helpful hints for the 'Interview"

BEAT · 29-08-2002 4:03pm #1

Nonverbal Communications
Escape the Pitfalls
by Carole Martin

It begins even before you say your first word in an interview. By the time the interviewer walks toward you, an opinion is already being formed. There you sit waiting to spew out your answers to questions you've prepared for, while you are already being judged by your appearance, posture, smile or nervous look.

A study done at UCLA a few years ago revealed that the impact of a performance was based on 7 percent of the words used, 38 percent on voice quality and 55 percent on nonverbal communication.

Look back at speakers or teachers you've listened to. Which ones stand out as memorable? The ones who were more animated and entertaining or the ones who just gave out information? This is not to say you have to entertain the interviewer (no jokes, please), but it does mean the conversation should be more interactive. If you say you are excited about the prospect of working for this company but don't show any enthusiasm, your message will probably fall flat. So smile, gesture once in a while, show some energy and make the experience more pleasurable for both sides.

Nonverbal Pitfalls to Watch For:

The handshake: It's your first encounter with the interviewer. He holds out his or her hand and receives a limp, damp hand in return -- not a very good beginning. Your handshake should be firm -- not bone-crushing -- and your hand should be dry and warm. Try running cold water on your hands when you first arrive at the interview site. Run warm water if your hands tend to be cold. The insides of your wrists are especially sensitive to temperature control.

Your posture: Stand and sit erect. We're not talking "ramrod" posture, but show some energy and enthusiasm. A slouching posture looks tired and uncaring. Check yourself out in a mirror or on videotape.

Eye contact: Look the interviewer in the eye. You don't want to stare, as this shows aggression. Occasionally, and nonchalantly, glance at the interviewer's hand as he is speaking. By constantly looking around the room while you are talking, you convey a lack of confidence or discomfort with what is being discussed.

Your hands: Gesturing or talking with your hands is very natural. Getting carried away with hand gestures can be distracting. Also, avoid touching your mouth while talking. Watch yourself in a mirror while talking on the phone. Chances are you are probably using some of the same gestures in an interview.
Don't fidget: There is nothing worse than someone playing with his or her hair, clicking a pen top, tapping a foot or unconsciously touching parts of the body.
Preparing what you have to say is important, but practicing how you will say it is imperative. The nonverbal message can speak louder than the verbal message you are sending.

Victor · 14-10-2002 6:09pm

hints at http://www.nrc.ie/applicant.html

Victor · 06-11-2002 7:35pm

Seen on a PC in DNC.

Interview Tip 1: Plan Ahead - Do a little homework! Research the company and the position if possible, as well, the people you will meet with at the interview. Review your work experiences. Be ready to support past career accomplishments with specific information targeted toward the companies needs. Have your facts ready!
Interview Tip 2: Role Play - Once you have finished studying, begin role playing (rehearsing). Use the general questions provided below in the Interview Preparation Area. Write down answers if it helps to make your presentation more concise. Try to keep your answers to the information your new employer will want to know.
Interview Tip 3: Eye Contact - Maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Show you want the job with your interest.

Interview Tip 4: Be Positive - In particular, avoid negative comments about past employers.
Interview Tip 5: Adapt - Listen and adapt. Be sensitive to the style of the interviewer. Pay attention to those details of dress, office furniture, and general decor which will afford helpful clues to assist you in tailoring your presentation.
Interview Tip 6: Relate - Try to relate your answers to the interviewer and his or her company. Focus on achievements relevant to the position.
Interview Tip 7: Encourage - Encourage the interviewer to share information about his or her company. Demonstrate your interest. Some suggested questions to ask the interviewer are provided in the "Questions You Could Consider Asking the Employer" section.
Below are questions you may be asked in the interview
Back to Top - Next Interview Area - Bottom of Page
1. Tell me about yourself? (try to hold your response to 2 minutes)
2. What do you know about our company?
3. Why should we hire you?
4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?
5. What do you look for in a job?
6. What skills and qualifications are essential for success in the position of ______?
7. How long would it take for you to make a meaningful contribution?
8. How does this assignment fit into your overall career plan?
9. Describe your management style.
10. What do you believe is the most difficult part of being a supervisor of people?
11. Why are you looking for a new career?
12. How would your colleagues describe you?
13. How would your boss describe you?
14. How would you describe yourself?
15. What do you think of your present or past boss?
16. What were the five most significant accomplishments in your last assignment?
17. What were the five most significant accomplishments in your career so far?
18. Can you work well under deadlines or pressure?
19. How much do you expect if we offer you this position?
20. Why do you want to work for us?
21. What other positions are you considering?
22. Have you kept up in your field with additional training?
23. What are your career goals?
24. What are your strong points?
25. What are your weak points?
26. How did you do in school?
27. What position do you expect to have in 2 to 5 years?
28. If you took the job what would you accomplish in the first year?
29. What was wrong with your current or last position?
30. What kind of hours are you used to working or would like to work?
31. Do you have your reference list with you? (Remember don't give it out unless it is asked for).
32. Can you explain your salary history?
33. What questions didn't I ask that you expected?
34. Do you have any question for me? (See Questions for the Interviewer that you might want to ask below).
Interview Preparation Area 2.
Below are questions you may want to ask the Interviewer

