How to prepare for your interview to get the very best form your experience

Prep for the Top 10 Interview Questions

By Rolfe Pearce MBA

It is important to ensure that you are mentally prepared for your interview, you know you only have a short time to impress, so don’t be unprepared and end up babbling on about things that are not relevant to the interview. Keep focused and have real life examples of the core competencies of the job you are going for which explain clearly how you managed the situation. This can be easily achieved through S.T.A.R.’s, you think carefully about the questions you know you will be asked and set out clearly how you will respond.

Situation   -    Task   -   Activity    -   Result or Response

An example to answer the question “tell me about your Sales Successes” toy response would be a very specific example from your work history, but keep it short and direct and to the point.

(SITUATION) “while working for ABC company I was tasked with increasing sales by 20% in the next quarter. (TASK) I had to develop a sales and marketing plan which would include direct telesales, email marketing, point of sale merchandising, and product re-launch. (ACTIVITY) I then worked closely with colleagues to develop the plan, materials needed, support required from other departments. I then implemented the plan with key milestones of activity against conversion rates to ensure that I was on track to meet the targets along the way. (RESULT) I achieved my goal of 20% about three quarters the way through the plan, and exceeded the budget by 20% of direct sales, 15% of merchandising with a value of £1.3M overall.

Think simple……Think Expressive…….Think Impressive

Below you will find a number of fairly standard questions you may be asked  

What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimising your weakness and emphasising your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful." If  you must show a weakness show alongside exactly how you are aware and control this.

Why Should We Hire You?
Summarise your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team." Look directly at them, tell them that you definitely want the position, you feel you have all the qualities they need, and that a decision to choose you will be a decision they will not regret.

Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out CVs just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices." Look on their website and align yourself with the company’s aims and values.

What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility." Think of progression and training that would be of benefit to the company as well as adding in some personal out of work ambitions.

Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."

If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."

When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."

What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarise concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humour."

What Salary Are You Seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?" If you have done a bit of research you will be able to use examples of competitors who are paying staff with similar skills

If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?

What recruiters expect you to know

Employers expect every prospective candidate to do their duty... or at least show due diligence. But what do they expect you to know exactly?

Over 60% of European employers expect job applicants to have done some research into their company before a job interview.

This is according to a survey from administrative personnel agency OfficeTeam, who surveyed 780 employers across six European countries, including the UK, on their interview practices and expectations.

British employers were generally more concerned than their continental counterparts that interviewees do their homework on the company. According to Office Team: