Interview Secrets Revealed

Copyright 2002 by Ronan Kennedy All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission from the author.

Table of Contents

Section

Page Number

Interview Secrets Revealed

Introduction: Chapter 1: Establishing Facts about the company. Where to complete your research Making contact with an employee of the company Familiarise yourself with the products/services Understanding the challenges Chapter 2: Preparation for Interview Questions Chapter 3: Participation in Mock Interviews Chapter 4: Interview Questions Chapter 5: Questions to put to your interviewer Chapter 6: What to avoid at your interview Chapter 7: What to do prior to your interview Chapter 8: Sample Interview Questions and Answers Chapter 9: Choosing suitable attire Chapter 10: Eye contact and body language Chapter 11: Concluding the interview Chapter 12: How to follow up after your interview Chapter 13: References Chapter 14: Conclusion 4 5 5 7 9 11 13 14 16 20 21 22 23 38 39 40 41 42 43

Thank you for choosing Professional-Resumes.com. We are here to assist you in your preparations for your all important job interview. Use our Interview Secrets book to help you research and prepare for your interview. In this book we have provided you with all the secrets and tips you need for a successful interview. A resume from www.professional-resumes.com will get you the interview for the job you really want and this book will help you to learn the secrets to a successful interview. If you need any further assistance or advice please contact us at www.professionalresumes.com We will get you a resume that works guaranteed. Call Toll Free (US) 1-800-963-0097 or e-mail info@professional-resumes.com

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success in your job search.

Introduction

The interview process can be a daunting experience for many people. We have all felt the terror of nerves as we prepare to sit before our interview and prepare to impress. It is vital that you made a good first impression and therefore your initial contact with your interviewer will set the tone for the remainder of the interview. It may sound simple, however, this can be a difficult task if you are feeling nervous, unsure or stressed in anyway. It is vital that you reflect a calm and controlled persona as you seat yourself in preparation for the impending interview. To ensure that your interview day begins well it is important that you put in some necessary groundwork. Once the time and date of your interview has been established it becomes necessary to begin your preparation and research. Over the next couple of chapters we will identify interview preparation tips for you to take focusing on the following: Establishing basic facts about the company. Making contact with an employee of the firm. Familiarize yourself with the companys products and services. Understanding the challenges. Interview Questions and Answers. Preparing and Participating in Mock interviews. Choosing the right attire. Eye contact and body language. Concluding the interview.

Begin your interview preparation with some basics:

Take the first step and gain an insight into the company you have applied to work for. It is important that you familiarize yourself with the company to allow you to form an appreciation of what your interviewer is looking for in a candidate. If you require clarification of the information you have learned, your interviewer will give you an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview where you will be able to gain a better understanding of the company. Your interest and initiative will impress your interviewer. Establish some basic facts about the company. What is the total number of employees? What are its products? How has it performed over the past 12/24 months? Is it a public or private company? Who are its customers or client base? Who are its main competitors? What are the challenges it currently faces? What type of Management Structure does it have? Does it have branches/divisions nationally or internationally? What is its revenue per annum? What is the annual percentage of attrition/staff turnover? Who are the senior management team? What are its policies?

There are many ways to locate this information. The following methods are the most common and the most effective: The Internet. Company Circulars. Business Guides. Staff Members.

The Internet contains a wealth of data and has fast become the most popular way to search for information. Businesses are increasingly designing their own web pages whereby they can advertise and promote their company reaching a whole new consumer base. With the Internet so freely accessible it is probably the best place to start. Dont worry if the company to you are researching is not on the Internet as there are many other methods of researching your information. Many large firms today will collate and present company information in the form of a company circular or sales brochure and often in the pages of a business guide covering business in the local district. This information will detail past performances, plans for the future, the challenges facing the company in the increasingly competitive business world and past achievements. Gaining an insight into the company will do two things for you. It will give you an added confidence as you prepare for your interview and it will ensure that you make an informed decision about your choice to work for that company.

Make contact with an employee of the firm.

In the event that it proves difficult to get any literature about the company it is helpful to make contact with a present or past employee who will be able to help you in your search. Employees can provide you with accurate information on the company they work for. Often it is a warts and all account of life within the company but it is helpful to see it through the eyes of one who is employed there and knows the situation. It is beneficial to see the company from an employees point of view and establish its strengths and weaknesses. The company receptionist is a helpful contact. Stop by and explain who you are and the position you are seeking and he/she will provide you with information on the company and its products. You may sound them out on the size of the company, the length they have been operating and other general information about the company. Another solution is to call to a member of the Human Resources Department and while they will not provide you with a personal insight into the company, they will provide sufficient information for you to build a picture of the working environment. It is important that you explain who you are and when your interview is scheduled for so that they can provide you with information that is relevant for the position you desire. HR staffs are familiar with requests such as these and will be happy to provide assistance where possible. Information will be provided on the companys products or services, details of the facility, promotional opportunities, company achievements, company goals and any other relevant information. Always ask for the name of your contact ensuring that you mention during the interview that you have spoken with the aforementioned person. This will demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm in seeking this position

Assimilate the information, understand it and then use it to formulate answers to your mock interview questions. Where possible work the information gained into your answering while demonstrating the depth of your interest and your enthusiasm for the position. In our experience answering a question as follows can have a very positive impact on the outcome of the interview: Q. What do you see are the biggest challenges facing our company in todays competitive Environment? A. I spoke with a member of your HR team last week and asked that question. Carina explained that.

This is the way to create an impression. This makes your interviewer aware of the time spent and effort made in gathering information on the company as you conducted preparations for the interview. It may sound straightforward, however, we have sat through countless interviews and asked the question What do you know about our company? to receive an answer such as Not much really or actually I am not very familiar with your company. To answer in this way demonstrates a lack of interest and zero enthusiasm. It can immediately put an end to your prospects. What you have demonstrated is that you had neither the initiative nor motivation to begin to learn about the company. Your interviewers are very experienced and will be capable of analysing you on sight. Lacks of initiative or enthusiasm are not attributes that are likely to win over an interviewer in the current working climate. The reality is that the outcome of the interview depends entirely on you. It is your duty and responsibility to prepare thoroughly for your interview and use the knowledge you have gained to make a lasting impression. Thorough preparation will give added confidence as you face the interviewer and the time you have invested conducting your research of the company will pay off. It will enhance your image as an enthusiastic, motivated individual who is capable of making an immediate contribution to the team when hired.

Familiarize yourself with products/services.

Once you have completed your research into the company take some time to familiarize yourself with the products or services it provides. Determine what products they manufacture, design or sell. You are not expected to become an expert but demonstrating knowledge of the companys products will gain you the respect of your interviewers. To provide you with an example we will take the following scenario: If you were applying for a job as a Manufacturing Supervisor within a Medical Manufacturing Facility and have the ability to provide a general description of their products and the product uses it will be a significant benefit to your prospects. Example: Q. What do you know about our products? A. I have learned that you manufacture Balloon Catheters, which are used in a procedure called Angioplasty. This procedure clears and unblocks arteries allowing an improved flow of blood into the heart. A simple direct answer lets your interviewer know that you have made an effort to learn about the products and their uses. You will not need to become an expert on the products or services, keep your answers straightforward unless you have an excellent knowledge on the subject matter otherwise you may make an error that could cost you your credibility. Look at the long-term goals of the company. Is there a plan to expand operations? Are the planning to diversify their products/services? Are there any plans to up size or are there plans to scale down the operation? Establish past achievements and what are the challenges in the future. You may find it difficult to gather all this information but it will position you to prepare questions that you may put to your interviewers at the end of your interview as you seek clarification on areas that perhaps you do not fully understand.

You will be given an opportunity at the end of the interview to put some questions to your interviewers. Use this time wisely and ask intelligent, well thought out questions. The question you ask and the manner in which you ask it will say a lot about your thought processes and your personality. Your questions will demonstrate where your greatest level of interest lies. Once you have asked your question, sit back and actively listen to the answer that is being given to you. A common interview mistake is to ask a stock question but not to listen to the response, as you prepare your next token question. An interviewer will easily assess the level of interest shown throughout the interview, so take your time in asking the questions, ensuring that you seek clarification where necessary to fully understand the information given to you. Remember that the interview is only a success if both parties leave the meeting feeling that you have mutually benefited from the experience and that each partys questions have been answered satisfactorily. The interview process is a two-way communication. Although you are primarily being assessed for your potential role, you are also building a picture of the environment, the role and the people in your prospective company.

You have a decision to make here also, quite simply is this job for you?

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Understanding the challenges.

We are all evermore aware of the challenges facing business in todays competitive climate and indeed every company has its own set of challenges to face and conquer if it is to survive. Challenges can take the form of the following: Reducing Costs Reducing Headcount Increasing Profits Greater Efficiency Tighter Budget Controls Combating Attrition Meeting Customer Expectations Fulfilling Demand Reducing Customer Complaints Increased Consistency There is great significance in the word competition. Put simply, if you dont get it right the first time someone else will. Finding and keeping customers/clients initially is difficult. Losing them and trying to win them back is virtually impossible. Companies cannot afford mistakes; quite simply their business depends on providing an excellent service consistently. Consistency is an important word, meeting a client/customers expectations once is easy, meeting them every time is what challenges even the best companies. This is one reason why your research needs completed thoroughly. Understanding the challenges is only part of it; it is also a good idea to ponder on possible solutions and what could be done to implement them. 11

At your interview you will have thirty to forty minutes to showcase your talents and abilities. During this time you must sell yourself effectively. Demonstrate what you can do for their company, what skills you can bring to your new position, how quickly you will be an effective contributor to the team and how your ideas and plans can help them in their endeavours to grow and excel. A good exercise to complete is to establish the problems faced by the company in the past and the complex issues that face them in the future. Get a blank sheet of paper and mark down words that occur to you for each problem faced. Once this has been completed go back and form answers for each issue based on your personal and professional experiences or fixes/solutions you witnessed which have been successful, think of it as a form of damage control if you like. For an interviewer, it is impressive to meet a candidate who has familiarized themselves with the complex problems facing modern business, and gone one step further and thought out and formulated ideas and plans to help tackle these issues. Taking the time to learn about the position you are applying for and ensuring that youre past experiences and qualifications match. A mismatch can often lead to a frustrating interview or worse still a frustrating position. It is a difficult position to be in if you are hired into a role that doesn't suit you and will lead to a great deal of unhappiness.