Back to Top - Back to Middle of Page - Bottom of Page
1. Why is this position open?
2. How often has it been filled in the past five years? What were the main reasons?
3. What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this position?
4. What are some of the objectives you would like to see accomplished in this job?
5. What is most pressing? What would you like to have done in the next 3 months.
6. What are some of the long term objectives you would like to see completed?
7. What are some of the more difficult problems one would have to face in this position?
8. How do you think these could best be handled?
9. What type of support does this position receive in terms of people, finances. etc?
10. What freedom would I have in determining my own work objectives, deadlines, and methods of measurement?
11. What advancement opportunities are available for the person who is successful in this position, and within what time frame?
12. In what ways has this organization been most successful in terms of products and services over the years?
13. What significant changes do you foresee in the near future?
14. How is one evaluated in this position?
15. What accounts for success within the company?
16. These questions are presented only as interviewing guidelines. They are meant to help you prepare for the interview. Some questions may or may not be appropriate for your interviewing situation.
17. By practicing your responses to some of these questions, hopefully you will not be taken off guard if asked one of them. Most importantly, relax, go with the flow, and before you know it, you'll be in your next job.

Victor · 06-11-2002 7:40pm

1. Tell me about you! Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble. Use your resume summary as a base to start.

2. What do you know about our company? Do your homework before the interview! Spend some time online or at the library researching the company. Find out as much as you can, including products, size, income, reputation, image, management talent, people, skills, history and philosophy. Project an informed interest; let the interviewer tell you about the company.

3. Why do you want to work for us? Don't talk about what you want; first, talk about their needs: You would like to be part of a specific company project; you would like to solve a company problem; you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.

4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't? Relate past experiences that show you've had success in solving previous employer problem(s) that may be similar to those of the prospective employer.

5. What about the job offered do you find the most attractive? Least attractive? List three or more attractive factors and only one minor unattractive factor.

6. Why should we hire you? Because of your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills.

7. What do you look for in a job? An opportunity to use your skills, to perform and be recognized.

8. Please give me your definition of a .... (the position for which you are being interviewed). Keep it brief -- give an action- and results-oriented definition.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm? Not long at all -- you expect only a brief period of adjustment to the learning curve.

10. How long would you stay with us? As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing, etc

1. You may be overqualified for the position we have to offer. Strong companies need strong people. A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its employees' talents. Emphasize your interest in a long-term association, pointing out that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required.

2. What is your management style? (If you've never thought about this, it's high time you did.) "Open-door management" is best ... And you get the job done on time or inform your management.

3. Are you a good manager? Give an example. Why do you feel you have top managerial potential? Keep your answer achievement- and task-oriented; emphasize management skills -- planning, organizing, interpersonal, etc.

4. What do you look for when you hire people? Skills, initiative, adaptability.

5. Did you ever fire anyone? If so, what were the reasons and how did you handle it? Give a brief example of a time when you faced this, and stress that it worked out well.

6. What do you see as the most difficult task in being a manager? Getting things planned and done on time within the budget.

7. What do your subordinates think of you? Be honest and positive...they can check your responses easily.

8. What is your biggest weakness as a manager? Be honest and end on a positive note, e.g. "I don't enjoy reprimanding people, so I try to begin with something positive first."

What important trends do you see in our industry? Keep your answer to two or three trends.

Tough Interview Questions
If You Are Leaving a Job

1. Why are you leaving your present job? Refine your answer based on your comfort level and honesty. Give a "group" answer if possible, e.g. our department was consolidated or eliminated.

2. How do you feel about leaving all of your benefits? Concerned but not panicked.

3. Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment. One in which people are treated as fairly as possible.

