Leahcim Semaj, Ph.D. Change Agent
ContributorFOR MANY people, a job interview is a stressful source of conflict.
You are one step closer to the job but your "performance" puts it all on the line. The options are wide, from dazzling them with your brilliance to baffling them with bulls- -t.
You can reduce the anxiety by preparing yourself for the questions that you are most likely to be asked. By rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. It pays to do your homework. These examples are based on an article on MSN
updated by The JobBank.
Tell me about yourself
Make a short, organised statement of your education and professional achievements and career goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organisation.
Why do you want
to work here?
Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to answer them clearly and with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in sales, your answer should never be simply: "money." The interviewer will wonder if you really care about the job.
Why did you leave your last job?
The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: company went out of business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suited to your skills. It pays to be honest, Jamaica is too small. If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an employer, but don't describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a learning experience that will not affect your future work. Jamaica is too small.
What are your best skills?
If you have sufficiently researched the organisation, you should be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them, then give examples how and where you have demonstrated these skills.
What are your major weaknesses?
Be positive and turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might say: "I often worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done well."
Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.
What are your career goals? or What are your future plans?
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be as specific as possible about how you will meet the goals you have set for yourself.
What are your
hobbies? and Do
you play any sports?
The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside of your professional experience. Individual sports show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of a team. The interviewer might simply be curious as to whether you have a life outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets for their stress are often healthier, happier and more productive.
What salary are you expecting?
It is important to know what the current salary range is for the area. Research salary surveys at the Jamaica Employer's Federation so that you can have an intelligent discussion.
It is also necessary for you to calculate what salary you need to meet your budget. This information can help you to negotiate compensation once the employer makes an offer.
What have I forgotten to ask?
Use this as a chance to summarise your good characteristics and attributes and how they may be used to benefit the organisation. Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements and that you can succeed. Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse.
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
What can you do for us that someone else can't do?
What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?
What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.
What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
What is important to you in a job?
What motivates you in your work?
What have you been doing since your last job?
What qualities do you find important in a co-worker?
YOUR CAREER GOALS
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
How will you judge yourself to be successful? How will you achieve success?
What type of position are you interested in?
How will this job fit in your career plans?
What do you expect from this job?
Do you have a location
preference?
Can you travel?
What hours can you work?
When could you start?
YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE
What have you learned from your past jobs?
What were your biggest
responsibilities?
What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?
How does your previous experience relate to this
position?
What did you like most/least about your last job?
Whom may we contact for references?
YOUR EDUCATION
How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
What were your favourite
classes/activities at school?
Why did you choose your major?
Do you plan to continue your education?
Remember that you are being observed from the moment you enter the waiting room. These first observations may be made by the secretary, the receptionists (or the interviewer). The information will be given to the interviewer for consideration.
The first noticeable observation will be your time of arrival, your attire and your neatness. The second will be your posture and attitude. The third will be your approach and manner of verbal clearness and expression. You are in control of all these variables.
We welcome new travellers.
If you are joining this weekly quest for the first time, you can easily catch up on the past instalments by logging on to www.jobbank-ja.com. On the Download Page, you will find all the back articles. You may also leave your comments or questions on the message board at the same site or e-mail me at lsemaj@jobbank-ja.com. You are also invited to join us on Mondays on Nationwide (HOT 102FM) 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. to continue this discussion.