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Preparation for Interview Questions.

As you prepare for your interview spend a large proportion of your time practicing mock questions and answers. We cannot stress the importance of communicating clearly and articulately in your answering at the interview. This will come with confidence and your confidence grows from thorough preparation. A common problem at interviews is that candidates have difficulty converting thoughts into words; they have the have the correct information in their mind but are unable to verbalize it. This is down to confidence. If you are well prepared you will be capable of delivering a well thought out and articulate answer. Fumbling for words or stammering your way through a sentence will neither settle your nerves nor impress your interviewer. A carefully prepared set of answers to mock questions is what is required. By writing down the answers it is easy to see an inconsistent answer or likewise an error in your answering. Keep an open mind as you prepare your answers. Answer from your life experiences, both in the work place and in your personal life. Look at your family and friends situations; learn from their experiences also. Information that you have absorbed throughout the years can be applied to your answering. Remember that every experience whether good or bad has taught you something. Use this information to form your answers. Apply logic and reasoning to each of your answers, and remember that all answers you offer should be honest and reflective of your ambition, ability and personality. Dont waffle! No interviewer wants to be subjected to a ten-minute speech that contains no information of any significance. Answering should be concise, remember you can elaborate where required and certainly if there is clarification requested. Otherwise, a tried and trusted formula is to stick to the facts and give a well-balanced answer.

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Participating in Mock Interviews.

Once you have established a set of questions and are confident in your answering, it is time to sit down with friends; family or colleagues in a mock interview setting and practice delivering your answers to them. Iron out areas where you have difficulty answering. Practice giving thorough, detailed answers communicating clearly and effectively leaving your interviewer with no doubt about your confidence and knowledge. Take your time as you go through each question and answer session. Your initial practice run will probably take a good deal of time, however you will find as your confidence grows you will be able to deliver your answers more swiftly. As you practice time your answers for each question. It will force you to improve your delivery each time you try it. Mock interview situations will build your confidence levels as your confidence increases. To authenticate the mock interview situation get the right person to participate with you. This person must take their role as the interviewer seriously. It is not a time for play-acting; an interview is your platform, which you have for a limited time only. Your practice and rehearsal will shine through on the day. Many excellent opportunities are lost through bad preparation. If you are unprepared you interviewer will see it immediately and it will dent your image as a serious candidate. As you practice in a mock interview scenario ask your colleagues or friends to preempt questions, ask that they anticipate the instances where an interviewer might seek clarification on the points you have made. It is easy to be thrown off stride by an unexpected question. Dont panic; take a moment to gather your thoughts and answer. If you dont understand the question seek clarification and if you still have difficulties in answering do not be afraid to say that you dont know. It is better to be honest than to give an entirely incorrect answer damaging the credibility you have gained throughout the interview.

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At interview situations very often the questions we find the most difficult to answer are the ones that relate directly to ourselves in particular our strengths and abilities. It is generally easier to pick out the aspects of our characters or abilities that need improvement rather than the areas that we are strongest in. The interview is not the place to be shy and demure. It is to some extents a hard sell. It is imperative that you project a confident and competent air if you are serious about being hired for that job. To assist you in your preparations we have prepared a list of common interview questions and while not exhaustive it will get you started.

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Interview Questions
Tell me a little about yourself? This question is designed to put you at ease and allow you a few moments to compose yourself. Who knows you better than you? Begin with some general information, where you are from and what you like to do in your spare time before you get into the more relevant information. The following questions are designed to build a picture of your strengths, abilities, skills and competencies. What qualities do you possess that make you stand out from the other candidates we have interviewed? What do you consider your greatest strengths? What would you consider your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years time? What areas of your career would you target for further development? How would your Manager describe you? What do you have to offer to this company and why do you want to work here? What prompted you to apply for this position? What motivates you? How do you think you will contribute to the company? What annoys or irritates you? What aspect of your role do you dislike most? We've all made mistakes in the past, what have you learned from yours? What has been the worst disappointment you've experienced to date? Tell me about a difficult decision you have had to make? 16

What approach do you use when resolving a problem? Have you ever experienced conflict and if so how have you dealt with it? We don't always get along with all our colleagues, have you ever had this experience and if so how do you maintain a working relationship? What areas of your performance are you the happiest with? How do you react to criticism? Describe your ideal Manager?