4. How would you evaluate your present firm? It's an excellent company that afforded me many fine experiences.

Tough Interview Questions
Quantifying Your Experience and Accomplishments

1. How have you helped increase sales? Profits? Explain in some detail, citing figures and specific examples.

2. Have you helped reduce costs? How? Describe in some detail with specifics.

3. How much money did you account for? Give examples as to your responsibilities. Explain how the budget was determined, and your role in overseeing your department's portion.

4. How many people did you supervise on your last job? Explain the structure of your department and your role as manager.

5. Do you like working with figures more than words? Be honest but positive.

6. In your current or last position, what features did you like the most? Least? Be honest but put a positive spin on your least favorite duties.

7. In your current or last position, what are or were your five most significant accomplishments? Refer to the key accomplishments already identified on your resume

Tough Interview Questions
Job Search Questions

1. Why haven't you found a new position before now? Finding a job is easy; finding the right job is more difficult. Stress that you are being selective, and are looking for the right "fit."

2.Had you thought of leaving your present position before? If so, what do you think held you there? Explain that your job is no longer challenging and that you feel your talents are best used elsewhere.

3. What do you think of your boss? Be as positive as you can, even if you don't really believe it.

4.Would you describe a situation in which your work was criticized? Be as positive as you can and emphasize what you learned from the situation.

5. What other types of jobs or companies are you considering? Keep your answer related to this company's field, and don't give out specific company names.

Tough Interview Questions
Your Work Habits and Style

1. If I spoke with your previous boss, what would he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Emphasize your skills, and don't be overly negative about your weaknesses. It's always safer to identify a lack of a skill as an area for improvement rather than a shortcoming.

2. Can you work under pressures, deadlines, etc.? Yes, it's a way of life in business. Be sure to cite examples of your success.

3. How have you changed the nature of your job? Explain how you have improved the efficiency, productivity, and the like.

4. Do you prefer staff or line work? Why? It depends on the job and its challenges.

5. In your present position, what problems have you identified that had previously been overlooked? Keep it brief and don't brag.

6. Do you feel you might be better off in a different size company? Different type company? It depends on the job -- elaborate slightly.

7. How do you resolve conflict on a project team? Explain that communication is important, and that you would first you discuss the issues privately.

8. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make? Try to relate your response to the prospective employment situation

Tough Interview Questions
Salary Questions

1. How much are you looking for? Answer with a question, e.g., "What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company?" If the interviewer doesn't answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace. Check out Monster.com's Salary Center.

2. How much do you expect, if we offer this position to you? Be careful; the market value of the job may be the key answer, e.g., "My understanding is that a job like the one you're describing may be in the range of $______." 3.What kind of salary are you worth? Have a specific figure in mind…don't be hesitant.

Tough Interview Questions
Personality Questions
1. Do you generally speak to people before they speak to you? It depends on the circumstances.

2.What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended? Talk about books, sports or films to show that you have balance in your life.

3. What is the toughest part of a job for you? Be honest. Remember, not everyone can do everything.

4. Are you creative? Yes. Give examples that relate to your current job.

5. How would you describe your own personality? Balanced is a good word to use, but remember the type of company you are interviewing at. Some companies may want someone who is aggressive and a go-getter.

6. Are you a leader? Absolutely! Cite specific examples using your current job as a reference point.

7. What are your future goals? Avoid, "I would like the job you advertised." Instead, give long-range goals.

8. What are your strengths? Present at least three and relate them to the company and job you are interviewing for.

9. What are your weaknesses? Don't say that you don’t have any. Try not to cite personal characteristics as weaknesses, but be ready to have one if the interviewer presses. Turn a negative into a positive answer: "I am sometimes intent on completing an assignment and get too deeply involved when we are late."

Tough Interview Questions
Your Career Goals

1. If you could start your career again, what would you do differently? Nothing ... I am happy today, so I don't want to change my past.

2. What career options do you have at the moment? "I see three areas of interest..." Relate those to the position and industry.

3. How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition of success, how successful have you been so far? Think carefully about your answer and relate it to your career accomplishments.

Promo · 07-01-2003 1:51pm

Check out the "Tough Interview questions...." link on this page

http://www.reed.co.uk/ie/cgi-bin/careerAdvice.asp

BEAT · 15-01-2003 7:35pm

http://editorial.careers.msn.com/articles/iq/

vorbis · 11-06-2004 12:24am

just a quick hint. If the company is in any way large, type their name into google news. I find that interviewers are reasonably impressed if you are able to say something about the current state of affairs in the company.

