An interview is a great opportunity to convince prospective employers about the tremendous value you will add to their organisation.
The trick is to prepare in advance and project your strengths with conviction.
Take this quiz to see how ready you are for a date with your dream job!
This quiz is best viewed in Internet Explorer (IE) and Netscape above version 6.0.
1. Why do you want to join our company? You are the market leader in your segment and I want to work with the best. It has always been my dream to work for your company. I am looking for a change and I got this call from a consultant.
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is: You are the market leader in your segment and I want to work with the best. Knowing why you want to work for a company will give you a lot of confidence. Interviewers can spot the desperation if you are not sure about why you want to join them. Be specific. There is no dream company, so an answer like the first option would sound too fluffy. But wanting to work for a bigger company is an acceptable reason for leaving a job.
Right! Knowing why you want to work for a company will give you a lot of confidence. Interviewers can spot the desperation if you are not sure about why you want to join them. Be specific. There is no dream company so an answer like the first option would sound too fluffy. But wanting to work for a bigger company is an acceptable reason for leaving a job.
2. What do you think are your weaknesses? I tend to work too hard and therefore am left with little time for family. I am working on improving my computer skills. My goal is to become an advanced user in the next three months. I don't really think I have any weakness.
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is: I am working on improving my computer skills. My goal is to become an advanced user in the next three months.. This is a tricky question. No weakness at all would make you sound cocky. You may be a workaholic but that's considered unhealthy and can have adverse effects on your peers and subordinates. It's safe to mention something specific; at the same time, it should be non-critical. Also state your plan of action to get around that weakness.
Right! This is a tricky question. No weakness at all would make you sound cocky. You may be a workaholic but that's considered unhealthy and can have adverse effects on your peers and subordinates. It's safe to mention something specific; at the same time, it should be non-critical. Also state your plan of action to get around that weakness.
3. Why should we hire you? I have XYZ years of experience and have XYZ qualifications... blah blah... I am the best. It would be a mistake not to hire me. I have a background in... and am keen on this role. I would bring in the skills that add value to your team.
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is: I have a background in... and am keen on this role. I would bring in the skills that add value to your team.. Remember the 'WIIFME' (What's in it for me) rule? Focus on what the company is looking for and state specific skills that you have. This is your chance to sell yourself, so don't try to be modest.
Right! Remember the 'WIIFME' (What's in it for me) rule? Focus on what the company is looking for and state specific skills that you have. This is your chance to sell yourself, so don't try to be modest.
4. Can you tell us a little bit about your last job? As a sales executive for consumer products, I achieved the highest sales figures consistently for the last three quarters. I was a sales executive and was responsible for the northern territory. In my last job as a sales executive, I was selling consumer products.
Wrong! Try again.
Wrong! The correct answer is: As a sales executive for consumer products, I achieved the highest sales figures consistently for the last three quarters. Nobody is interested in your tasks. Talk about what you were able to accomplish and how you added more revenue to your company. There are a lot of people who can do the job, but very few who can do it well. Specifics that demonstrate your accomplishments are crucial. Show how you saved money for your last company and contributed to productivity.
Right! Nobody is interested in your tasks. Talk about what you were able to accomplish and how you added more revenue to your company. There are a lot of people who can do the job, but very few who can do it well. Specifics that demonstrate your accomplishments are crucial. Show how you saved money for your last company and contributed to productivity.
5. Do you have any questions for us? No questions. Thanks. Can you tell me about the salary and the benefits? I would like to know more about specific responsibilities and also about growth prospects within the company.
Wrong! Try again...
Wrong! The correct answer is: I would like to know more about specific responsibilities and growth prospects within the company. Questions are revealing and employers often judge candidates based on the quality of their questions. The right questions show you are focused on succeeding in your job and are not there just for the money. It is acceptable to ask about the job profile in detail or the company's growth plan or the culture.
Right! Questions are revealing and employers often judge candidates based on the quality of their questions. The right questions show you are focused on succeeding in the job and are not there just for the money. It is acceptable to ask about the job profile in detail or the company's growth plan or the culture.