Interview Techniques

Most people are nervous about being interviewed but there are things you can do to
improve your interview techniques.

The key to success is PREPARATION and this section will give you tips on how to
prepare for any interview.

Important things to remember about interviews:

• if you get to the interview stage the employer believes you can do the job – you
just need to confirm this!
• most interview questions can be predicted in advance so you can prepare and
rehearse your answers (see questions & answers)
• the interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself so be positive
• many interviewers are nervous too

TOP TEN TIPS

1. research – the company, the job, the sector
2. rehearse answers to likely questions
3. dress appropriately
4. arrive in plenty of time – plan your route in advance
5. breathe deeply, relax and smile
6. first impressions are vital so be confident and maintain eye contact
7. don’t criticise previous employers (no matter how tempting it is !)
8. listen carefully and don’t be afraid to ask for a question to be repeated
9. don’t tell lies – you’ll usually get found out
10. prepare, prepare, prepare

“What will they ask me?” is most people’s concern and although it is difficult to predict
interview questions exactly we have compiled a list of common questions and suggested
answers. These are split into managerial and non-managerial/general questions. We have
also included examples of questions you might want to ask at the end of an interview.
Once you have read these you might want to undertake a mock interview for a specific
job

General Managerial Questions

What are your strengths?
This is a chance for you to shine .Before the interview, list your strengths and think of a
work related example for each. For example, I am calm and enjoy working under
pressure – offer an example.I am flexible and can work to deadlines – demonstrate how
you are able to do this. It is one thing to state what your strengths are but another to
prove it to the interviewer.

How do you go about planning for large projects?

Effective planning requires both forward thinking (Who and what am I going to need to
get this job done?) and backward thinking ( If this job must be completed by the 20th
what steps need to be taken and at what time to achieve this)Effective planning requires
contingencies and awareness of budgets. Again, quote a particular example to
demonstrate your skills – keep it concise and straight to the point.

How would you handle a situation where your ideas are criticised?

You are being asked to say how you handle criticism and to detail your faults. Relate one
of those ’it seemed like a good idea at the time’ anecdotes, and finish with how you
handled the criticism.You could say: I listened carefully and resisted the temptation to
interrupt or defend myself.Then I fed back what I’d heard to make sure the facts were
correct. I asked for advice, we bounced some ideas around, then I came back later and re-
presented the idea in a more viable format.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Interviewers do not want to hear that eventually you would like to train as a deep sea
diver or set up your own business.They want to hear that you would like to be working
for their organisation, hopefully in a promoted post.An answer like this will demonstrate
your reliability and long term commitment.

What sort of salary are you looking for?

This apparently short and simple question is probably one of the most sensitive and
difficult questions to answer! You may either undersell yourself or price yourself out of
the market. If you are asked specifically to indicate a salary range, only do so if you have
already considered salary matters fully and you are confident and knowledgeable in this
area.Otherwise, it is preferable to make a general reply. Assuming that I am the
successful candidate, I would expect to negotiate an appropriate salary at a follow up
interview.I assume the company will offer a remuneration package in line with the
industry and I see no difficulty in coming to an agreement about salary and related
matters

General Non-Managerial Interview Questions

Can you tell me about your last job?
Do not say everything you did, but instead talk about areas of relevance to the job you are
applying for.If you are changing direction and cannot think of direct examples, then think
of how you could transfer your skills over to new position.This is a good opportunity to
sell yourself, so be sure to mention any achievements.

What did you like/dislike about your last job?

Do not be critical about your last employer as this could be a warning flag to the
interviewer that you could be a problem employee. Keep your answers short and positive,
highlight the things in your current job that you like which are similar to the kind of
things you will be doing in the job you are applying for.If the interviewer probes further
for something that you disliked then attempt to turn the negative into something
positive.For example, although I disliked undertaking menial tasks, I saw the relevance in
doing them whereby the tasks were only part of the wider picture of my responsibilities.

What would be your definition of excellent customer service?

Identifying what the customer wants and then providing it for them.

Measuring service by asking customers then reviewing your service.The interviewer

wants to hear that you are aware that the focus should be on the customers’ needs and not
your own. It may be a good idea to quote an example if you have one.

