Interview Presentation
You hear all sorts of rules about job interview success:
Not bad, as far as rules go: some of them make perfect sense. However, getting the job you want is not about following rules or giving the ‘right’ interview answer. It is about presenting yourself in the most authentic way that takes care of you and the interviewers at the same time. So many people chuck their chances away: they do not take enough care and interview preparation time so that the whole process is enjoyable, stimulating and informative for both parties. |
Your First Opportunity: Getting The Interview
| If you want the job, chances are so do about a million other eager people, so your application has to stand out from the crowd. British CVs are usually dull and boring, and people create them as historical documents, rather than as marketing tools. You can boost your chances of getting an interview by making your CV look and ‘sound’ special.
Use good paper, design a personal logo, and fiddle with the layout to make it easy on the eyes. Edit it ruthlessly. People always put in too much detail. Highlight the bits that relate to the job you are going for. They do not need to know you went to St Mary’s School when you were 12! Put ‘who you are now’ at the beginning of your CV, and leave education and qualifications for the end. If you do not have what you think are the right educational qualifications, do not worry. Just leave them off. If you include enough interesting and intriguing material about who you are now, what you did not do is far less important. I recommend a short paragraph at the beginning that says something about your personal qualities and your business skills. A short statement about what you are seeking can also go down a treat. |
As we know, a job for life is so rare nowadays, that eclectic, unusual and even inconsistent CVs are OK as long as they are presented well.
Even if you think your current job stinks, look at the good points as though you were looking at it from the outside in. Most jobs appear much better from the outside than they do from the inside (only you know the real truth); so pump up the goodies and soft-pedal the baddies!
So that worked. You have the Interview; now what?
Preparing For a Job Interview
Here is the key and the most important thing to remember when preparing for interview.
Before you go through the door, tell yourself that unless they are simply going through the motions because they have already appointed someone, they want it to be you.
They want to know their search is over, so for the length of the interview, the job is yours. You need to make the most of it.
Having said that, first impressions are incredibly important. Be yourself right from the start, turning up the volume on those bits of you that most match the job; turning down the volume on the bits that do not. However, never ever shut the volume off entirely, as you will then be pretending to be someone you are not – a sure recipe for disaster.
Not a good idea to lie! You can be judicious with the truth, but lies have a tendency to return and bite you in the bum! Even if they do not know you have lied, you will be giving out signals that are a give-away that something is wrong.
Being put on the spot can feel very uncomfortable, and it is easy to fall into a defensive posture. If you’re not sure of answering interview questions or feel boxed into a corner it’s all right to buy time – including saying ‘I need some time to think about that.’ No matter how nervous you are, you do need to look at the people interviewing you. Show that you know how to communicate and relate to people: ask surprising questions. Have a stockpile of question to ask at interview and anecdotes of past triumphs (and even a few disasters, as long as their funny or humorous side is apparent). This is not just a list of what you can do, but some personal examples that paint the whole picture.
There are no right answers to job interview questioning. In fact, a good interview question is one that allows you a chance to talk about yourself.
Job Interview Follow-up
| At the end of your interview, if you have not been advised, ask when they think they will be making their decision. At least then you will know how long you will have to wait before you hear.
Many places do not automatically let people know if they do not have the job; so one follow-up call is allowable. More than that and it can feel like badgering. No matter how badly you think the interview went, if you want the job, always send a follow-up interview thank you letter. Since most of us think of clever things to say after the fact, include one or two of those, referring to something specific from the interview. Use phrases such as:
If you do not get the job and you are curious why not, phone up and get some feedback. It may help you for the next interview. |
Successful Interviews
When you are invited to an interview, you can feel confident that the prospective employer has viewed your CV, and therefore you, in a positive light. This might sound obvious, but you should take a moment to consider the implications: the person you are going to see is initially positively disposed towards you. It is vital that you do not do anything to alter this initial view. Now is your chance to capitalize on your success so far.
The interview is your prime chance to build on this positive choice and be offered the job. From the moment that you walk into the room and the interviewer sees you for the first time, the impression you make will either reinforce this positive image or start to install doubts in their mind.