As you answer the questions put to you draw on your personal and professional experiences. Life can often be the best teacher and it is not important where you have learned what you know only that you have learned it. Use what you have learned from the experiences of others and always be positive. For every bad experience there has been a positive lesson learned. If you think about a dark day or a problem that appeared insurmountable and look back now very often it has been a valuable lesson learned. Use these experiences to convey maturity and wisdom. It is vital that you do not convey negativity in your answering. In your preparations for interview it is helpful to take a question and jot down the words that come readily to mind. Later you can expand on your initial thoughts and work on a detailed answer. Your answers should be knowledgeable and should be easily understood. A common mistake that is made in answering interview questions is a compulsion to use long words. We havent met an interviewer yet who has been impressed by the overuse of long words that have no relevance to the question. Another tip to remember is to avoid use of the word basically. We sat through an interview on one occasion where the word basically was used over sixteen times. It doesnt mean anything and will be attributed to nervous waffling.

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Your answers should be simple and straightforward. You have a limited amount of time to create a good impression. Ensure that your interviewer isn't experiencing difficulties in comprehending what it is you are talking about. You will impress by demonstrating a thorough knowledge and excellent communication skills. Your answers must be reflective of your personality whilst you prepare them, as it is difficult to remember fabricated answers at the interview. If you are honest you will simply speak what you know and this will reflect your personality, knowledge and ability. Remember that interviews can be tension filled, dont add to the tension with additional pressure by giving answers that may be difficult to remember at a later date. It is important to be honest; there is no shame in not knowing an answer or seeking clarification. An interviewer will be impressed that you had the strength of character to ask rather than watch you stumble through a badly thought out answer. Although there is a period at the end of the interview to allow you to ask questions, you may during the course of the interview ask a question that is relevant to the conversation at that time. The interview process is a two-way communication that should result in mutual understanding between interviewer and interviewee. If the interview concludes with either party unsure about the answers given or issues unresolved the process would have failed, so take control and be confident. As discussed earlier in the book your initial contact with your interviewer are important in creating an impression. Your initial greeting and your presentation will be analysed to gauge you self-confidence and self-awareness. Project an image of enthusiasm and a desire to be immediately effective when in your new role.

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When answering questions on your previous role or your previous Manager always be diplomatic. It is not relevant what you personal feelings are as they are your own personal views and should not be shared with a stranger. The interview is no place to speak negatively about your Manager, peers or the company itself. It smacks of disloyalty and will be viewed in a poor light. Focus on the positive, what you have learned from your time at the company and from the people you worked with and draw on the good experiences. The interview isnt all about answering questions. You will be in a position to participate on equal terms. Throughout the interview if you dont understand a question or the way it was put to you, ask to have it repeated. Be assertive during the interview and dont allow something to go unsaid or worse still, allow a point to stand incorrectly because you havent felt able to correct it.

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Questions to put to your interviewers

Traditionally the interview process ends with the interviewer asking the candidate if they have any questions. Have a couple of well thought out questions to ask, that is if you haven't a genuine question that has come to you throughout the interview itself. The following will give you an idea of questions that are commonly asked: How do you see the company developing over the next five years? If successful where do I fit into the company structure? If successful what level of responsibility would I have within my role? Are their opportunities for self-development and promotion within the company? What are the main challenges facing the company in the current climate? Ensure that you actively listen to the answers you are being given and feel free to seek clarification at any time throughout the answer. A common mistake is to ask a token question at the end of the interview then sit back in relief that the interview is effectively over. Your interviewer immediately senses your disinterest, thus undoing the good work that has been done during the interview itself. The interview is the place for you to establish if this is a company you want to work for and whether this is a role that you will be happy in. Your questions should be designed to gather this information and should be perceptive giving you the chance to accurately assess the information you have been given. Do not ask questions about salary or benefits; it is not appropriate to bring it up as part of your interview questions.

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What to avoid at your interview

Overconfidence can be perceived as arrogance and if off-putting to a prospective employer. Never criticize your previous Manager or indeed your former Company, as it is unprofessional and will create a bad impression. Avoid negativity or cynicism and answer all the questions posed to you positively. Demonstrates what you have learned from difficult situations and how you have benefited from these experiences. Focus on the interviewer and actively listen as they pose the questions, do not get distracted and allow your eyes to wander, this will be seen as a sign of boredom or disinterest. Where possible maintain eye contact at all times and adopt an enthusiastic approach. Do not get into discussions on religion, political beliefs or racial issues as these are personal beliefs and opinions can vary creating tension. Don't arrive for your interview too early and sit studying your resume as this can make you appear over anxious or ill prepared. Do not appear too eager for promotion at the interview stage, while you need to be perceived as motivated and self-starting, it should not look like you wish to progress too quickly as it can appear that you have little interest in the position you are applying for. Don't answer any questions without first thinking about what you want to say. Sounds simple and very basic but many interviews have turned sour due to a flippant answer. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before speaking and don't be afraid of silence, taking a moment to put your thoughts together is perfectly acceptable. The interviewer both realizes and appreciates that you are preparing your answer and will allow you the time.

