For those having oral interview tomorrow/Tuesday with those that have mailed asking for likely interview questions, these should help...

Interview tips

An interview is essentially a discussion between you and a recruiter to find out if you are suitable for the job and the golden rule of any successful interview is to try to predict what the recruiters want to hear, then decide on how best to present it during the interview.

Typically, you must have been short listed for an interview by the companies human resources department, who after reading your cover letter and CV must have been impressed enough to want to meet you in person. Don't forget that it takes a lot of effort and hard work to get to the interview stage, so the last thing you want to do is blow your chances once you get there because no matter how many interviews people have been through they can still be stressful occasions right from the build up to the actual meeting and questioning.

So therefore, during an interview you should carefully note the following...

* Make sure you understand the question before answering it.
* Turn off your mobile phone.
* Don't use slang or argue with the interviewer.
* Keep the conversation relevant to the job, do not discuss religion or politics unless asked to.
* If you are nervous, then use breathing techniques to calm yourself down.
* Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview.

Interview preparation
Interview can be traumatic and preparing for them can be stressful, time consuming and hard work. However there is no other way around it, to give yourself the best chance of successfully getting through one you have to practice and prepare in detail.

Do this by trying to look at the situation from the point of the employer and interviewer. Read the job description in detail, (what sort of role are they trying to fill?). Second guess what sort of technical or work related questions are they likely to ask a candidate? You should always prepare your answers and have them ready and memorised.

Be confident in the knowledge that amongst all the other applications they have seen something in your CV writing that they like. They believe you are capable enough to do the job, and you have a real chance at being employed. However before they employ you they basically need more information from you. They will look to find your weaknesses and also your strengths to see which are most suited to the job, so be prepared for a tough grilling. During the interview always listen carefully to the question being asked of you, then give a relevant answer.

More tips...

Arrive the interview venue 30 minutes before the time given and dress smart.
Take a copy of the invitation letter with you.
Make sure you know your CV inside out, just in case your asked detailed questions about it.

When answering any technical or work related question try to give them a example a scenario you have been involved in that will help answer the question. A great interview technique is to assess your capabilities and strengths by writing them down and then analyzing them to see how relevant they are to the job description.

Typical interview questions....

Tell me more about yourself?
Do not reply by telling them trivial things like what you had for breakfast or who your favorite uncle is. Instead try to focus on points that show you in a positive light and relate to the job you are applying for. If they ask about your hobbies or what you do in your spare time, try to give examples that demonstrate your technical, social skills and ability to fit in with groups.

What do you like most about your present job?
Mention things in your current job that you are good at and can explain. Focus on customer or client satisfaction.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your present / previous job / career?
Have ready details of a project you completed successfully. For instance where you were put in charge of a department for a month or where you had to meet a deadline for a major customer.

Why are you applying for this job?
Answer along the lines that you are looking to further your career, or that you feel your skill sets and experience match perfectly with the job role. Also mention that you enjoy this particular type of work / role.

Another good point is to highlight some point that the company is particularly proud of. For instance they may have a brand or public image they are very proud of, in this case stress that you want to be working for their brand. Although you may not be able to use this technique with small companies.

How do you think you can benefit our company?
Refer back to the job requirements in the vacancy advert and then point by point illustrate how you can meet all of those requirements.

What do you think your greatest strength is?
Try not to be big headed by giving extravagant examples of what you think you are good at, for instance do not say that you are a workaholic, it will reflect badly on you. Below are some examples of what you could mention:

Communication - I have been told that my greatest strengths is my ability to communicate with work colleagues. I feel my interpersonal skills allow me to get along with people from all backgrounds by listening to their views and advice on important issues.

Able to prioritize - I believe one of my greatest strengths is my ability to prioritize my work. Ensuring that important tasks are done first so that all of my projects are completed on time.

Positive - I have a positive attitude to my work, a social life that helps me in challenging situations and also in finding solutions to problems. It also rubs off on my colleagues and I believe helps to keep them motivated.

Quick learner - I have a proven ability to be able to pick things up very quickly.

What do you think your greatest weakness is?
When telling an interviewer about a flaw you have, always mention at the end of it how you are doing something to fix your weakness. Never mention emotional problems or inability to socialize with people. Below are some examples of what you could mention:

Slowness - In the past I have been criticized for being slow completing projects. The reason for this is that I always want to make sure a job is done properly, however I am aware of the need for meeting deadlines and work extra hard to ensure all project deadlines are met.

Too friendly - Some people have criticized me in the past for being too friendly.

Have you applied to any other companies or vacancies?
Answer this by saying that their company is your preferred first choice and for this reason you have not applied to any other companies. If you have applied to other companies then only mention them if you have been invited to interviews, especially if they are large prestigious organizations. Do not mention those who have rejected you.

Where do you see yourself in say 5 years time?
Use this question to demonstrate your ambition and loyalty by reassuring them you want to stay with their company and not move on. The last thing an employer wants to hear is that you are only going to stay there temporarily until you see a better job somewhere else. For example...

I would see myself still with your company focusing on doing the job in hand. If opportunities for promotion do arise within the company I would consider applying for them, but that depends on the circumstances at the time. I want to remain with your company and become an expert in my field.

What motivates you?
Do not mention money or that you want to get promoted quickly. Instead focus on issues that benefit the company. For example...

I get satisfaction out of knowing that my customers are satisfied and happy with the service I give them. If given a task that I know will benefit my employer and also get my contribution noticed by my superiors, then I am motivated every day to ensure that the project is completed.

What is the most difficult decision you have had to make?
This is a opportunity for you to give a example of your ability to make tough decisions but also to show that you have feelings as well.

Have you got any questions you would like to ask us?
This is a opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in their company and products and services. Ask questions about their products or services that have been in the news recently, this will show them that you are up to date with company developments. Limit questions to career development and training opportunities.

Below are examples of questions you could ask:

Will I require special training, if so how will I get this?
Who will be my immediate manager, who am I responsible to?
Which staff will I be in charge of?
If I am successful when can I expect to hear from you?
Will I be working on my own or as part of a team?

What are your hobbies, or what do you do in your spare time?
Only mention genuine sociable hobbies that you know about. The last thing you want to do is mention that you build model aircraft and then be asked detailed questions about it that you can't answer!

Best of luck

And sincere apologies if you are suppose to receive your professional CV/cover letter today but haven't, you will by noon tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.

Cool tips.

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ashantemoore:
And sincere apologies if you are suppose to receive your professional CV/cover letter today but haven't, you will by noon tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.

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ashantemoore:
And sincere apologies if you are suppose to receive your professional CV/cover letter today but haven't, you will by noon tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.

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ashantemoore:
And sincere apologies if you are suppose to receive your professional CV/cover letter today but haven't, you will by noon tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.

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ashantemoore:
And sincere apologies if you are suppose to receive your professional CV/cover letter today but haven't, you will by noon tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.

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ashantemoore:
And sincere apologies if you are suppose to receive your professional CV/cover letter today but haven't, you will by noon tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.

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ashantemoore:
And sincere apologies if you are suppose to receive your professional CV/cover letter today but haven't, you will by noon tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.

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Well Written Post