It is therefore vital that you do not miss out the most important stage of an interview: the preparation stage. The work that you put in before you arrive for the interview will enable you to be clear on what you are going to say and ask and to ensure that your personal presentation will be excellent. Preparation should include research on the organisation, the job in question and also you – ensuring you are able to support your application statements.
Some Interview ‘Do’s and ‘Don’t’s
- Research the organisation before you go, and think about why you would like to work for them
- Think about what their information needs might be, who their competitors are, and what their growth plans could be
- Prepare answers to common interview questions (see below)
- Think about the questions you are going to ask. Relevant ones will demonstrate that you are serious about the role and the company
- Pay careful attention to your dress, presentation and personal grooming
- Know where you are going and arrive on time or a few minutes early
- Go prepared with concrete examples of ‘how I did x’, ‘where I found y’ or ‘when I handled z situation I did it by’
- Do not ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or companies. It is bad form; the information world is a small one and it will not reflect well on you if you seem to have a chip on your shoulder or a negative attitude
- Avoid enquiries about salary, holidays, bonuses, retirement, etc during the first interview
- Try not to say ‘it’s on my CV’ in answer to a question, or display an arrogant or ‘know it all’ attitude
- Remember not to stare down at your hands or at the wall while answering questions, but to look the interviewer in the eye and do not forget to smile!
- Be enthusiastic: allow your personality to shine through
- Always conduct yourself as though you were determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be in the position where you can choose from a number of jobs rather than only one, or ending up empty handed.
Common Interview Questions
You need to be prepared to answer questions similar to those listed below, and to use these as openings to present your skills and experience in the best light, (whilst bearing in mind the requirements of the job under discussion).
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Questions to Ask
Most interviewers will offer you the opportunity to ask questions, normally near the end of the interview. You should take full advantage of this to find out everything you need to know so you can decide whether this is a job for you. If necessary jot your questions on a small card which can be slipped into an easily accessible pocket or bag (and thus found quickly if needed during the interview).
Some questions you might like to ask could include:
- Where does the unit fit into the overall business? How many users are there?
- Why is the position available? Is it a new role or a replacement?
- What induction or training program would be on offer?
- How many are in the team? What is the reporting structure?
- What volume / type of enquiries does the unit deal with?
- What are the proportions of housekeeping work to quick enquiries to more in-depth research?
- How does the interviewer feel the interview has gone? What would the next stage be?
- If you are interested in the position, tell the interviewer so, and ask when you will hear about the next round or when they will have made a decision.
Analyse your performance. If you know that the interview went well and you did not get the job, it may be simply that someone on the day had that little something else to offer. If you know that you could have done better at the interview then work on your technique. Do not hesitate to talk it through with someone for some impartial advice.
Interview Questions You May Be Asked
Before attending an interview you should think about your responses to the following questions. Your answers may depend on the job or company in question, so you should go through your responses just before each interview.
Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects which have attracted you to applying for this position. Do not mention the negative aspects of your current job or the job in question.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, analytical skills, etc.
What can you contribute?
This is your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in your previous position(s) that are relevant to the new position for which you applying.
Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasize the positive reasons why you want to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These would not endear you to a prospective employer.
What do you know about this company?
This is your chance to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of their company. Give them a run down of their products/services, sales figures, news, company figures, customers, etc.
What interests you about our product (or service)?
Again, your research into the company should aid you in answering this question.
What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company cannot offer?
Stress personal development plans.
You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed?
Say that you are the sort of person who aims to succeed at everything you do and that you are very determined and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Why should we employ you?
The answer to this question will be based on your previous experience and achievements that relate to the company. At the end you could add that you think there is a good fit between you and the job, and do ask the interviewer for their opinion.
How long do you think it would be before you were making a significant contribution to the team/company?
If you think that you could contribute from day one then say so. Then turn the question round on them and say how soon would they expect it.
How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my job?
Depending on the position you are applying for you may want to sound ambitious, but do not look as if you are after the interviewer’s position.
What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
Likes: stress things such as a new challenge or the opportunity to bring fresh experience to the company. Dislikes: Imply there is nothing to dislike about the job, which is why you are so interested.
Why did you choose a career in…?
Be positive about your reasons. If you have changed careers make a logical argument as to why you did so.
Why are you changing careers?
