An interview should be a two-way street. Obviously, the interviewer is using the interview process to evaluate you and your credentials to ascertain your suitability as an employee. But the job interview is also an important opportunity for you to evaluate how well the company and the position match your requirements. One of your job interview techniques should include preparing a series of well-thought out questions in advance of the interview. This will not only help you draw out the pertinent information you are seeking from your interviewer, but will also demonstrate your commitment and interest in the position at hand.
Do your research into the company and the vacant position before you create your question list. The best job interview questions are those that arise from this initial research while preparing for the interview. Always create your questions to suit the position and company. The following list of possible questions will provide you with some ideas to get you started thinking about potential interview questions you may want to consider asking.
- Fit for the Position
What are the most important skills and attributes a candidate needs to be successful in this position?
What are the characteristics of a successful employee in your organization?
Describe the work environment.
What are the challenging facets of the job?
What would be a typical work day in this position?
What is your management style?
What is your preferred method of communicating with your team?
What is the next step in the interviewing process?
- Company Culture
How would you describe your company culture?
What is the organizational structure of your department?
Who are the primary parties that you are responsible to support: shareholders, customers, employees, etc.? How do you go about making decisions when the needs of these groups are at odds with each other?
- Measures for Success
What are your expectations for new employee hires within their first 90 days on the job? Within the first six months?
How and when will my job performance be evaluated?
What metrics are used to measure whether or not you are achieving your predetermined goals?
How will my success in this position be measured?
How is success measured in this department (or organization)?
- The Future of the Organization
What is your vision for the organization (or department) over the next two years? Next five years?
What current major challenges are you facing as a manager?
What is the organization’s biggest challenge currently?
What is the organization’s competitive advantage in the marketplace?
Find out more information on preparing for your interview here
Learn more job interview techniques here
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Job Interview Techniques - Preparing For A Job Interview
Most people feel intimidated at an interview because in most cases they have never considered learning appropriate job interview techniques to help them cope. It’s a pressure situation where you only have the one chance to make a big impression. Preparation is the key to make you feel less intimidated and confident about your chances. If you prepare for the interview properly and do your homework, you could very well land the job of your dreams and never have to sit through another gruelling employment interrogation again!
Whether it is your first job after graduation, a planned career move, or just a part-time job for extra cash, if you really want to be successful you always need to be well prepared for the interview. A well written resume is a must to allow you to stand out from the crowd. A well-written resume and covering letter will guarantee you are one of the first to be called for a job interview. The process of interviews intimidates many, but to help take the pressure of yourself, you should look upon it as your opportunity to determine if you are suitable for the job and if this company is right for you. Keep in mind that being well prepared for an interview is as important as the interview itself, and creating a list of questions you would like answered is a vital part of your preparation.
From the first contact, you make with your prospective employer you will be assessed as a prospective employee. You will be evaluated on your level of professionalism, language, and interest in the position.
Do Not Leave Anything to Chance In Your Preparation
Many people find that preparing for the interview considerably reduces their feeling of being under pressure. Your preparation should leave nothing to chance, as you can be sure your prospective employer will be thoroughly prepared. You should have a specific plan of action:
• Before the interview, do some research so you know as much as possible about the company and its corporate objective and mission. Make sure your responses to questions asked by the interviewer are a good fit for the company.
• Ensure you are aware of the interview format: do you need to bring anything with you; will you be required to make a presentation, and how long is the interview likely to last.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion – be neat, tidy and professional. Aim for conservative not flashy.
• Find out how long your journey will take to the interview, and plan to get there at least 10 to 15 minutes early.
• Learn and rehearse your answers to possible questions.
• Try to be yourself. Relax. Remember these people want you to be the right person for the job.
• Carry extra copies of your resume, in case the interview panel needs a copy.
• Prepare your own set of questions to ask the employer. You want to know that this company is going to be right for you. Having your questions written down will demonstrate you have prepared for the interview and have serious intent. If you don’t have questions it will look as if you don’t care.
• Be well prepared to explain how your experience, education and skills will be an asset to the position you have applied for.
