Job interviews are every job seeker’s worst nightmare. Your CV or Resume can be a good way to get your foot in the door but you need to ace the job interview to get the job.
Remember that you may initially be called up for a phone interview. This article will primarily focus on your second contact, where you will be asked more in depth questions in a classical interview format.
If you have passed this stage, congratulations! It means your CV or Resume, Cover Letter and first phone interview were top notch. But now you must start to put the charm offensive on.
How to introduce yourself in an interview
There is no real model for how an in person interview is conducted. If it is one or two interviewers simply introduce yourself and start with some small talk to settle everyone’s nerves. Make sure you smile and give an interested, firm but not crushing handshake.
If there is a jury your introduction should be more formal. You will simply state your name and they will ask you some opening questions. This formality is likely deliberately designed to see how you do under pressure.
Also, remember to turn up on time. Arrive near your location 20 minutes before and enter the building 5 minutes before. This should give you time to settle.
What are the most common interview questions and answers?
Questions that you are likely to receive in a job interview can be divided by categories. In general they relate to questions about your personality, questions about your education and training, questions about your previous careers, and then about the job and company you are applying to. You can also be asked technical questions to test your knowledge and training.
Questions about your personality largely consist of the “tell us about yourself” introductory question. This is to see if you are a right fit for the company culture. They will also ask about your strengths and weaknesses. In this section you should talk about anecdotes and experiences of weaknesses as well as say how your improving upon them.
Some other frequent questions include :
- “Do you prefer to work alone, in a small team or in a large team?” – Here you are expected to research in what way the company structure suits your way of working. It should not sound like you are just thinking about it now, nor asking them how they operate and then answering.
- “Tell me about a project you lead in your past experience?” – Have a story prepared where you were in a project and you needed to show leadership.
- “Describe our company as if it were to a stranger?” – Make sure you research the company structure and what its business model is. You need to describe what its function and key selling points are. Even if it a public institution or NGO you need to describe its function within its ecosystem.
- “What are your salary expectations?” Do market research and see what the average salary is paid here. Try to negotiate if you feel you are in a strong position with very little competition. But otherwise don’t haggle too much.
What are the most common interview mistakes?
The most common interview mistakes are usually related to nerves. Its important to let the interview take a lead and then slip into a natural conversation, and letting nerves subside.
Some people also struggle with explaining gaps in their CV or answering what their long term objectives are. In terms of long term objectives, even if it is not the case, its important to mention that you wish to be hired permanently and stay on as long as possible. You can read our guide to explaining gaps in your CV here.
Other tips for interviewing to get hired
You have to pay attention to many other things in an interview process. These are other things you need to consider :
- Proper attire for an interview : you must dress according to the expectations of the job. Dressing in a suit if it is an investment bank or high ranking government job. Overdressing is usually more tolerated than underdressing so don’t be afraid to use your fashion skills!
- Make sure you bring your CV and Cover Letter with you. You might also want to take a pen and paper but if nerves get the better of you
- Nerves can happen – the importance of practicing and finding a routine with interviews helps a great deal.
You may have to do several stages to get the job. This is part of your evaluation process. Just make sure at the end to re-iterate your motivation. First verbally, then by sending an email thanking them for considering you and looking forward to hearing from them.