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Mu-Sigma HR Interview Tips and points to cocentrate
Now its time for the face to face interview with the employer itself. Any number of items can go wrong but you have to be in control and must have confidence. Go into an interview with the feeling that you are going to impress them so much that they will have to make you an offer.
These are the most common interview mistakes - and their antidotes.
1.Arriving late - Get directions from the interviewer - or a map. Wear a watch and leave home early.
2.Dressing wrong - You make your greatest impact on the interviewer in the first 17 seconds - an impression you want to make powerfully positive.
3.Play zombie - Sit up, focus on the interviewer, and start responding. Enthusiasm is what the interviewer wants to see.
4.No smoking, no gum, no drinking. This is all comfort stuff for you, and none of it helps you here. Employers are more likely to hire non-smokers.
5.Research failure. The interview is not the time for research. Find out the company's products and services, annual sales, structure and other key information from the Internet, the public library, professional magazines or from former employees.
6.Can't articulate your own strengths and weaknesses.
7.Winging the interview - Practice! Get a friend, a list of interview questions and a tape recorder and conduct an interview rehearsal.
8.Talk, Talk, Talk.
9.Failure to connect you to the job offered -
"How my education/experience/talents/strengths fit your needs and why I can do this job for you."
10.Not asking questions - and asking too many - Use your research to develop a set of questions that will tell you whether this is the job and the company for you.
11.Bad-mouth anyone - Not just your present employer, or former employer, or the competition. You don't want to look like a complainer.12.Asking about compensation and /or benefits too soon. Wait for the interviewer to bring up these issues - after the discussion of your qualifications and the company's needs and wants.
12.Asking about compensation and /or benefits too soon. Wait for the interviewer to bring up these issues - after the discussion of your qualifications and the company's needs and wants.
13.Failure to ask for the job. When the interviewer indicates the interview is over, convey your interest in the job and ask what the next step is.
Attending an interview for a job you really want can be a nerve-wracking experience especially if you are unprepared.
Luckily, Jobsite have created a list of typical interview questions and best responses so you need worry no longer!
1. Tell me about yourself
Keep your answer to one or two minutes; don't ramble.
Do not go back to childhood experiences, just give a brief outline of where you are from and where you want to be going.
Use your CV introduction as a starting base.
Say only positive statements
2. What do you know about our company?
Show that you have done your research. Know what their products are, how big the company is, roughly what their annual revenue is, what reputation it has within the industry and on the street. Know the company's history, image, goal, and philosophy.
Project an informed interest which allows the interviewer to tell you some more detailed aspects about the company.
3. Why do you want to work for us?
Don't talk about what you want; first talk about their needs and what you can do for them.
You wish to be part of their company: identify its strengths.
You relish the challenge of solving their company problem/s.
You can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.
4. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that someone else can't?
Talk about successful past experience where you have helped an employer solve a problem and relate this to the job being offered.
Stay positive and don't be seen to criticise other candidates.
5. Which aspects of our position do you find the most attractive? Least attractive?
List three or more attractive factors and only one, minor unattractive factor. Aspects to pick up on could include; office location, company reputation, the chance to work with esteemed colleagues, training opportunities etc.
6. Why should we hire you?
Because of the knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills you possess. Be very positive and confident in your reply, not vague.
7. What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use my skills, to perform and to be recognized.
The opportunity to develop further skills; throughout life we should be constantly learning.
Relate your answer to the job for which you are applying e.g. "I enjoy a challenge and I believe this position would offer me that."
8. Please give me your definition of a … (the position for which you are being interviewed).
Keep it brief; actions and results oriented.
9. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Very quickly after a little orientation and a brief period of adjustment.
10. How long would you stay with us?
As long as we both feel I'm contributing, achieving, growing etc.
Management and experience questions
11. What is your management style?
For example 'Management by Coaching and Development (MBCD)' where managers see themselves primarily as employee trainers. 'Open door' is also a good one.
12. What did you look for when you hired people in the past?
Skills, initiative, adaptability, team players.
14. What is your biggest weakness ?
Be honest but don't dwell on it and end on a positive note.