This question will only be asked if you are making a radical change in your career. Always stress the positive aspects of the change rather than the negative aspects of your previous career – you do not want to come across as someone who is moving just because you hate your old career. Say why you think you will be good in the new career – this should come from your experience and achievements, stress the transferable skills you have, such as leadership ability, etc.
How much does your last job resemble the one for which you are applying? What are the differences?
The interviewer is trying to see how well you would fit in to the position for which you are you are applying. Therefore, you should stress the similarities rather than the differences. When it comes to discussing the differences, it will help your case either if you can show that you have done something similar in the past or that you can quickly pick up the new skills.
What do you think of the your last company?
You should stress the positive aspects of your last company saying that they were a good company with which to work. Tell them about the training you received or the work related experience you gained.
Why did you join your previous company? Did they live up to your expectations? Why are you leaving now?
Always be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a company. Be very careful that you do not say anything negative about your present employer. If you do, the new company will wonder what you will say about them when you leave. You might want to stress that you are looking for a new challenge and that you feel that the company who is interviewing you fits the bill!
Explain the organisational structure in your last company and how you fitted into it.
This sort of question may be used to find out whether your old job is at a comparable level to your new job. If the new job being discussed would be a step up the ladder you will need to show that you are ready for a more demanding position. You may be able to show that you have already had many of the responsibilities and the necessary skills which would be required for the next step on the ladder, personal growth, new challenges, etc.
How long have you been looking for a new job?
If you have been unemployed for a long time this may be a rather tricky question to answer. Nevertheless, be honest. If you have been away on holiday or done some voluntary work you could mention this.
Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?
Remember where you are! If the company interviewing you is a small to medium sized company say that you enjoy a close atmosphere with a good team spirit. At a large company say that you enjoy the stability of working for a large and established company.
What are you looking for in a new job?
Make sure your answer fits in with the company who is interviewing you. A suitable reply would be that you are looking for a new job where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones.
What would your ideal job be?
Again, remember where you are! Describe the job in terms of the criteria they have used to describe their job. An ideal job might include things like challenging work, a fair rate of pay for the job, nice colleagues, good career prospects, good team atmosphere, opportunity to learn new skills, apply old skills, etc.
Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
If you are say so, but do not give too many details away – it will weaken your negotiating position later. If you do not have any other job offers at the moment just say that you have a few irons in the fire.
What did you think of your manager/supervisor?
Say, that he/she was the sort of person you could learn from and you communicated well, which meant that the task in hand was completed on time.
What did you do on a day-to-day basis?
Stress the positive things you did including your achievements. Even if some or much of it was paperwork, you can still show your interest in the way it was tackled.
Did you increase sales or profits in your last job?
This question is only relevant for senior managers or sales people. If you have increased sales and/or profit then do not be afraid to shout about it. If you have not increased sales, say why not, e.g. general downturn in the market, etc. It might then be a good idea to mention an achievement in a previous job if your performance was better there.
Have you reduced costs at your last company?
If you have reduced costs say so – companies are always looking for ways to reduce costs.
How would you describe yourself? / How would others describe you?
Pick your best attributes and achievements from your career.
Do you consider yourself successful?
You should say you do. Pick some work related achievements that are in line with the position that you are discussing.
What was your greatest success? How did you achieve it?
You should pick an achievement that is related to their needs.
What has been your biggest failure?
Try to pick a failure that you were later able to correct or something that is not important.
How could you improve yourself?
Do not mention anything negative about yourself – the interviewer is looking for a chink in your armour.
Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?
If you progressed faster than normal you should say so. If growth was not as good as expected then be careful how you phrase this.
Are you a leader?
State how you have successfully acted as a leader, giving examples of your successes.
How do you handle criticism?
Your answer should be along the following lines: “I always think that it is important to get feedback on how I am performing so that I can improve any areas which my manager/supervisor highlights. Do you have regular staff appraisals and a staff development plan?”
What sort of manager are you? / What makes a good manager?
You should say that it is someone who listens to other people and can delegate whilst maintaining overall control of the task, bringing in the project on time and to budget. Good planning skills are essential.
Do you work well with others? Or are you a loner?
Some jobs mean that you have to work very closely with other people whilst other jobs mean that you are largely working on your own, so you need to say that you are happy in both situations.
Do you need other people around to stimulate you or are you self-motivated?
You need to say that you are self-motivated.
