Interview Tips and Techniques

Perhaps the most difficult aspect of an interview, is that of the questions you may be asked by the interviewer

The best way to approach this is to first realise that the interview should be a two way street, you should be interviewing them too.

Interview Question Tips

How the interviewer has prepared, how they look, how they respond to your questions are equally valid in the relationship, don't feel it is just you who is being interviewed.

This comment, taken from a recent blog, sums up the relationship perspective really well

To her, one important aspect was about the biscuits on offer during the interview, in her opinion

"Cheap biscuits equated to a cheap company"

This tactic is obviously not suited to everyone, but it does illustrate well the point, that you should also interview the company too, remembering at all times that you are going to have to work for that company in the near future. Does it feel right for you? What is your "biscuits"?

The Seven Most Popular Questions - And some suggestions as to how you may respond

Question One

Question 1	Opening Questions
Example Question	Tell me about yourself, Talk me through your current CV
Desired Outcome/Aim of this type of Question	What the interviewer is hoping to establish here is what you reveal about yourself, when asked an apparently innocent question
Tips on answering this type of question	The most important aspect you should consider when answering this type of question is all about the impression you want the interviewer to have gained, as a first impression of you.Best to avoid irrelevant information, or a specific and detailed run through of your career to date. Select five key statements that summaries your experience that is relevant to the role

Question 2

Question 2	Can Do Questions
Example Question	Can you give me an example of your experience in this particular field?
Desired Outcome/Aim of this type of Question	To find out if you have the experience and skills to do this job, quite literally "Can You Do The Job!
Tips on answering this type of question	Even if you have not previously worked in this field, you can provide evidence of how you have used your transferable skills relevant to the particular role. Always remembering to state the W.H.O. "What","How" and the "Outcome" during your examples.

Question 3

Question 3	Will Do Questions
Example Question	Why did you apply for this position.
Desired Outcome/Aim of this type of question	Here, the interviewer is trying to understand your reasons and your motivations. Perhaps you are ideally qualified but your motivations may appear to be suspect (to the interviewer) The purpose of this type of question is to align your motivations with that of the role on offer. Please try to avoid negatives, such as; "Because I have just been made redundant, the recruiter would really appreciate it if you showed an interest in that position, and that although your circumstances have changed you really do want this job for the right reasons.
Tips on answering this type of question	Be up-front and honest about your reasons, but show the interviewer that you do indeed want this job, even if you may not have applied for the job, if, as in the example above, you have been made redundant.

Question 4

Question 4	Fit in Questions
Example Question	Tell me about how you fit in and work as part of a team?
Desired Outcome/Aim of this type of Question	What the interviewer is hoping to establish here is whether you will fit into the current team dynamic.
Tips on answering this type of question	Hopefully you will have done some research into the company and you will know a little about the organisational culture, what the offices are like, dress codes, what the company is known for etc. Give specific examples of how you interacted on a team or team event.

Question 5

Question 5	Nasty Questions
Example Question	Why are you leaving your current Job/What are your weaknesses?
Desired Outcome/Aim of this type of Question	To test you under pressure.
Tips on answering this type of question	Your response, rather than what you say, how well you think on your feet is important here. Be positive, no negative comments about previous boss, company or individual, (remember you may be working alongside these people in the near future) Avoid admitting to weaknesses in the present, either choose a weakness that is a strength; eg - "I am ambitious", or choose one that is in the past; eg- "I used to have trouble delegating, but now I've learned....."

Question 6

Question 6	Salary Questions
Example Question	What kind of salary are you looking for?
Desired Outcome/Aim of this type of Question	This type of question serves two purposes, Firstly to gauge whether you are in ball park, Secondly, how good a negotiator you are.
Tips on answering this type of question	There are 3 Options available on how best to respond. Option 1 - Stall them, bounce the question back, "I'm sorry, I'm not really sure whats on offer, could you explain the salary package to me" Option 2 - The risk option - Give them a band "I'm looking for a salary in the 25k to 30K range. (Be prepared for them to offer the lowest figure mind) Option 3 - The Confident Option - Make them offer a figure, "The salary isn't my main concern, so I would be prepared to negotiate with you, if an offer is made. This takes bravery, they may press you for a ball park figure anyway.

Question 7

Question 7	Your Questions
Example Question	Is there anything you would like to ask us?
Desired Outcome/Aim of this type of Question	How well you have researched their company, and how well you use this opportunity to sell yourself.
Tips on answering this type of question	Don't, if at all possible say "No, I think we have covered everything" Remember this is the last opportunity you may have to sell yourself, also showing you have researched the company, ask questions about product launches, re branding, environmental activities etc. Ask questions which show you are interested in the company. "What are the priorities""How will my progress be monitored""I have heard you are about to launch......" If appropriate and not already covered ask about the selection process, the next steps etc. If nothing springs to mind and you have indeed covered everything, ask if there are any concerns which they may require further information or clarification of, on what has been covered so far.