Interview

You have made it to the interview.  Here are a few questions you may be asked.

Tell me about yourself?

Keep your answer brief.  Cover recent education and career experience.  Since this is often the opening question in an interview be careful that you don’t ramble on about personal matters.

What do you know about our organisation?

You should have done some research on the company prior to your interview.  Discuss their products, services, reputation or image. Show that you have taken the time and ask any questions you may have about the company.

What do you think are your strengths?

Briefly explain a strength you have that directly relates to the position. A strength is something you are good at and enjoy doing.

What do you think are your weaknesses?

This is one of those difficult interview questions.  The way you handle your response is very important.
An experienced interviewer will have heard just about every answer to this question and will know when you are ‘feeding them a line’.

•  Answer the question honestly
•  Chose a different weakness if your biggest one could cost you the job
•  Don’t avoid the question
•  Keep your answer brief
•  Never say “I don’t have a weakness”
•  Try to make a negative a positive.  Say what your weakness is, but also tell them what you
   are doing to fix it. E.g. Time/priority management is my weakness but I now use a diary
   and a To-Do list and this is working well.

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

Be brief, to the point, and as honest as you can be without hurting your chances. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback or the travel was too far, say so. 

What is your long term goal?

Relate your answer to the company whose representative is interviewing you.  If you tell them that one day you would like to become something other than what is on offer you may come across as too ambitious and unlikely to stay for a reasonable time in the position they want to fill.