- Why did you choose a career in this industry and tell me about yourself?
- Why would you like to work for our company and why should I hire you?
- Why do you want to leave your present job and what qualifies you for this job?
- What do you feel you can bring to our company and where do you see yourself in X years?
- What is your current salary and when was your last salary review?
- What interests you about our product/service and why do you want this job?
- What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held, what did you enjoy the most and why?
- What do you look for in a job and how long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
- What have you done that show’s initiative in your career and give me details of three of your most significant accomplishments?
- What are your major weaknesses and what are your strengths and what adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
- What do you think determines a person’s progress in a good company?
- What does “teamwork” mean to you?
There are many questions that you could be asked at an interview. But the essence of all the questions fall into these three categories:
- Do you have the skills and the ability to do the job?
- How enthusiastic are you to land this job and are you willing to do the job?
- Are you going to fit in with the company and the present staff? Your personality is probably the most important factor that will secure the position. The interviewer wants reassurance that he can work with you and you are manageable.
Asking Questions
The interview is a two-way process and the interviewer will probably ask at the end if you have any questions. It is crucial to your success to have a few prepared, to show your enthusiasm and interest for the position. This is also your chance to clear up any lingering doubts you may possess. How you respond will affect their valuation of you.
- Why is the position vacant?
- How many people have been in the position in the last five years?
- What would be the main responsibilities?
- What training is given?
- What are the other people in the department like?
- What is the company’s plan over the next five years and how would this impact my position?
- What opportunities are there to progress?
- What are the most difficult aspects to the position and can you give examples of the best results from previous candidates in this position?
Other good topics to touch on include:
- The competitive environment in which the company operates
- Executive management styles
- What obstacles the organisation anticipates in meeting its goals
- How the organisation’s goals have changed over the past three to five years.