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What to do prior to your interview

Review your work experience from your current position back through your earlier ones, think about particular situations where you have benefited and learned valuable lessons from. Consider the parts of your role that have given you the most satisfaction and the things that have caused you the most amount of stress or annoyance. Jot down the aspects of your role that you like most and you will generally find that they are the things you do best, the same will be said for the things you dislike most. From this you will be able to form answers to the strengths/weaknesses question and you will establish clearly in your mind why you want this position. Doing all these things you will establish if this role is that you are looking for. Gaining a position that does not match your talents and abilities is very frustrating. If you find yourself in a position that doesnt challenge you, you will be bored and less enthusiastic about doing your day-to-day activities. Similarly if you end up in a position that is outside the scope of your experience you may feel undermined and frustrated. The interview process is a two-way communication, the interviewers are assessing your strengths and abilities while you are assessing the role and its demands.

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Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Formulate answers to interview questions using action words and descriptions, which will portray you as an enthusiastic and capable team player. Some suggestions are as follows: Tell me a little about yourself? This question is intended to put you at your ease as you recount details of your personal and professional life. This question will allow you a couple of minutes to talk about yourself, a subject we are all comfortable with and will help you to relax and feel at ease. This is your initial opportunity to create an impression. Your interviewers are analysing you determining what your personality and personal characteristics are. Smile and speak familiarly as you give general details about your life such as where you are from, brothers/sisters, hobbies etc. This will help to create an impression of you personally. When speaking about your previous work experience, be assertive and confident. Begin with a strong statement along the following line: 'I get a lot of personal satisfaction from my job because I am very competent and enjoy what I do'. A statement such as this will create a positive impression at the opening of the interview. It will help settle your nerves and give you a sense of purpose for the remainder of your time.

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As you answer questions about your strengths and qualities, speak honestly and with a positive confident attitude. Nobody finds it easy to talk about our strengths or our good qualities. We find it easier to point out our faults and be self-critical. We are very aware of the aspects of our personality or character that need improvement. Your interview however, is not the place to think about such things. During your interview you must be strong and confident in your abilities. Focus on your strengths and the aspects of your character that you like and admire. Examples I am a committed member of the team, recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty. I possess strong organizational, technical and interpersonal skills and am very experienced at working in fast paced environments. I am confident and poised in interactions with individuals at all levels. I am able to multi-task efficiently and resourceful in completing projects. I am highly trustworthy, ethical and discreet. I am reliable and dependable, experienced at meeting strict deadlines efficiently and effectively with excellent communication skills and a high degree of personal commitment. I am a confident, enthusiastic individual with a reliable sense of humour and a keen eye for detail. Resourceful problem solver capable of initiating solutions to complex problems.

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When asked to answer a question on potential weaknesses or areas requiring improvement turn negatives to positives. Lets face it we are very aware of the aspects of ourselves that need improvement both personally and professionally. However, during your interview you do not want to dissuade the interviewer by detailing personal or professional weaknesses. Use any aspect that is in need of improve met and create something positive:

Examples I set very high standards for myself and become very engrossed in my job. I am hungry to learn more and consequently ask questions of my colleagues as I engage in an exercise of continuous improvement. These answers have created an image of motivated and enthusiastic individual who uses their initiative to continuously improve within their role. If asked the question: In the past what has annoyed or irritated you in your role/workplace? Answer as follows: I take my work seriously and I find it annoying when people who don't, make it difficult to get work completed on time. I enjoy team-based work where people participate on equal terms but I am not afraid to take on extra work or help my colleagues if they require assistance. With an answer such as this you have turned a potentially negative question and answered it positively.

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If asked to describe your former Manager, Position or Company, provide an answer that demonstrates loyalty and maturity. It is irrelevant at this point how you feel about your former manager or your former company, an interview is not the place to speak in negative terms about either. It will reflect badly on your character if you do as it displays disloyalty and immaturity. We have been disappointed on many occasions to have sat through a interview where the candidate has spent a good five minutes complaining about their former Manager, Position or Company. Answer as question such as the above positively focusing on what you have learned from your experiences with your former Manager, Role or Company. Examples My manager was a good leader, firm but encouraging. He/She set high standards and personally I have learnt a lot from him/her and my time in the company. At this point, however, it seemed a natural progression for me to move on as I feel I have learnt all I will in that particular position. I wish to be challenged further and continue my development in a new role with new leaders. With an answer such as this you have shown respect for your former manager, complimented them on what they have taught you and shown a desire for a new challenge, which is perfectly acceptable for an ambitious person. An added benefit of an answer such as this is that it demonstrates maturity and loyalty, both of which are attributes looked for by all employers in their staff.

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When asked a question about what motivates you, think before you speak! For some reason this question has often ended an otherwise perfect interview. Many bizarre answers have been given with little regard for the perception that the answer has created. Answers such as: 'Money motivates me, as long as I get paid at the end of each month I can deal with anything' or worse still, 'nothing really, I have to work at something so it might as well be this'. One can simply sit there incredulous as an interview, which has gone well up to that point has now gone disastrously wrong with one badly thought out answer. An effective answer this question is as follows: 'I enjoy working as part of a team and facing the challenges that are part of daily life. I get a sense of personal satisfaction when I have completed a job well and on time and I am always interested in further development and learning from my colleagues and leaders'. 'I am a self-starter and enjoy working under pressure. I like to push myself and am happy to be working within a good team from whom I can further learn and develop myself'. Answers such as these demonstrate a motivation that comes from a desire to learn and challenge you, which is exactly what the interviewers wish to hear. Lasting motivation will only come from a desire to work hard and stimulate your brain with challenging and fulfilling roles.

