Answering these questions well will help you nail your job interview
The ultimate preparation guide before an interview...
We have been taken away at the amount of content online these days put forth by recruiters and management.
With the overflowing amount of tips, tricks, advice, and so forth, it has certainly left us feeling more learned in terms of what to expect and what to do during an interview.
Now we are not blindingly advising you to follow these without integrating your personal touch, but we are hoping that this information will help provide you with a foundation of knowledge.
This list of five questions have been selected off a list of questions that were put together by The Department of Education and the Central University of Technology Free State (CUT).
The aim? To help interviewees with the necessary knowledge they require to answer questions both efficiently and smartly.
This starter question is a common favourite and is definitely something that sets the tone for the rest of the interview.
1. Tell me about yourself?
"Divide this question into three parts: past activities – 10%; current information (present activities) – 80%; and future activities – 10%.
- Past: Talk about your educational background. Explain why you chose a certain university and why you chose the course you studied.
- Present: Focus on what makes you different from all the other candidates and on your suitability for the job in question. Showcase your skills, achievements and experience, and the lessons you have learnt from this experience, your leadership skills/positions, academic performance, community service, etc. Do not only mention what you did but explain why you did it and what you have learnt from doing it.
- Future: Indicate your availability, and explain how your interest aligns with what the company is offering and why you applied for a position at that company." (Business Tech)
2. What do you know about our company?
This can be a make or break question, depending on how you respond. Now it pays to always, always be prepared. So research the company, take note of some key details that you relate with in the company, so you can personalise your answer.
3. What are your strengths?
Now, many interviewees mistake this to share qualities rather than actually focusing on your skill set. The same skill set that will help you fulfil the job's role.
Use this opportunity to remain humble, but don't sell yourself short.
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4. What is your greatest weakness?
Most would answer saying they do not have any weakness, thinking that is what the interviewer wants to hear. But that's so far off the truth.
You should evaluate what weakness you are currently working on and steer clear from skills that are not critical for the interviewing position. Don't share too much, and remember being prepared helps with rambling. Stick to keeping it concise and open.
5. Why are you the best candidate?
It can be easy to sell yourself too much here, because you are trying too hard, but remember that you shouldn't come across as begging for the job. As much as it is difficult to get a job these days, standing firm for your wants and needs is also important.
If you settle, you may end up being in an unhappy work environment.
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