Are you accepted into a team quickly?
I hope that you can answer a resounding “Yes” to this question.
Can you act on your own initiative?
You should say that you can. You could ask how much responsibility you would have.
Tough Interview Questions
| Be prepared to encounter most of the following ‘tough questions’ in your interview, such as:
“Why do you want to work here?” – To answer this question, you must have researched the company. You need to reply with the company’s attributes as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that this can provide you with a stable and happy work environment – the interviewer’s company has that reputation – and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work. “What kind of experience do you have for this job?” – This is a perfect opportunity to sell yourself, but before you do, be sure you know what is most critical to the interviewer. The interviewer is not just looking for a competent Director, or Manager; they are looking for someone who can contribute quickly to current projects. When interviewing, companies invariably give a broad picture of the job, but the person they hire will be someone who can contribute to the needs of the business in the first few months. Only by asking will you identify the areas of your interviewer’s greatest urgency and interest. |
If you do not know the projects you will be involved within the first six months, you must ask. Level-headedness and analytical ability are respected, and you will naturally answer the question more appropriately.
“What did you like/dislike about your last job?” – Interviews may start with a preamble by the interviewer about his company. If this happens pay attention, this information will help you answer the question. Any statement the interviewer makes about the job or corporation can be used to your advantage. Use this to highlight all your positive points.
Note: criticising a previous employer is a warning sign that you could be a problem employee. Keep your answers short and positive.
“Why are you leaving your present position?” – If your current company is not meeting your expectations, you can often explain this in a positive way. “I need to be challenged to develop my potential further. I am interested in additional responsibility and new opportunity, which unfortunately are limited at (name of current employer) because of (company size/limited product line/company restructuring or downsizing). The reputation and market focus of (name of prospective employer) offers many opportunities for someone with my training and experience. It’s the ideal environment I’ve been seeking.”
“How long would you stay with the company?” – The interviewer might be thinking of offering you a job. Nevertheless, employers are aware that the marketplace is such that new hires often do not stay with the company more than two years. Your reply might be: “I would really like to settle down with this company. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no reason for me to make a move.”
“Have you done the best work you are capable of doing?” – Say “yes” and the interviewer will think you are a has-been. As with all these questions, personalise your work history and include the essence of this reply: “I’m proud of my professional achievements to date, but my best is yet to come. I am always motivated to give my best efforts, and there are always opportunities to contribute when one is alert.”
“How long would it take you to make a contribution to our company?” – You are best advised to answer this question with a question, be sure to qualify the question i.e. In what area does the company need a rapid contribution? Or, do you have a special project in mind you will want me to get involved with?” This response could lead directly to a job offer, but if not, you already have the interviewer thinking of you as an employee.
“What would you like to be doing five years from now?” – The safest answer contains a desire to be regarded and a true professional and team player.
“What are your biggest accomplishments?” – Keep your answers job-related, a number of achievements should spring to mind. Do not exaggerate contributions to major projects. You might begin your reply with: “Although I feel my biggest accomplishments are ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with… I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye for the bottom line.” Always remember to quantify your achievements.
“Can you work under pressure?” – You might be tempted to give a simple yes or no answer, but do not. It reveals nothing and you lose the opportunity to sell your skills. Actually, this common question comes from an unskilled interviewer, because it is closed and does not give you the chance to elaborate. Whenever you are asked one of these, provide a brief yet comprehensive answer and seize the opportunity to sell yourself. For example, you could say: “Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and time management in order to reduce panic.
“How much money do you want?” – This is a knockout question: give the wrong answer, and you will immediately be eliminated. It is always a temptation to ask for the moon knowing you can come down, but that is a poor approach. Generally, companies have salary ranges for every job; so giving an ill considered answer can reduce your job-offer chances to zero. The solution? Try: “Currently/in my last job my package is… I’m interested in this opportunity and I will seriously consider any reasonable offer you care to make me.”
“What are you looking for in your next job?” – Avoid saying what you want the company to give you. You must say what you want in terms of what you can give to your employer. The key word in the following example is “contribution”: “My experience at XYZ PLC has shown that I have a talent for motivating people. This is demonstrated by… I am looking for an opportunity to continue that kind of contribution, and a company where I can develop in a professional manner.”