Ruu_Old · 03-04-2005 4:21pm

this has been very helpful to me

ill be moving in 3 weeks to America so the task is a bit daunting but i'll try my best is all i can do. thanks

CV Specialist · 26-08-2005 9:29pm

This interview tip sheet, focusing on pre-interview research and interviewer profiling, should also be of assistance to you...

daveg · 24-02-2006 8:30am

Most job interviewers first want to know your vision of the ideal job and boss, followed by the reason for your current search. Interviewers also want to see how quickly you can think on your feet and can recover from unexpected questions. After those, most said they ask about unique qualifications or experiences that separate you from other candidates.
Then, it's time to describe yourself. Employers want to delve beyond the candidate’s "hard skills" showcased in the CV.
Among the other top 15 queries:
· What are your short-term/long-term goals?
It is important to know if the candidate is just looking for a filler job to pay the rent, seeking growth within the company, or perhaps wishing to pursue a graduate degree.
· What are the best and worst aspects of your previous job?

· What do you know about our company?

· What would your former boss/colleagues say about you?
According to interviewers, it is easy to ask a candidate what they consider to be their strengths and weaknesses but when you ask them to answer this from someone else's point of view it makes them think more.
· Why are you looking for a job? Why are leaving your current position?
Common Acceptable Reasons for Leaving:
· Looking for a new challenge
· Current employer is downsizing
· Current employer is relocating
· Advancement opportunities are very limited with current employer
· Business is poor and the company’s financial situation is looking insecure
· Relocating to be with a significant other
Common Reasons that Send Up "Red Flags":
· Fired from recent position
· Personality conflicts with colleagues
· It is only about more money
So, while you're nervous and focused on keeping your foot far from your mouth, remember that most recruiters aren't asking you to confirm factual data. They tend to ask open-ended questions about subjective matters, hoping to reveal as much of your personality as possible.

Examples of questions to ask at your job interview:
· How would you describe a typical workday?
· What is the best part of working at this company for you?
· Does the company support ongoing training and education for employees to keep their skills up-to-date?
· What are the typical responsibilities and duties of this job?
· What skills are considered most useful for success in this job?
· How many people work in this particular department?
· What areas of the department do you think need improving?
· What parts of the job need improvement compared to how it's been handled to date?
· What is your company’s corporate culture?

· What are the company’s values?
· How would you characterise the management philosophy of this company? Of your department?
· What is the company’s policy on transfers to other divisions or other offices?
· Assuming I was hired and performed well as a … for a number of years, what possible opportunities might this lead to?
· I have noticed in the trade press that your company has a terrific reputation in marketing. What are the major insights into the marketing process that I might gain from this position?
Don't ask about …
Don't ask about company benefits, such as health-care plans. Be sure to save your questions about salary, benefits, and related issues for later, after you receive an offer. You will still be free to negotiate - or to decline the position - at that point.
And don’t ask questions where the answer is obvious or readily available - or when the topic has already been thoroughly discussed in the interview.
Ending the interview
ALWAYS end the interview with, "I am very interested in the position. What are the next steps to take?" Also ask when a decision will be made on filling the position and whether there'll be another round of interviews. "I would really like to work for your company. I think it's a great company and I am confident I could do this job well. What is the next step of the selection process?"

cerebis · 17-10-2006 3:53pm

some of the links above are not working...can someone do a clean up????

Jvizzle · 18-10-2006 10:04am

** The following I use for IT Interviews, but it can be used to ALL interviews **

Im a poor interviewee, I find I get myself very nervous before, but I have found :

You are at the interview because the hiring staff believe you have the skills to be there. All they want you to do is to run over your CV and see if the skills you have match the skills they require. So pick out the points on your CV that they are looking for and concentrate on these points.

I find the next bit the winner, be personalable, as I said above they will know you have the skills, so the next part is to see if they can work with you and that you arent going to clash with current employees.

To do this have knowledge of the company you are going to, have knowledge of thier products, ask questions about thier products and seem interested in thier work.

Once you start asking questions, both the interviewer and yourself will become more relaxed, as they are on familiar ground and your not feeling that your being interigated. This is the part where you can show them you can be proffesional, knowledgable and easy to talk to.

This will lead into you being able to ask the questions you require and also allow you to control the flow of the interview, for a while anyway. I feel that this gives you a good flowing interview, shows the people who are interviewing that you are willing to take control of your situation.

As you leave thank them for thier time, tell them you very interested in the company and that you look forward to hearing from them. Shake thier hand and leave.

