Posted by Yves on 11/20/13, 12:00 AM in Learning & Self Improvement

Interview Questions

An interview is basically a session between the interviewer, who is usually a representative of a company or organization, and the interviewee, who in most cases is the applicant of a job. Usually, it is done to assess whether the interviewee has what it takes to be hired for a specific job.

Looking for a job is one tough thing. It might take one month, or years in the hunting of a good job. And when you finally get the outlet, that’s just the beginning of things because, another stage awaits you, the interview stage.

Emerging successful in an interview isn’t an easy thing. This is especially so because you have to prove yourself, and give the interviewer a reason to hire you. However, with proper preparations, an interview ceases to be as difficult as most people assume. Interview questions can be open-ended or close ended. An interview can be carried out by one person or a panel.

Below are areas that interview questions may cover;

Education accomplishments
Work expertise
Personal skills
Personal objectives
Job Experience
Strengths and weaknesses

Having known the above, what are some of the questions you are likely to be asked for any interview that you attend?

You will always be asked questions about yourself.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

What do you know about the company you intend to go work for?

What experience do you have, for the position you applied for?

How you can handle stress and pressure in the work place?

Why did you leave your previous job?

Interview tips

There is no better way to prepare how to answer interview questions, than to practice. Get questions and try to answer them in the right manner. This will help you be more confident. Needless to say, practice makes perfect.
You can never present yourself in a company which you know nothing about. Do the research and find out as much as you can about the company that is conducting the interview.
Always be punctual for an interview. Be at the venue ten minutes earlier. Don’t give the interviewer a reason to reject you even before they interview you; by being late!
During the interview, be calm. Don’t be tensed or give the interviewer the impression that you are uneasy.
Don’t be shy to show them what you have got. Let them know some of your skills and what you can do when you finally get the job.
Build rapport between you and your interviewer. Engage your interviewer in a conversation that you both have interest in.
First impression always matter. Your dressing code should be smart and elegant.
Maintain eye contact. It’s a very useful tool to get you going.
Ask your interviewer a few questions that will make you look like you understand things.
In case you don’t get the job, feel free to find out why. It will help you improve when you go for another interview in another company.

How to answer tough interview questions

Talk about your education, qualifications and job experience when asked about yourself.
Talk about your career growth, if asked why you left your last job.
Answering about your strengths is easy, compared to your weaknesses. So think, and talk about a weakness or challenge you met, but managed to overcome.
Your expectations for your career must be realistic. This will lead you in answering any question about where you see yourself in six years or so.
When asked about why you want the job, don’t show the interviewer how desperate you are. Give an answer that adds value to the company. Example, I want this job because I want to be part of your successful team.
Be positive always in all your answers.