Tackling the Interview

Once you are in the interview room, the interviewer will probably ask you a few warm up questions to give you time to settle into the interview. To help you feel at ease, they might ask 'common-ground' questions about shared interests or colleagues.

A common warm-up question is "Tell me about yourself"; this is an chance for you to concisely describe your background, skills and recent career experience. Emphasize this last area; the interviewer wants to know how you present yourself in relation to your career. Your answer should provide them with evidence to your suitability and the areas they may want to expand later on.

After the warm up section, you will then move on to the central part of the interview, where you will be asked the most questions and learn the most about the employer. It is usually possible to anticipate and prepare for many of these questions in advance. Interview questions have common themes, and often include topics such as: ambitions and motivation, work history and experience, self-assessment, the organization, the job and management style. Questions may include:

• What have your achievements been to date?
• What are your long-range career goals?
• What makes you qualified for this position?
• What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
• What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?
• Why did you decide to seek a position in this company?

The Questions section contains additional information and advice on the kinds of question you may get, along with some advice on choosing which questions to ask the interviewer.

If you are prepared for the interview, you will be able to promote your achievements and skills effectively as you respond to questions. With practise, you will gain confidence and become more polished in your presentation.