During a job interview you should show the recruiter that you have answers to all interview questions. You should be ready for any situation! Of course, you can refuse to answer a question which is too personal or embarrassing, but you should always be honest and not lie.
Here are 10 questions that will help you prepare for your interview:
1/ Tell me about yourself…
This is a usual question because it makes a good start. The recruiter is trying to know you, to analyze how you express yourself (clarity, conciseness, quality of information), and also to put you at ease letting you speak freely.
Variation: How do your friends or colleagues describe you?
2/ Can you tell me about an experience which you are particularly proud of?
Choose an experience that preferably has a link to the target position, and where you have played an important role. Be sure to explain the context of the mission, your role in the team, the successful results obtained.
Variants: What kinds of risks were you to take in your life? Did you have any responsibilities? If so, which ones? (Photo Credit: quinn.anya/Flickr)
3/ Describe me your professional experience during which you have overcome problems or obstacles? How did you solve these problems?
Problems in business are common (lack of skills, inefficient processes, strong personalities, lack of budgets). The recruiter wants to know whether these obstacles frighten you, and whether you are independent and resourceful enough not to drown in a glass of water.
Variation: Do you like challenges?
4/ Why did you choose this career?
The recruiter wants to understand what you have learned and to make you verify that you took your choice.
5/ Do you like teamwork?
In business teamwork is almost obligatory. The interviewer wants to know how well you integrate into it. Show that you like working in a team, and that you enjoy working with different personalities.
Variation: Do you prefer working alone or with others?
6/ Do you say “no”?
The interviewer wants to know your power of decision making, whether you can express your decision even if the person in front of you will not enjoy it. Give professional examples.
Variation: Do you accept orders easily?
7/ What do you do in your spare time? What are your passions?
The recruiter may look as if he lightens the mood, but be careful because he continues to analyze and try to understand all of your personality. Always stay professional! Don’t go into details about the passions that are too intimate or not easy to explain. Just try to give a positive and dynamic image of yourself.
8/ What are your weaknesses? (What are your strengths?)
Caution! This is a tricky and most asked question! Show that you have enough perspective on yourself to discern your flaws and your areas for improvement. The recruiter wants to know the risks he takes in hiring you. Describe your shortcomings, and the steps you have taken to correct these defects, so that your weak point is erased by your planned actions to remove it.
Variations: Define yourself in six adjectives (positive and negative). If I spoke with your previous employer, how he would define your key qualities and your main weaknesses? What do you have that makes a difference with the other candidates?
If the recruiter wants to have specific examples and not just your statements: Can you give concrete, specific examples of what you explain?
9/ Why would you leave this job? What can make you leave this job?
Yet another way to understand what motivates you, and what are the things that upset or push you from a company. The recruiter also seeks to know how long you will stay with the company.
10/ During a job interview do not denigrate former employees, do not disclose confidential information that you could get at your previous job! These confidences are not popular because they show a lack of professionalism. (Photo Credit: World Relief Spokane/Flickr)
Leave a Reply