You may have read my last post when I introduced you to the first of the 4 types of questions you could expect to be asked during an interview situation ‘Icebreakers’
During this second part I will explain Requests for information.
As with the icebreakers, these are usually straightforward enquiries, but the interview has now moved into a different phase. Some of these questions can be answered in a few words, others you may need to expand upon. Watch out here for a familiar trick that interviewer’s use, which is to leave a sustained pause after your answer. Don’t go back in there with more, it shows a lack of confidence and you may regret what you say.
Tell me about yourself:
Probably the most common question you’ll come up against. So it’s worth preparing a brief summation of your career and achievements. That’s it. Just your career – jobs you’ve held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. If you have relevant experience, this is the place to bring it up. If not, explain why the experience you have can help you in this role.
Tell me about a difference you have made
This is a good place for a positive anecdote about something you achieved in your previous role. Ideally this should relate in some way to the new position.
Why did you leave your last job?
The key here is not to badmouth anyone at your previous (or present) firm. There is no reason for the interviewer to know any of this. Stay positive and talk about seeking new opportunities and the need to develop and make progress in your career.
How long would you be looking to work for us if hired?
Be honest but brief. You need to keep the focus on this job and what you can do for this organisation. However, avoid being too specific. Something like this should work: “As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job and my career aspirations are being met I would be very happy to stay.”
Would you be willing to relocate (or are you willing to work overtime, nights or weekends?)
This is the type of question you need to be clear about prior to the interview. Above all, do not say yes just to get the job if that’s not how you feel. Honesty with yourself and clarity in your mind about what you’re looking for in a role could save yourself many problems later in your career.
“An objection is not a rejection; it is simply a request for more information”
Watch out for my next post when I will inform you about ‘Attitude Questions’.
Nikki Hutchison, Corporate Mentor for the Internal Job Market
- Mob: +44 (0)7989 876644
- Email: nikki@chillipepperglobal.com
- Website: www.chillipepperglobal.com