Interviews
The following guide will try and help you prepare for and get the most out of
your job interview experiences.
Before the Interview
Prepare for the interview by:
- Reading up on the company
- Going through the list of typical questions and thinking about how you
would answer each question.
- Thinking about questions that you might like to ask during the
interview.
(Hint: You might find it useful to put some of your
ideas down on paper this often helps to make things clearer e.g. make a list of
your strong points and next to each point put down what evidence or reasons you
have for identifying this as a strong point.)
For the Interview
If you havent already submitted a CV, remember to take your CV to the
interview.
- Getting to the Interview
BE PUNCTUAL! Arriving late will create a very bad impression. So,
- Make sure to know exactly where the interview is to be held.
- Work out how much travelling time you need.
- If you are travelling by public transport, check the train/bus times.
- Allow for enough time to walk from the station/taxi rank to the interview.
- During the Interview
Presenting Yourself/Body Language
- Greet the interviewer and each member of the interview panel.
(Hint: Try to smile even if you are feeling
nervous.)
- Sit comfortably, but don't slide down in the chair, drape your arms over
the side, or hang your head down.
- Avoid nervous mannerisms.
(Hint: Don't play with your hair, bite your
nails or keep rubbing your hands together and don't chew gum.)
- Otherwise be yourself - let your unique personality shine through.
Answering Questions
- Listen carefully to the questions asked and look at the person asking the
question.
- Answer the questions as honestly as you can.
(Hint: Don't make up answers to impress the
interviewer.)
- Answer the questions in a clear, audible voice.
- If you don't understand a question, you can say "I'm not sure I understand
the question, could you rephrase it please?"
- If you don't hear a question you can say "I'm sorry, I didn't hear the
question. Could you repeat it please?"
- Your language needs to be fairly formal - don't use slang or speak as if
you were chatting to a friend.
At the End of the Interview
- Don't just get up and rush out. Greet the interview panel/interviewer and
thank them or him/her.
Typical Questions which Could Be Asked at the Interview
If you have submitted your CV beforehand, the interviewer will have read your
CV and will ask questions around what is covered in the CV. You may also be
asked to give more details on certain aspects of your working experience or the
leadership roles you have held in the past.
Other questions that could be asked include:
(Remember that the type of questions asked will depend
on why you are being interviewed e.g. for a bursary of vac job.)
- Why did you decide on this degree?
- Why have you chosen the CA route?
- Tell us about yourself.
- What are you looking for in a job?
- What is the area in which you would like to become involved?
- Who is your role model in business?
- What are your thoughts on client service?
- What are your personal strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your strengths in dealing with people?
- What role do you normally play in a team?
- Are you a team player?
- What are your short-term and long-term objectives?
- What differentiates you from your peers?
- How do you cope with problems and difficulties?
- How do you manage your time?
- Have you ever done any tutoring?
- What leadership roles have you filled?
|