What characteristics do you think make someone a good team player?

Examples could be: willingness to contribute, listening skills, interpersonal skills,

perseverance, ability to see the wider picture for the benefit of the group, rather than
self.Again offer an example of how you are a good team player. Being a team player is
essential in any organisation regardless of what level the position is.Employers look for
people who are often good ‘all-rounders’ and will not disrupt the status quo of the already
established team.

Give an example of a positive change you have made in your working or personal
life?

This need not be a major change - it could be having decided to study, give up smoking,
take up a new hobby or an improvement made at work. The interviewer will be trying to
find out something about you as a person. The emphasis is on the positive regardless of
how important others may view it.

What have you been doing since you left your last job?

If you are unemployed, the interviewer will want to see that you have been constructively
filling your time.Mention any training courses for voluntary work you have been doing
and be prepared to give details.If you have not done anything, then you need to think of
something positive such as keeping yourself motivated and sticking to a routine even as
simple as getting up early and going for a walk or offering support to neighbours or
family. Although this may not be relevant to the position you are applying for, it
demonstrates that you have attempted to use your time constructively and remain active
and stimulated.

The Final Furlong - Have you any questions for me?

A good sign, the interview is probably drawing to a close - be careful not to blow it now.

Make sure you have thought of appropriate questions to ask. Possible examples could be:

• What would you consider to be the main challenges of the job in the next six
months?
• What system of performance appraisal is in operation within the company? What
type of training will be required?
• What opportunities are there for promotion?
• Find out why the job has become vacant.Was there a reorganisation?

Another good idea is to use the information you should have found out about the
Company to construct questions. e.g. ‘I read that you are expanding into Europe - are you
considering any further expansion in the next few months. How successful a move has
that been?’

If the interviewer answers all your potential questions during the interview, say so, rather
than awkwardly trying to make one up on the spot. Tell the interviewer that all the
questions you had and all the important issues have been covered

The 25 most difficult questions you'll be

asked on a job interview
Being prepared is half the battle.
If you are one of those executive types unhappy at your present post and
embarking on a New Year's resolution to find a new one, here's a helping
hand. The job interview is considered to be the most critical aspect of
every expedition that brings you face-to- face with the future boss. One
must prepare for it with the same tenacity and quickness as one does for a
fencing tournament or a chess match.

This article has been excerpted from "PARTING COMPANY: How to

Survive the Loss of a Job and Find Another Successfully" by William J.
Morin and James C. Cabrera. Copyright by Drake Beam Morin, inc.
Publised by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
 Morin is chairman and Cabrera is president of New York-based
Drake Beam Morin, nation's major outplacement firm, which has
opened offices in Philadelphia.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don't run
off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early
years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject.
Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

2. What do you know about our organization?

You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals,
problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don't act as if you know
everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do
some research, but don't overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to
learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: "In my job search, I've investigated a number
of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons..."

Give your answer a positive tone. Don't say, "Well, everyone tells me that you're in all
sorts of trouble, and that's why I'm here", even if that is why you're there.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

The deadliest answer you can give is "Because I like people." What else would you like-
animals?

Here, and throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your
homework so that you can speak in terms of the company's needs. You might say that
your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved
with, and that it's doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the
organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and
show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of
emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new
things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the
organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for
numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the
company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really
doesn't interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you
probably shouldn't be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching
places where you wouldn't be able -or wouldn't want- to function. Since most of us are
poor liars, it's difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it,
your prize is a job you don't really want.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right, and perhaps an obligation, to toot your own horn and be a bit
egotistical. Talk about your record of getting things done, and mention specifics from
your resume or list of career accomplishments. Say that your skills and interests,
combined with this history of getting results, make you valuable. Mention your ability to
set priorities, identify problems, and use your experience and energy to solve them.

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least
attractive about it?

List three or four attractive factors of the job, and mention a single, minor, unattractive
item.

6. Why should we hire you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your
energy. (See question 4.)

7. What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to opportunities at this organization. Talk about your desire to
perform and be recognized for your contributions. Make your answer oriented toward
opportunity rather than personal security.