During Your Interview
Your demeanor should (and will) reflect your confidence. Your interviewer will be observing your body language. Greet everyone with a firm handshake and a confident smile. Wait to be invited to sit before taking a chair. Do not slouch in the chair and sit up. Don’t cross your arms – it is seen as a defensive attitude! When talking, smile and maintain eye contact. Know your interviewer(s) by name and address them appropriately.
When you are answering questions, try to be specific but succinct - try not to use long, rambling answers.
Post Interview Actions
When the interview is finished, thank everyone present and tell them how you have enjoyed being there and that you are still interested in being considered for the position. It is important to follow-up with a thank you letter that is short and brief. It should reiterate no more than 3 of your strongest skills that you can offer the employer. Telephone the employer and do not email them unless you have express permission. This will convey your interest for the job, and will demonstrate your follow up skills and enthusiasm for the job.
By including thorough pre-interview preparation as one of your job interview techniques you should be able to enter the interview with a good degree of confidence. The impression this will enable you to create with your confidence, poise and posture, along with your knowledge on the subject will be an opening for a follow up interview.
Click the following links to learn more about Job Interview Techniques
Whether it is your first job after graduation, a planned career move, or just a part-time job for extra cash, if you really want to be successful you always need to be well prepared for the interview. A well written resume is a must to allow you to stand out from the crowd. A well-written resume and covering letter will guarantee you are one of the first to be called for a job interview. The process of interviews intimidates many, but to help take the pressure of yourself, you should look upon it as your opportunity to determine if you are suitable for the job and if this company is right for you. Keep in mind that being well prepared for an interview is as important as the interview itself, and creating a list of questions you would like answered is a vital part of your preparation.
From the first contact, you make with your prospective employer you will be assessed as a prospective employee. You will be evaluated on your level of professionalism, language, and interest in the position.
Do Not Leave Anything to Chance In Your Preparation
Many people find that preparing for the interview considerably reduces their feeling of being under pressure. Your preparation should leave nothing to chance, as you can be sure your prospective employer will be thoroughly prepared. You should have a specific plan of action:
• Before the interview, do some research so you know as much as possible about the company and its corporate objective and mission. Make sure your responses to questions asked by the interviewer are a good fit for the company.
• Ensure you are aware of the interview format: do you need to bring anything with you; will you be required to make a presentation, and how long is the interview likely to last.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion – be neat, tidy and professional. Aim for conservative not flashy.
• Find out how long your journey will take to the interview, and plan to get there at least 10 to 15 minutes early.
• Learn and rehearse your answers to possible questions.
• Try to be yourself. Relax. Remember these people want you to be the right person for the job.
• Carry extra copies of your resume, in case the interview panel needs a copy.
• Prepare your own set of questions to ask the employer. You want to know that this company is going to be right for you. Having your questions written down will demonstrate you have prepared for the interview and have serious intent. If you don’t have questions it will look as if you don’t care.
• Be well prepared to explain how your experience, education and skills will be an asset to the position you have applied for.
During Your Interview
Your demeanor should (and will) reflect your confidence. Your interviewer will be observing your body language. Greet everyone with a firm handshake and a confident smile. Wait to be invited to sit before taking a chair. Do not slouch in the chair and sit up. Don’t cross your arms – it is seen as a defensive attitude! When talking, smile and maintain eye contact. Know your interviewer(s) by name and address them appropriately.
When you are answering questions, try to be specific but succinct - try not to use long, rambling answers.
Post Interview Actions
When the interview is finished, thank everyone present and tell them how you have enjoyed being there and that you are still interested in being considered for the position. It is important to follow-up with a thank you letter that is short and brief. It should reiterate no more than 3 of your strongest skills that you can offer the employer. Telephone the employer and do not email them unless you have express permission. This will convey your interest for the job, and will demonstrate your follow up skills and enthusiasm for the job.
By including thorough pre-interview preparation as one of your job interview techniques you should be able to enter the interview with a good degree of confidence. The impression this will enable you to create with your confidence, poise and posture, along with your knowledge on the subject will be an opening for a follow up interview.
Click the following links to learn more about Job Interview Techniques
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