Preparing for a job interview
Athletes and businessmen say that preparation is the key to success.
This applies to job interviews, too-preparing in advance increases your chances of getting the job.
How to prepare for a job interview so you don't fail:
- Study the ad in detail and identify the key requirements for the candidate.
- Write down the skills, professional and personal qualities that your prospective employer is looking for in a successful candidate.
- Make a list of all of your skills and qualities that match the job requirements. This will come in handy when you are asked why you are perfect for the job.
- Research the company. Read articles about them, check out the website, find out the company's strategic goals and what exactly it does or produces. Find and remember the names of supervisors and executives.
- Think through the answers to the standard interview questions.
This is not a memorization game, and you are not expected to have memorized answers to every question.
Nevertheless, you should come to the interview prepared so that you don't get into trouble.
Typical interview questions and answers
Interviews can be varied because it is a live communication process. The form and content of an interview depends on many factors: the level of corporate culture, the qualifications of the interviewer, and the skill level of the position.
Interview questions can be divided into categories such as:
- Validation questions: confirm factual information about you, such as specialty, education, how long you have worked at previous jobs, etc.
- Qualification or behavioral questions: you are asked to use an example from work experience to demonstrate a skill or quality.
- Situational questions: a hypothetical situation is described and you need to explain how you would take on the task.
- Analytical questions: give a better understanding of you as a person, your motivation and goals.
You need to understand that there are no universal correct answers. There are formulas by which the correct answers are constructed.
Popular interview questions
Questions about you. The purpose of the hr manager is to get to know you as a person. To make sure that your goals coincide with the company's goals and that you will fit in well with the team.
- What is your biggest advantage?
- What would you say is your biggest weakness?
- What expresses your uniqueness?
- How do you handle stressful situations?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Questions about your previous job. You will certainly be asked about why you left or are about to leave your last position. Make sure you have a good explanation for why you want to change jobs.
- Why do you want to leave your current job?
- How did it happen that you are changing jobs?
- What was the reason you were laid off?
- Why have you been unemployed for a long time?
- What have you been doing since your last job ended?
Questions about qualifications and skills. In answering such questions, give examples from your work experience to back up your expertise.
- What is your practical experience?
- Do you think you are overqualified for the role?
- What sets you apart from other candidates?
- What would be the most straightforward responsibility for you?
- What will be a challenge for you in the job?
Questions to ask the employer
At the end of the interview, the candidate is usually asked if he or she has any questions. It's not just an act of politeness. It's another chance for the candidate to prove himself or herself.
Two reasons to ask questions of an employer:
To show that you are interested in the company and the position, that you have done your homework and learned all about the company's field.
Avoid unpleasant surprises. Asking about the state and future of the business during the interview will help you anticipate whether there will be layoffs or salary delays in the near future.
Ask a clarifying question about responsibilities first. The wording "Did I understand correctly that..." will do.
In addition to the obvious organizational questions about employment, schedule, working conditions, salary and probationary period, ask about company development and current projects.
A list of questions to ask the employer at the interview:
- What challenges does the person typically face in this position?
- How is success evaluated in this job?
- Can you tell me about the culture of your company?
- What will the first few days on the job be like? Is there an induction or training session planned?
- What kind of performance do you expect from the new employee during the probationary period?
- Do I need to enter into a non-disclosure agreement?
- Does my position require travel, participation in additional projects?
- What are my growth prospects in this position?
- What are the company's development plans?
- Is there anything else I can do to help you make your decision?
Your last question should be about further communication. Ask what the next steps are and when you should expect feedback.
Summing up
Preparation for the interview is the key to success. After you have used the service https://resumegets.com/ and made a resume, find as much information about the company and the job as you can: in the job description, on the company website, on other websites, in social networks. Identify the skills that the company needs.
Study standard questions at job interviews. Think through your answers to questions about yourself and your skills and experience. Find illustrative examples to back up what you say.
Be prepared for odd and unusual questions that may seem out of place. Questions like "What's your favorite color?" or "How many people in the world are sleeping right now?" sound strange, but you can show your creativity and problem-solving ability in your answer.
Last but not least, don't be afraid to ask your employer questions . It's a chance to show your enthusiasm and knowledge of the company, and to see if the job is right for you. Ask about something that didn't come up earlier in your conversation.
You are now armed with information on how to answer questions during an interview and ready to get the position you want.
Good luck!