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When asked the question: 'Why do you want to work here' or 'what do you think you can bring to the company' refer to your research of the company. The above question is asked to establish what you have learned about the company and what prompted you to apply for the role. It will determine what you have to offer the company and how effective you can be. Example I have learned that this is a dynamic fast growing company, which has gained a reputation for excellence. I would like to become a part of this team as I feel that I will learn a lot from my new colleagues and that I have much to offer the company. I will bring enthusiasm and the skills and abilities that I have gained in my previous role. (At this point you can discuss specific issues giving examples of successes and achievements you have had in the past, which could be replicated or bettered in the future.) This question opens up the door for you to showcase your talents and abilities and demonstrate the contribution you can make.

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A question about Conflict or Criticism can be difficult to answer, but again it is important to deal with them in a positive manner. Unfortunately in our professional lives at some time or another we will all have experienced some form of conflict within our work environment. The workplace can bring its own stresses and emotions can run high. It is not possible for everyone to get along all of the time and as a result conflict can arise. However, it should be explained that it is important to maintain your professionalism at all times and that we there is a responsibility to treat our colleagues with respect while maintaining our own and others dignity always. Describe how you focus on the issue at all times and not on the person. By doing this you will remove the personal edge from any conflict. It is important when dealing with a situation where conflict has arisen to simply look at the issue itself. Difficulties arise when personal feelings come into play and the people involved become difficult and antagonistic. Describe how you diffuse situations by concentrating on the issue and working with the person/people involved to resolve the issue by finding an outcome that will satisfy all parties. Demonstrating the ability to stand back and analyse the problem, and through respect for other peoples feelings you will show a level of maturity they are looking for in a potential employee.

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If asked how you respond to criticisms provide an answer based on the following. Explain that you appreciate all feedback and actively encourage constructive criticism. Follow this by saying that you listen to and put into practice what you have been told as it part of the development process and helps you to become more selfaware. While it can be difficult to accept criticism it is important to maintain your professionalism in your dealings with colleagues and superiors accepting that you can get it wrong sometimes and that you can move on and deal with it. Criticism is part of life, accept that you dont have all the answers and learn from past mistakes. The people around us, our peers and superiors have a wealth of experience that we can benefit from. If you take this approach you will find that you can learn much from people. An attitude such as this will win over your interviewers.

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When asked a question such as Tell me about a time/Describe a time when. Take the following into account. A statement such as tell me about a difficult decision you have had to make or tell me about a time when you had to deal with a tense situation can prove difficult to answer as it is situational and should be descriptive. Gather your thoughts and without naming any of the principals involved or speaking negatively about any of the people involved, describe the situation that arose and how you resolved it. Key words/phrases to note for an answer of this kind are as follows: Example 1. When the situation was brought to my attention I took some time to determine the facts rather than rushing in and attempting to resolve it immediately. It took time to investigate the allegations, as it is important to speak with all concerned parties to establish all the facts. Example 2. In a case where conflict has arisen, I find it helpful to allow time for tempers to cool. I gave some space to the people involved and then sat with each party a short while later to extract the details of the situation. You can then build an accurate picture of the situation once the parties have taken stock and have a better perspective of the issue. In the heat of the moment when people are emotional they are unable to rationalize how they feel. Speaking to them at that time will serve no purpose. Allow the situation to calm down and then work on resolving the issues to the satisfaction of those involved. Example 3. In my previous roles I have often been called on to make difficult decisions. I take a logical approach to decision making. I will initially gather the facts, analyse them and make a balanced decision. Often in the current working environment you will be faced with a scenario where it is impossible to take these steps as your decision must be made quickly. In this situation you must apply balance, logic and experience in making your decision and then show confidence and trust in your decision.

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Answering the question, what have you learned from past mistakes? This can be a tricky question as essentially the interview is your time to impress; you dont want to necessarily admit that you have made mistakes. As in all other situations this the point when you demonstrate what you have learned from any mistakes made and how you have used these experiences to make you better at your job. Example There was an occasion where I made a calculating error on the quarterly budget and it wasnt picked up before the end of the quarter audit. When the time came for the audit to be completed, the error was found and a great deal of effort was needed to fix the error and adjust the reported figures. I wasnt totally confident in completing the budget initially but wasnt enthusiastic about asking for help, as I had wanted to complete it myself. After realizing my error I spoke with my Manager, who in turn informed the Finance Director of the error. Although it caused me a great deal of embarrassment, it did teach me that pride comes before a fall, and in this case I learned to ask for help and not be ashamed to admit that I didnt know how to do something. I am pleased to say also that I have never made an accounting error on a budget again. Keep the details minimal giving a general picture to your interviewer, speak positively and confidently, making them aware that you are eager to take something positive from the error and move on.

