Answering Interview Questions

Interviews can be a worrying experience. The best way to overcome over active nerves is to do some research and be prepared.

Remember, the better prepared you are, the more thorough answers you are able to provide and the more confident you will be.

Some simple practical advice on answering interview questions is to be brief and to the point. Practice your answers with the "Saying A Few Words" acronym.

• S- make aStatement
• Amplify that statement
• F- provide aFew examples
• W-Wrap it up

Remember to be specific with your examples.

Be Prepared. Conduct extensive research about the organisation and the role. Learn about the products, services, revenues, image, management style, problems, people, history and philosophy.

Know exactly what your strengths are (your ability, experience, energy and skills) and your weaknesses. Make sure you translate your weakness to strength.

Know your accomplishments well.

When providing a brief background about you, be brief and cover 4 topics; early years, education, work history and recent career experience.

Never mention personality conflict as a reason for leaving your previous employer. Be as honest as possible without harming yourself. Remember your references are likely to be checked.

Say as little about salary until you reach the final stage of the interview process. When the timing is appropriate, do not sell yourself short but emphasize that the job itself is more important. Link questions of salary to work itself and to specific achievements.

Always ask questions about the company and about the role.

Ask for the job. Make sure the interviewer knows well that you are interested in the position.

Asking questions in a interview

Sample questions you might ask in your interview?

• Why is this position available?
• Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?
• What happened to the person that held this position before?
• What is the single biggest problem you/the department/the company face by not having someone in this
• role right now?
• How many people have held this position in the last four years?
• How long have you worked here?
• What attracted you to the company when you joined?
• What do you like about working here?
• With whom will I be working most closely?
• What kind of staff turnover rate does the company have?
• What projects and assignments will I be working on?
• How would you describe the company's culture?
• What do you consider to be the company's strengths and weaknesses as an employer?
• What are the most challenging aspects of the position?
• What are the opportunities for training and professional development?
• Will I receive any formal training?
• What is the company's promotional policy?
• Are there opportunities for advancement within the organisation?
• When can I expect to hear from you?
• Above all, if you are interested in the position, let the interviewer know this at the end of the interview. Sounds simple, but everybody wants to hire candidates that want to work for their organisations.