- Sit back and wait for the phone to ring.

tasky · 09-11-2006 11:26am

could anyone answer the sample questions so we have a guide on how to answer them? thanks

victor8600 · 16-04-2007 7:41pm

A small, but I believe a very important point:
Expect to have to explain any word in your CV.
Especially if your CV is an updated version of your old CV, you may forget why you put this particular skill/experience. The best would be to go through the CV and prepare short stories about each sentence

stephanie28 · 31-10-2007 8:12pm

Oh, goodie.....so many interview tips!!! I liked the ones referring to how to answer some interview questions. Also, the ones referring to verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal items. People have the tendency to believe all these are not important but they can actually make you lose a great opportunity.

Heisenberg. · 07-03-2008 11:05am

This post has been deleted.

goods · 26-03-2008 9:26pm

http://crackinterview.info/64Answers.htm

windy · 28-03-2008 2:39pm

my company do a tip sheet/interview tracking sheet for free.

PM me and I'll mail it to anyone who wants it

W

Hitchhiker's Guide to... · 28-03-2008 4:37pm

windy wrote: »

my company do a tip sheet/interview tracking sheet for free.

PM me and I'll mail it to anyone who wants it

W

I'm presuming this isn't spam based on your other posts. Although i'm guessing that people should be conscious that they may end up on a recruitment company mailing list (AFR on Grafton Street, i think?)

windy · 30-03-2008 2:52pm

Thats us Round!!!!

We are currently doing a new website and you will be able to download it without any email address etc being given over, but thats at least a few weeks away.....

CSC · 29-06-2008 6:24pm

I empathise with the Scientist, I must've heard the perfectionist line a hundred times when I use to interview.
When giving a weakness/development area always be honest but say what you are doing to overcome it. For example someone once told me that their weakness was presentation skills but to improve this they had done a presentation skills course, joined Toastmasters and volunteer to do presentations in their current role. This shows the interviewer that you are aware what your development area is but you are actively trying to get better at it.

Baldie · 17-09-2008 2:20pm

What documentation should one bring into the interview? A copy of your CV? Written refrences? Any diplomas or certificates fro many courses done??

Eric_85 · 23-09-2008 9:58am

In order to add more media to the preparation, youtube offers a nice sizeable collection of Interview Tips:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Interview+Tips&search_type=&aq=f

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYl-EMkYVHU

Xiney · 28-09-2008 9:42am

I gave the interview of my life on Wednesday - and I got the job.

The most important thing I did, imo, was look down at my papers until I was called or until the interviewer came into the room, and immediately upon looking up, give a huge smile, as if I was really happy to be there. (I mean, I was, but I wanted to transmit that!)

Seriously. Practice smiling on command - it won't get you the job if you're not qualified, but in this economic climate, it'll help set you apart from the other candidates.

CSC · 30-09-2008 8:15pm

Xiney wrote: »

I gave the interview of my life on Wednesday - and I got the job.

The most important thing I did, imo, was look down at my papers until I was called or until the interviewer came into the room, and immediately upon looking up, give a huge smile, as if I was really happy to be there. (I mean, I was, but I wanted to transmit that!)

Seriously. Practice smiling on command - it won't get you the job if you're not qualified, but in this economic climate, it'll help set you apart from the other candidates.

This is true to a certain extent. I used to interview all the time and for the most part people only hire people they like. By smiling you become instantly likeable and get off to a great start in the interview.

She Devil · 27-10-2008 10:33pm

Thanks for the tips guys, i have an interview tomorrow, I am so nervous as i am generally weak at bigging myself up. I am so prepared though, i've been practising for a week, the thing is i know i can do the job, its just telling them that i can is my weakness

Wish me luck ...

CSC · 27-10-2008 10:48pm

Good luck! Don't let nerves get in the way of you getting the job. You know you can do it, your task tomorrow is to convince the interviewers.

You only have one chance to sell yourself - don't be modest.

Climate Expert · 27-10-2008 10:52pm

If you are the real deal then the interview will be a breeze. If you are stretching to get the job then its a matter of luck that you peform.

bmcgov86 · 29-10-2008 10:52pm

smile:)

deisemum · 04-11-2008 5:23pm

I got a phonecall today and have my first interview since February 1990. I got that job and worked there for nearly 7 years until I moved back to Ireland.

For the past 8+ years I've been working at home as a notified childminder. I'm just concerned that employers wouldn't be interested in someone who's worked in the home.

ROCKMAN · 26-11-2008 2:17pm

Sorry mods delete if i'm in the wrong forum .

Is a long interview a good sign ? (55 mins )

Ps Thank you all posters for hints and good advice I pick up here.

helpful hints for the 'Interview"

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