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Where do you see yourself in five years time? This is often a nightmare question. This question challenges you to think about what you want to do with the impending five years of your life. Think about this question prior to your interview and dont be caught off guard. You must think about your ambitions and hopes for the future. Even if they seem far away it is important that you give the impression that you have a plan and do want to progress in your chosen career.

What do you want from this new role? Are you interested in further education and following that further promotional opportunity? Is this a stepping-stone to something else that interests you? Do you intend to stay with this company or are you only there to gain experience? You must ask yourself these questions before you sit down to do the interview. Remember no company wants to hire someone who will only stay for a short period of time and not become a productive and effective member of the team. The high cost of training and recruitment means that while no one is expected to remain with the one company forever, employers are looking for loyalty and a certain amount of longevity in their employees term. Your answer here should demonstrate that you are aware of what you wish to achieve in your new role, what further education you wish to pursue and what your job ambitions are for the future. It is always good to know what direction you want your life to take, and what will give you challenge and fulfil you. Demonstrate this in your answering.

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What areas of your performance are you happiest with? This question is generally easy to answer, as we are all aware of what aspects of our role we excel in. Think about your greatest achievements to date and give specific examples as you describe areas of the job you are good at. Example I am very happy with my ability to get interact with people of all levels. As an Operations Manager, I deal directly with many people from all aspects of the business on a daily basis with confidence and poise. Through excellent communication skills and an ability to build rapport with my colleagues and staff I have put together a very effective team from whom I have gained loyalty and respect. In turn they are confident that I will work closely with them to ensure they are working in an environment where they are respected and challenged at all times. Remembering personal details and taking an interest in their lives you can develop a relationship that will extend beyond the parameters of their job, which ensures that they become a valued member of the team. Achieving this balance with our colleagues ensures that goals and challenges are attainable through greater loyalty and dedication. Each individual has different talents and abilities, certain people can build rapport and bind people loyally to them, others have good technical minds and can work with machines and drawings and other people are organized and efficient. Whatever category you fall into, think about the aspects of your role that you like the most and more importantly why you like them. Very often you will find that your answer ties into the other question, what do you consider your greatest strengths?

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Describe your ideal Manager? Think about the characteristics you admire in leaders and effective Managers. What makes them stand out above others? Ensure that you do no infer criticism of a former Manager. An ideal Manager is someone who is fair and consistent in his or her dealings with others. A Manager should be approachable at all times conducting an open door policy. There will be occasions where problems or issues will need to be brought to their attention and you should not feel intimidated in doing so. A Manager should be a leader, who should encourage and motivate their staff to excel within their roles providing employees with constructive feedback that will give them a sense of direction as they progress within the company. A Manager should point out weaknesses or areas for improvement and provide direction, assisting their employee to make significant improvements in each case. They must concern themselves with the further development of their staff from a work and educational aspect. A good manager will coach and assist staff members who are experiencing difficulties in dealing with particular issues. They should have a strong moral character with an excellent work ethic that will inspire their staff. They should build rapport with people and make genuine efforts to get on all with all members of the team, never allowing personal feelings to get in the way of doing a professional job. They should maintain confidentiality at all times and be seen as trustworthy, honest people who can be counted on to help where necessary. An ideal Manager will act as a mentor in the early days of your role but will know when to pull back as you increase in confidence within your role giving you more autonomy over your work.

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What areas of your career would you target for development? This question can be linked with the question, what do you feel are your weaknesses or areas that require improvement? Every individual has areas that require improvement. It can be any number of things, for e.g. proficiency with computers, technical ability, organizations skills etc. When you have decided what you wish to talk about focus on how you are going to improve rather than on the weak area itself. Example You might say that need to improve in the creation of charts and spreadsheets on Excel, and follow this by adding that you have just begun an intermediate course in Excel, which you are confident will resolve the issue. This demonstrates a motivation to improve on the weak area and a determination to improve areas that require attention. It similarly demonstrates strength of character and self-awareness.

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How would your Manager describe you? In answering this question, draw on performance reviews and instances where you have received positive feedback. Give specific examples of occasions where you excelled and received recognition for these achievements. Use words or phrases such as: Self-starting. Uses own initiative. Good team player. Strong work ethic. Conscientious. Reliable. Dependable Requires a minimum of supervision. These words create a positive image. In the modern business world, employers are looking towards employees who are capable and effective within the work place. They want employees who are self-starting and can work with a minimum of supervision but who will deliver consistent results. Format your answers to include descriptions of recent achievements and projects completed. Use quotes from your employer if they fit, creating a picture for your interviewer your work ethic as seen through the eyes of your Manager.

