Problem solver, Creative and Works well under pressure.
These are key personality traits employers will be seeking no matter what position they’re hiring for—and chances are, your resume probably already showcases them. To demonstrate at an interview that you are the right fit at a role, interview preparation is vital.
Here are some (very real) interview questions that might be in your future and how to answer them:
1) Tell me about yourself; This is a commonly asked interview question designed to break the ice.
A strong, succinct answer will quickly gain the interviewer’s attention and separate you from other candidates who may be tempted to divulge their life story. Give a brief, concise description of who you are and your key qualifications, strengths and skills. Tailoring your answer to the role offered by declaring the strongest benefit that you offer an employer will leave the interviewer compelled to know more.
2) What Are Your Greatest Weaknesses? The interviewer is trying to gauge your self-awareness. We all have weaknesses, so it’s best not to say you don’t have any. Avoid using the word ‘weakness’ and instead talk about an ‘area for improvement’ that is not vital for the job, or specify a ‘challenge’ that you are working to overcome. Demonstrating a willingness to develop yourself and face challenges turns the answer into a positive.
3) What Have Been Your Achievements to Date? The interviewer wants to know if you are a high-achiever and ascertain how your accomplishments will be beneficial to them. Select one or two recent accomplishments that are directly related to the job offered. Identify the situations, the actions you took, skills you used and the positive outcomes, quantifying the benefits where possible. Show how you can bring what you learned to the new role.
4) How would your friends describe you? The best way to find out is to ask them now–or pose the question on Facebook and let everyone chime in. Choose replies that would work well in a job setting, such as “dependable” or “trustworthy.” As a bonus, you get a peek into what the people around you really see as your best side.
5) What Are Your Goals For The Future? A sense of purpose is an attractive feature in an applicant, so this question is designed to probe your ambition and the extent of your career planning. Your commitment is also under question, but avoid blankly stating, “I want to be with your company.” Instead, describe how your goal is to continue to grow, learn, add value and take on new responsibilities in the future that build on the role for which you are applying.
For more information on upcoming interview skills courses which will ensure you stand out from the crowd, contact us today:
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