Interview Advice

Why do you want to work here?

To answer this question, you must have researched the company and built a dossier. Reply with the company's attributes as you see them. Cap your answer with reference to your belief that the company can provide you with a stable and happy work environment - the company has that reputation - and that such an atmosphere would encourage your best work. 'I'm not looking for just another job. I enjoy my work and am proud of my profession. Your company produces a superior product/provides a superior service. I share the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in and complement the team'.

What is the most difficult situation you have faced?

The question looks for information on two fronts: how do you define difficult? and what was your handling of the situation? You must have a story ready for this one in which the situation was tough and allowed you to show yourself in a good light. Avoid talking about problems that have to do with co-workers. You can talk about the difficult decision to fire someone, but emphasize that once you had examined the problem and reached a conclusion you acted quickly and professionally, with the best interests of the company at heart.

What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?

This question will come only after a full explanation of the job has been given. If not, qualify the question with: 'What voids are you trying eradicate when you fill this position?' Then recap the interviewer's job description, followed with: 'I can bring to this job a determination to see projects through to a proper conclusion. I listen and take direction well. I am analytical and don't jump to conclusions. And finally, I understand we are in the business to make profit, so I keep an eye on cost and return.' End with: ' How do these qualifications fit your needs?' or 'What else are you looking for?' You finish with a question that asks for feedback or a powerful answer. if you haven't covered the interviewer's hot buttons, he or she will cover them now, and you can respond accordingly.

What is the least relevant job you have held?

If your least relevant job is not on your CV, it shouldn't be mentioned. Some people skip over those six months between jobs when they worked as a cashier just to pay the bills, and would rather not talk about it, until they hear a question like this one. But a mention of a job that, according to all chronological records, you never had, will throw your integrity into question and your candidacy out the door. Apart from that, no job in your profession has been a waste of time if it increases your knowledge about how the business works and makes money. Your answer will include; 'Every job I've held has given me new insights into my profession, and the higher one climbs, the more important the understanding of the lower level, more menial jobs. They all play a role making the company profitable. And anyway, it's certainly easier to schedule and plan work when you have first-hand knowledge of what others will have to do to complete their tasks'.

Can we check your references?

This question is frequently asked as a stress question to catch the too-smooth candidate off-guard. It is also one that occasionally is asked in the general course of events. Comparatively few managers or companies ever check references but the higher up the corporate ladder you go, the more likely it is that your references will be checked. Your answer may include: 'Yes, of course you can check my references. However, at present, I would like to keep matters confidential, until we have established a serious mutual interest (i.e., an offer). At such time I will be pleased to furnish you with whatever references you need from prior employers. I would expect you to wait to check my current employer's references until you have extended an offer in writing, I have accepted, we have agreed upon a start date, and I have had the opportunity to resign in a professional manner'. You are under no obligation to give references of a current employer until you have a written offer in hand. You are also well within your rights to request that reference checks of current employers wait until you have started your new job.

Great answers to tough interview questions. How to get the job you want!
Fourth Edition Martin John Yate
ISBN 074942656X
£7.99 to order from Kogan Page Careerzone

Doing well at interviews

The most shining cv, the most glowing credentials, mean little if you make a mess of that all-important, face-to-face meeting with your prospective employer.

Preparation

You can never be 'too smart' for an interview, although you can 'overdress'. As a general rule, you should try to be 'conservative' in dress and forsake your own personal dress sense, just to get that job!

Men

A smart suit is essential, preferably in classic navy blue, grey or black. No loud shirts.

• Earrings should be taken out if you wear them. Large rings on your fingers should also be removed. Tie your hair back if you wear it very long.
• No 12 o'clock shadows, always shave. Do not wear too much aftershave.
• Pay extra attention to personal hygiene - don't eat garlic for lunch!
• No carrier bags - invest in a brief case.

Women

• A smart suit or blouse and skirt (knee length). Always wear tights. Shoes should not be in need of re-heeling. Be careful not to be too 'trendy'.
• Limit the jewellery you wear. Only one pair of earrings (even if you have had your ears pierced more than once!) and take out nose rings.
• Take care that any nail varnish isn't chipped. The colour should not be too dark.
• Use daytime make-up. Perfume should not be too overpoweing.
• Carry a briefcase or smart handbag - no carrier bags.
• Long hair could be tied back for an extra smart effect.
• Pay extra attention to personal hygiene - don't eat garlic for lunch!
• Don't forget to carry an umbrella in case it rains.

Orientation

Find out well in advance (at least the day before) exactly where the interview is, and how to get there. Double-check the address and directions. Look up the correct tube, rail connections and timetables and check for any delays.

• Make sure you have the company's telephone number to call if you are unavoidably late. This is usually appreciated - and will save your nerves, too!
• Aim to arrive around 5-10 minutes early, but no earlier; it can be annoying and leave you 'stewing' for too long. If you do arrive too early, have a coffee somewhere - but do not drink alcohol. It won't cool your nerves and the smell will not earn you any bonus marks.
• If you smoke, carry some mints to freshen your breath. But never go into an interview chewing gum or sucking sweets.
• Don't be put off by the outside of a company's building - appearances can be deceiving. Don't just fail to turn up. It is common courtesy at least to call if you've changed your mind about attending.
• Be clear for which position you are being interviewed. If you go to an interview knowing more about the company it shows keenness and will add to your confidence. New Frontiers will gladly give you any information we have about the company and vacancy.
• Make sure you have an extra copy of your CV to give to the interviewer. Asking for it to be photocopied will be, at best, annoying. Think about presentation. Certificates and references can be displayed in a smart presentation folder. Keep your CV neat and tidy, ideally in a clear plastic folder. Creased, old envelopes will not do much for your image.

The Interview

So you've arrived, looking calm and confident and you are invited in to the interview room. Wait to be asked to take a seat.

• Shake the interviewer's hand if it is offered. Always keep firm eye contact. (If you shake one person's hand and there are others present, always offer your hand to the rest of the panel). Most interviewers will try to make you as relaxed as possible from the start by asking easy-to-answer questions (about your journey, the weather, your family or hobbies).
• Listen carefully to the questions. Do not interrupt. If you haven't understood the question properly, ask the interviewer for further clarification. Then answer as fully as possible.
• Be positive. Do not run down past employers or people from work. Don't moan. Don't lie about anything. Keep looking the interviewer in the eyes. Stress your strengths and successes and don't dwell on any failures you may have had.
• Do not smoke
• Make sure you smile
• Don't fidgit or continually cross your legs. Find a comfortable position and stick to it if you can. If you are hot take off your jacket (perhaps asking first).
• Always thank the interviewer/panel for seeing you at the end of the interview and if you are genuinely interested in the position, say so. Be prepared to answer questions about everything on your CV - education, work history, hobbies etc. A good interview will be more of a chat than an interrogation. Think about the following questions, they usually come up.
• Why do you want this position, or why do you want to work for this company? n Why should we employ you?
• What motivates you? n What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you want to be in 2 years/5 years/10 years time?
• What are your short term and long term goals?
• What has been your greatest achievement to date and your greatest regret?
• Do you have any questions? Always make sure you can ask at least one!

Above all, be yourself!

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