“Describe the most difficult problem you’ve had to deal with.” – This is a favourite tough question. It is designed to probe your professional profile; specifically, you are analytical skills: “Well, I always follow a five-step format with a difficult problem. One, I stand back and examine the problem. Two, I recognize the problem as the symptom of other, perhaps hidden, factors. Three, I make a list of possible solutions to the problem. Four, I weigh both the consequences and cost of each solution, and determine the best solution. And five, I go to my CEO/Director/Manager, outline the problem, make my recommendation, and ask for my advice and approval.” Then give an example of a problem and your solution.
“What would your references say?” – You have nothing to lose by being positive. If you demonstrate how well you and your boss get along, the interviewer does not have to ask, “What do you dislike about your current manager?”
Note: The higher up the corporate ladder you climb, the more likely it is that references will be checked.
Your Questions
It is inevitable that you will be asked if you have any questions – so make sure you do! This is your chance to check that this is a job and employer that suits you.
During the interview, questions you would like to ask might crop up. Sometimes, it is okay to ask there and then. However, some interviewers prefer it if you ask questions at the end. If you find it difficult to remember the questions that arise during interviews, take a pen and paper with you and scribble them down for later – this is perfectly acceptable.
Good questions:
- Can you describe a typical day?
- What training do you offer?
- What kinds of opportunities are there for growth in this company?
- What has happened to people who did this job before?
- I read about your new product/take-over of/new order for/plans to… Can you tell me more about that?
- What are the best things about working here?
Finally, round off with:
When can I expect to hear your decision?
Questions you should not ask:
Asking about holiday, pay and benefits, and questioning management/business decisions can leave your potential employer with a bad impression.
The purpose of asking questions is to find out all you can about the job and company while looking interested and proactive. Leave any talk about pay and benefits until the second interview – or until they make you an offer.
Bad questions:
- How much holiday do I get? When will that increase?
- What is your grievance procedure?
- When will I get a pay rise?
- Has your long-standing dispute over working conditions been resolved?
- Do you deserve all the bad publicity you get?
- What was the truth behind your managing director’s sudden retirement?
How to Have a Good Job Interview
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- The key to a good interview itself is good preparation:
- research thoroughly the industry or sector, the company or organisation and the particular job, making particular use of the Annual Report & Accounts, the Web site and current newspaper articles;
- prepare an informal opening and closing statement that emphasizes why you want the job and why you think you are particularly well qualified to be chosen.
- On the morning of the interview, check the newspapers and the Internet for any last minute developments affecting the organisation you are visiting or the industry in which you are interested in working. This will prepare you for any questions on that development and give you an opportunity to mention it if appropriate.
- Dress smartly. Even if the dress code is casual for the organisation concerned, it always pays to be smart for the actual interview.
- Be in good time. Try to identify a local café so that, if you are early, you can go for a drink and take a last look at your notes.
- It may seem obvious, but switch off your mobile or anything else (such as a pager or digital watch) that might make a noise. I once chaired an interview panel for a senior executive position and, in one of the interviews; the interviewee’s mobile went off twice (he didn’t get the job).
- If you are anxious about interviews, when you are actually called into the interview room, take two or three slow, deep breaths to calm your nerves and your breathing.
- As you are introduced to the interviewers, shake their hand firmly, look them in the eyes, and say that you are pleased to meet them. These first few seconds are so important in creating a favourable impression. Remember: you do not get a second chance to make a first impression.
- Answer the questions in a confident, firm voice. Do not mumble, rush, or be too hesitant.
- Answers should not be one word or one sentence, but equally should not go on too long. If you have a lot to say, having made the main points, you could finish by saying: “I could expand upon that, if you wish”.
- When answering the questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s). If there are two interviewers, give them equal attention. If there are three or more, slowly sweep your eyes from side to side like a radar beam.
- In the answers to your questions, make selective and relevant use of the information from your preliminary researches and casually mention at least some of the sources you have used. For example: “I was interested to see in your Annual Report…”, “I noticed on your Web site…”, “I was reading an article recently that said…” This will impress the interviewer(s) with your knowledge, your research and your keenness.
- Do not waffle. If you do not know, say so.
- Never, ever lie.
