotiate. The dilemma is "where to pitch your bid?" Too high, you could price yourself out. Too low, you could lose out. Before going to the interview find out about wage levels in the company and compare them with your current needs.

18. How often were you absent from your last job?

If rarely - say so

If absence has been a problem - explain why and reassure the employer that you are now completely fit or the problem will not recur

19. When would you be available to start?

As soon as possible! Do not put any barriers in the way.

20. Do you have any questions?

You may like to prepare for this - it is almost always asked at the interview. You could ask:

why is the job vacant?

why did the last person leave?

who would I report to?

what training will I do, if any?

what would my first job be?

does the company carry out Job Reviews?

If yes - how often?

how soon will I hear about the result of my application?

how would I be paid?

i hope you enjoyed my little series on job application.....jimmy