TIPS ON INTERVIEWS

•Job Interviews questions and suggested replies:

Why Should We Hire You?

What They Are Really Asking
What the interviewer really wants to know is why they should hire you instead of someone else they are interviewing. They want to know that if they gave you the job, what you would be able to do for them. Look at the job description and know what they would require when you start working for them.

What They Don't Want To Hear
They don't want to hear what you want to get out of this, that you really need a job and that they should hire you because you are really good at your job.
What They Do Want To Hear
They want you to sell yourself to them. Be very specific about what is in it for them, and if they gave you this job, what would they get out of it. Focus on examples of the things they are really looking for, how you've done it already and how you can do it again for them.

What Are Your Weaknesses?

What They Are Really Asking
Interpret the questions. What the interviewer really wants to know is what risks they are potentially taking by hiring you. It is also a stress question, and by asking you a stress question they can see how you react when it is thrown at you.

What They Don't Want To Hear
They don't want to hear that you have a huge weakness that can't be corrected under any circumstances, or something that would really negatively impact your performance on the job. They also don't want to hear about a personal trait that has no bearing on the job itself.
What They Do Want To Hear
They do want to hear you being honest about a minor weakness you have, and that you are doing something about it. You should turn the negative into a positive and show that you are not only aware of this weakness, but doing something about it.

Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?
What They Are Really Asking
What the interviewer wants to know is if you have actually given any thought to your future career and if so, is there any obvious conflict between what they can offer or give you, and what you actually want.

What They Don't Want To Hear
They won't want to hear a really rigid answer, or any other very specific, very time framed goals that would just mean that you would be driving the show.
What They Do Want To Hear
They want to hear that you have given some thought to your future and there are certain things you are aiming towards. You should aim not to be too rigid or specific as to exactly when that's going to happen and how it's going to happen. The interviewer does, however, want to know that you are really enthusiastic about your profession and that you want to be the best you can be.

Why Don't You Tell Me About Yourself?
What They Are Really Asking
Here the interviewer is asking you to present yourself in the best possible light, to give them your selling points for this particular role.
What They Don't Want To Hear
They do not want to hear about your life outside of work or what you do outside of work.
What They Do Want To Hear
They want to know that you have read through the job description and that you know what they are looking for. Tell them about yourself in a professional context. Think of yourself as a product, explain why people should buy you - don't just tell, sell.
Why Do You Want To Work For This Company?
Interpreting the Question
They want to see that you've considered where you want to work and why.

Don't Say
Don't imply you want to work at their company just for an impressive addition to your CV.
Do Say
Show that you've researched their company. Sell yourself in relation to their specific products and services. Good luck.

What Are Your Strengths?
What They Really Want To Know
What the interviewer wants to know is how well you know yourself and your strengths. They also want to see that you have been able to pick out the strengths that are relevant to the job in question.
What They Don't Want To Hear
They don't want to hear typical clichés or phrases without an example to back what you are saying. They also don't want to hear about any strength that is completely irrelevant to this job.
What They Do Want To Hear
They do want to see that you have actually sat down and thought about the strengths most relevant to the job in question. You could sit down and highlight the strengths needed for the job states in the job description. Be sure to also give them very specific examples of how you have used your strengths for your former employer.

Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

What They Want To Know
What they want to know is what you have learnt about yourself in the process of looking for a new job, and what you are hoping to gain by moving companies.
What They Don't Want To Hear
They don't want to hear you slagging off your boss, company, products, and colleagues or focusing on the very negative aspect.
What They Do Want To Hear
They do want to hear you focusing on the benefits of a move and what you are looking to get out of a move. Make it very positive. Focus on the benefits, opportunities and development.
What Sort of Pay Do You Hope To Receive?
Interpreting The Question
There's no right and wrong answer. Instead do your research and do your market value.
What is Your Max and Min?
Decided on you minimum and maximum expectations for the role. Also consider benefits, not just salary.
Don't Ask, Don't Get
Ask the question back - what's on offer? Mention your market research showing your objectiveness. Good luck
What Will Your Former Employer Say About You?
Interpreting The Question
Are you aware of how others perceive you? Do you request feedback?
Don't Say
No clichés or generalizations. Don't be negative about your previous company if they didn't give feedback.
Do Say
Any specific quotes about you, related to the job, in feedback, reports or evaluations. Bring print-outs of e-mails or reports to back-up these comments.
How Does Your Previous Experience Relate To This Job?
Interpreting The Question
They want to know if you can you hit the ground running.
Don't Say
Don't lie, exaggerate or play up your experiences. Don't be superficial.
Do Say
Give examples of how you've done the job.

When Do You Expect Your Next Promotion?
What They Really Want To Know
The interviewer wants to know whether you have certain expectations about the job that they are unable to fulfill. They are trying to see if there is a match between what you would like, and what they have to offer.
What They Don't Want To Hear
They don't want to hear that you are unrealistic in terms of how quickly you can get promoted, and how far up the organization you can get. They also don't want to hear that you are so selfish and ambitious that unless you get exactly what you want, you are willing to leave the organization.
What They Do Want To Hear
They want to hear that you have thought about where you want to go, and that you are realistic in terms of the timeframe of what is possible.
Ask Them How The Promotion Process Works
Ideally what you should do is ask them how their promotion process works within the company, because before you know how it works it's going to be very difficult for you to answer the questions. Also, use this question to check whether there is compatibility between you and your employer in terms of how quickly you want that next promotion. You must make sure they can offer you what you want. If not, there are other jobs.

ALL THE BEST TO YOU ALL.