- Almost certainly, the opening question will be a general one along the lines of: “Will you tell us why you applied for this job/why you want this job/why you think you are suited for this job?”. You should be ready for this question by having mentally prepared a short statement that provides the three or four key points in your favour. Think about how you would expand on each point if asked to do so. If you are aware of the short-listing criteria for interview, this opening statement should address the specific requirements set out in the short-listing criteria.
- If the organisation concerned is a commercial one, this opening statement should identify with the product or service that is at the core of the company’s activities. For instance, “I’m excited by the possibilities that software presents for giving companies a really competitive edge”.
- If the organisation concerned is a political, campaigning or voluntary one, this opening statement should identify with the values of the organisation. For instance, “I’ve always believed in… because…” or “I really care about… because…”
- If you are not asked this kind of opening question, you should gently take control of the interview by, as soon as possible, saying something like: “Perhaps you would like to know why I applied for the job”. You can then use your opening statement.
- Most of the questions you will be asked can be anticipated so, in advance of interview, think about the likely questions. Then plan how you would answer them, making notes in the form of two or three (or occasionally four) bulleted points which you should memorise – not word for word, but point by point.
- Many of the questions you will be asked will arise from what you have written in your application so, shortly before the interview date, read over your application again and think about how the interviewer(s) may wish to probe for further information.
- Think of the worst question you could be asked. Again, plan how you would answer it. Then this question – and any other – is not going to be that tough for you.
- Think of actual experiences that illustrate the qualities that you would bring to the job. A good interviewer will not ask the obvious or leading question such as: “Do you like teamwork?” or “Can you cope with stress?” A clever interviewer will instead ask: “Can you give me an example of how you have worked in a team and tell me how you interacted with the other team members?” or “Can you tell me a time when you were under particular stress and explain to me how you handled or resolved it?”
- A common – but silly – question is something along the lines of: “Tell us three of your strengths and three of your weaknesses”. Again, be ready for this one by having planned mentally how you would respond. The strengths should be a reaffirmation of your opening statement. For example, “I have these skills …”, “I have this experience …”, “I’m the kind of person who …” As far as so-called weaknesses are concerned, do not actually admit to any, but instead express so-called weaknesses as strengths. For example, “I’m really stubborn about always being on time”, “I tend to be a bit too conscientious and want to get everything right”, “I’m really curious and always want to know more about things”.
- Almost certainly, you will be asked a final question along the lines of: “Is there anything else that you would like to tell us?” Again you should be ready for this question by having mentally prepared a short statement that reaffirms the content of your opening statement, deals with any difficulties that have come up in the interview, and concludes by emphasizing how much you would like the job and how keen you would be if you obtained it.
- Again, if you are not asked this kind of closing question, you should gently take control of the interview by – before you leave – saying something like: “Before I go, could I just emphasize why I am so keen to do this job”. Then use your closing statement.
- If you cannot answer a question to your satisfaction, come back to it in your closing statement if you remember and you have thought of a better answer. Otherwise do not be afraid to phone up soon afterwards and say something like: “I’m not sure that I explained myself too well in the interview. What I wanted to say was…” You will lose nothing by this. On the contrary, it will show keenness and it will remind them of you.
- At the end of the interview, you may be asked: “Are there any questions that you would like to ask us about the company (or organisation) or the job?” Once again, be ready for this and have one or two good questions ready. As far as the company or organisation is concerned, ask a question that shows interest in the future prospects. For example: “Where are the growth opportunities for the company?” or “What do think will be the new markets that the company will want to enter in the next few years?” or “What are the key strategic objectives for the organisation in the next couple of years?” As far as the job is concerned, again ask questions that show keenness and interest in the future. For instance: “What are the training opportunities in this job?” or “How is the job likely to develop in the next year or two?” or “What chances are there for promotion in this post?”
- Above all, show some enthusiasm and keenness for the job. However calculated the questions and however sophisticated the marking of the answers, most interviewers eventually make the final decision based on the overall impression and nothing makes a better impression than a positive demeanour.
- Follow all these tips and you should get the job! If all this does not work and you do not win the post, ask for a debriefing interview or telephone conversation. This will impress the company or organisation and stand you in good stead for any future applications to them. In addition, if you approach this exercise open-mindedly, you will learn a lot and your next performance will be even better.
GOOD LUCK!