8. Please give me your defintion of [the position for which you are being
interviewed].

Keep your answer brief and taskoriented. Think in in terms of responsibilities and
accountability. Make sure that you really do understand what the position involves before
you attempt an answer. If you are not certain. ask the interviewer; he or she may answer
the question for you.

9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our

firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your
own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect
to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

10. How long would you stay with us?

Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would
have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of,
"As long as we both feel achievement-oriented."

11. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too

experienced for this position. What's Your opinion?

Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and
say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up
for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced
executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so wellqualified, the
employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company
can never have too much talent.

12. What is your management style?

You should know enough about the company's style to know that your management style
will complement it. Possible styles include: task oriented (I'll enjoy problem-solving
identifying what's wrong, choosing a solution and implementing it"), results-oriented
("Every management decision I make is determined by how it will affect the bottom
line"), or even paternalistic ("I'm committed to taking care of my subordinates and
pointing them in the right direction").

A participative style is currently quite popular: an open-door method of managing in

which you get things done by motivating people and delegating responsibility.

As you consider this question, think about whether your style will let you work hatppily
and effectively within the organization.

13. Are you a good manager? Can you give me some examples? Do you feel
that you have top managerial potential?

Keep your answer achievementand ask-oriented. Rely on examples from your career to
buttress your argument. Stress your experience and your energy.

14. What do you look for when You hire people?

Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably
and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of
moving up in the organization.

15. Have you ever had to fire people? What were the reasons, and how did
you handle the situation?

Admit that the situation was not easy, but say that it worked out well, both for the
company and, you think, for the individual. Show that, like anyone else, you don't enjoy
unpleasant tasks but that you can resolve them efficiently and -in the case of firing
someone- humanely.

16. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager or
executive?

Mention planning, execution, and cost-control. The most difficult task is to motivate and
manage employess to get something planned and completed on time and within the
budget.

17. What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your
industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic
conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction
in which your business is heading.

18. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can without hurting yourself. Refer back to the
planning phase of your job search. where you considered this topic as you set your
reference statements. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so;
otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not
mention personality conflicts.

The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear
that you were terminated. The "We agreed to disagree" approach may be useful.
Remember hat your references are likely to be checked, so don't concoct a story for an
interview.

19. How do you feel about leaving all your benefits to find a new job?

Mention that you are concerned, naturally, but not panicked. You are willing to accept
some risk to find the right job for yourself. Don't suggest that security might interest you
more than getting the job done successfully.
20. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the
most? The least?

Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don't cite
personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may
wonder why you remained there until now.

21. What do you think of your boss?

Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him
in similar terms at some point in the future.

22. Why aren't you earning more at your age?

Say that this is one reason that you are conducting this job search. Don't be defensive.

23. What do you feel this position should pay?

Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for
as long as you can do so politely. You might say, "I understand that the range for this job
is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it."
You might answer the question with a question: "Perhaps you can help me on this one.
Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?"

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you
feel you need to know more about the position's responsibilities before you could give a
meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search
executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try
to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can
live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, "You know that I'm making $______
now. Like everyone else, I'd like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with
the job itself." Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make
you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary
question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells
you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and
would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be
offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject,
then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it
does not really matter, that you'll accept whatever is offered. If you've been making
$80,000 a year, you can't say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if
you've given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this
kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don't sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most
important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much
you want the job. Don't leave the impression that money is the only thing that is
important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the "final"
stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely
interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

24. What are your long-range goals?

Refer back to the planning phase of your job search. Don't answer, "I want the job you've
advertised." Relate your goals to the company you are interviewing: 'in a firm like yours,
I would like to..."

25. How successful do you you've been so far?

Say that, all-in-all, you're happy with the way your career has progressed so far. Given
the normal ups and downs of life, you feel that you've done quite well and have no
complaints.

Present a positive and confident picture of yourself, but don't overstate your case. An
answer like, "Everything's wonderful! I can't think of a time when things were going
better! I'm overjoyed!" is likely to make an interviewer wonder whether you're trying to
fool him . . . or yourself. The most convincing confidence is usually quiet confidence.