Interviews

Five interview killers - Part 2

by Catherine Twiss

In this second part the focus is on your attitude. As you read through these points ask yourself - does this sound like me?

"What important trends do you see in our industry?"

Let's look at the question behind the question. What might motivate an interviewer to ask this question?

"What's the worst job you've ever had?"

by Catherine Twiss

This is a really good 'trick' question. Though it seems innocent enough beware when you're asked this during an interview.

Five interview killers - Part 1

by Catherine Twiss

Don't let these "killers" ruin your next interview!

Stupid questions and how to respond

by Catherine Twiss

Most skilled and professional interviewers know that there are certain things you simply can't ask at interview - but not everyone's a professional and horror stories abound about some of the questions asked at interview.

"How would you describe your personality?"

The best way to respond to any interview question is to try and understand the question behind the question, that way you can respond with greater clarity and accuracy.

"What's your favourite colour?"

DCEB sent in this question. Designed to throw you - these questions work to either get your defences up...

"If you could start your career all over again, what would you do differently?"

Though at first glance this seems like a pretty straightforward question, beware! Here the interviewer is looking to see if you've any regrets and if you really do want the job.

"If I spoke with your previous manager, what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"

Although Andrea knows she's going to be asked about her strengths and weaknesses she's always unsure how to respond and doesn't like bragging about herself.

"What attracted you to this role?"

Heather said: One question which stumps me during interviews is "what attracted you to this role?"

"How would you approach telling staff under your management that they will have their salary cut by 2% starting immediately?"

Wendy asked this question. Though it's not clear if this is a situation Wendy faces or if it's a behavioural question she's concerned about, either way it's a hard one.

"You come to us with all of your industry experience and know-how... why did you choose us?"

'Confused' is stumped by this question particularly when asked directly by the business owner.

"Quote a specific project and what problems you faced and how did you solve them"?

Saradhi finds this question intrusive; however this is a particularly behaviourally oriented question common at interviews.

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

Woka hates this question and is concerned that if the reply is not ambitious (eg management) he/she will be frowned upon.

"Explain how you work as a member of a team and contribute to the success of that team"

Caroline sent in this question and explained that she normally has to lie when responding as she really doesn't like team work.

Tell me about yourself

by Catherine Twiss

You know you're going to be asked this question first up, and you think you should be able to handle it but when the nerves kick in you fumble with the response and know you could've done better!

Rejected by an employer?

by Catherine Twiss

Being rejected is never easy, but if you're looking to find a new job it's inevitable that at some point your application will be rejected for whatever reason. It's hard not to take it personally especially if you've had your heart set on the job or have been trying to secure a job for a while.

Talking in front of senior management

By Catherine Twiss

Lack confidence in front of senior management? Are you nervous when delivering a presentation or speaking up at meetings, finding yourself getting tense, anxious, and wanting to "curl up in a ball"?

How approachable are you?

By Catherine Twiss

The ability to be approachable means putting others at ease so that they can be at their best. It is an invaluable asset to have whether you're currently in the workplace or looking to get into the workplace.

Interview questions that stump you

By Bill Lawford

You've done your research, rehearsed an extensive list of possible questions and you know you're well qualified for the role. After sitting down and being welcomed by the interview panel, you're asked, "So, how would you improve the pubic transport system?"

Making a good first impression

By Androula Miller

We only get about 7 seconds before someone forms an initial impression of us. Non-verbal communication (body posture and movement, facial expression, breathing) is very important. What you do and how you appear is just as important as what you say.

Best behaviour - in behavioural interviews

by Bill Lawford

In behavioural (or behaviour-based) interviews applicants are asked to talk about situations at work where they've had to employ particular skills or abilities, and describe their actions and the outcome of the situation.

Questions to ask at interview

By Catherine Twiss

The interview is drawing to a close and the interviewer asks "do you have any questions you'd like to ask?", but you want to get out of there so fast you blurt out "no thanks you've answered all of my questions" and off you run. Did you know responding in this way can make the difference between securing the job and missing out?

Interview tips - not another Q+A

by Bill Lawford

There is an abundance of information available regarding the interview process. There are books that list literally nothing but 'likely questions' and their 'best answers'.

Dressing for success

by Androula Miller

Did you know that it only takes about 7 seconds for someone to size you up? That instant opinion can have a strong effect on the rest of your conversation. He or she looks at you and will form an opinion based on your appearance. How you dress will make up about 80% of that opinion because it is formed before you open your mouth!

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Interviews

Five interview killers - Part 2

"What important trends do you see in our industry?"

"What's the worst job you've ever had?"

Five interview killers - Part 1

Stupid questions and how to respond

"How would you describe your personality?"

"What's your favourite colour?"

"If you could start your career all over again, what would you do differently?"

"If I spoke with your previous manager, what would he or she say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"

"What attracted you to this role?"

"How would you approach telling staff under your management that they will have their salary cut by 2% starting immediately?"

"You come to us with all of your industry experience and know-how... why did you choose us?"

"Quote a specific project and what problems you faced and how did you solve them"?

"Where do you see yourself in five years?"

"Explain how you work as a member of a team and contribute to the success of that team"

Tell me about yourself

Rejected by an employer?

Talking in front of senior management

How approachable are you?

Interview questions that stump you

Making a good first impression

Best behaviour - in behavioural interviews

Questions to ask at interview

Interview tips - not another Q+A

Dressing for success

Your career is our business

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