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Choosing suitable Attire

Great care should be taken when choosing your clothing for your interview. Clothing should be appropriate for the type of role you are being interviewed for. Many errors in judgement are made in relation to clothing. Candidates have turned up at interviews in ripped jeans and faded shirts, clothing that is not clean or pressed and mis-matched shoes. It may be that they think the unconventional approach is good and that it is good to be individual. However for the interview situation this is considered disrespectful to your interviewer and shows poor judgment. Appropriate attire for gentlemen is a smart suit preferably navy, dark grey or grey. A clean pressed shirt preferably white or cream should be worn teamed with a smart conservative tie. Matching socks should be worn with shoes that are clean and polished. For ladies the same can be applied, a smart business suit or a smart blouse and skirt/trousers are appropriate attire. Again shoes should be polished and all clothes pressed and cleaned. Very often the initial impression is the most lasting. Your interview will make an assumption about you based on the image you project as you enter the door. A minimum of jewellery and make-up should be worn, subtle and understated. On this occasion less is more. Nothing should distract your interviewers attention from what you have to say. If you are unsure what type of clothing is worn at the firm you are interviewing with, you can call ahead to the receptionist or one of the Human Resources departments to confirm this to ensure you can dress appropriately.

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Eye Contact and Body Language

Be aware throughout the interview of your body language and make eye contact with your interviewer. At your initial greeting, smile warmly and give a firm handshake making eye contact with your interviewer. Throughout the interview keep eye contact taking care that you do not stare at the interviewer. Avoiding eye contact implies evasiveness, or unease. Neither of these characteristics should be presented at interview. Practice maintaining eye contact in the mock interview scenario, engage your colleagues or friends in good eye contact and be very aware of your body language. The old adage that our eyes are the mirrors to our soul is very true and your eyes will betray your innermost thoughts or feelings. Your interviewer will determine your sincerity and honesty from the expression in your eyes. Your body language will display your comfort level and indeed your level of unease. It will give away your true thoughts and feelings. Sitting at your interview with your arms folded across your chest demonstrates a defensive position. Playing with a pen or coins in your pocket, displays nerves or distraction. At the interview you should simply place your hands in your lap. You may use your hands to add emphasis when making a point but for the remainder of the time place them on your lap and resist the temptation to do anything with them. Avoid bringing anything into the interview with you including items such as keys, a pen, coins in your pocket etc. Without you noticing it items such as these can become a diversion, and it is frustrating to conduct an interview where the candidate is jangling keys, rattling coins or clicking a biro on and off throughout the interview. Be conscious of your body language throughout the interview, lean slightly forward in your seat demonstrating enthusiasm and interest. Be calm and exude quiet confidence.

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Concluding the interview

As the conclusion of the interview maintain eye contact with your interviewer, smile warmly and offer a firm handshake. Thank the interviewer sincerely for their time and state that you will look forward to hearing from them in the near future. Smile as you leave the room displaying a confident positive attitude.

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Following up your interview.

In the days following the interview, draft a follow up letter to your interviewer thanking them for taking the time to meet with you. State that they may contact you if they require clarification of any kind. State again that you hope to hear from them soon and thank them for their time. This final piece of the process can be overlooked but the interviewer will appreciate the courtesy. It will help to reinforce their positive impression.

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References

The final part of your preparation is to speak with your referees and make them aware of your interview to ensure that they are not caught unawares by a reference check. A good reference is a necessary part of the process as it gives your prospective employer confidence in their judgment of you. As an interview is only half an hour long the references will confirm not only their perception of you but also the details you have given about yourself and your performance in your previous employment. Reference checking is a necessary part of the process as it gives an indication of your character. It is important to touch base with your referees especially if you havent worked with them or seen them for a while. Over time employers forget exact details of your performance so it's good to catch up and remind them of specific incidents and achievements. Choose your referees wisely as they are the key to the entire process. No matter how well you have performed at the interview a bad reference will effectively end your hopes of gaining the new position.

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Conclusion
Just a few thoughts to leave you with as you prepare for your interview: Ensure that you are aware of where the interview is to be held, at what time you are to be there and whom you are meeting. Take time out prior to the interview to drive to where the interview is to be held to ensure you can find adequate parking space. The last thing anyone needs just before an interview is to be unable to locate the premises or a place to park the car. This situation can make you late and leave you feeling stressed, not an ideal way to begin an interview. Remember that first impressions really do count. Take care in choosing your clothing for your interview and ensure that it is cleaned and pressed. Give the interviewer a firm handshake and make good eye contact. Be aware of your body language, lean slightly forward as you listen to your questions indicating your interest and enthusiasm. As you answer your questions project an air of quiet confidence and where possible include specific examples in your answer Where possible refer to your previous experience when answering questions that relate to the new company or what you can bring to your prospective position. When discussing your previous experience ensure that you are very respectful of the Company and it's management style despite any feelings to the contrary. Your prospective employers are looking for honest loyal people to work for them; by remaining loyal to your old company you will demonstrate your ethics and maturity. Prepare intuitive questions to ask at the end of the interview. However, if at any time during the interview you need to ask a question or seek clarification by all means do so. If there is something you are still unsure about do not allow the interview to terminate without clarifying this. It is very important you leave the interview clear about exactly what is expected of you.

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As we have said already the key to any good interview is to practice answering interview questions. It is a time consuming exercise but it can reap a rich reward. The confidence you will gain from this preparation will be obvious to both you and your interviewer when the time comes to sell yourself at the interview.

All that remains is for us to wish you every success in your job search and in the future.

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