Preparing for an interview can be a stressful and daunting prospect. However, when it comes to securing your dream job role, preparation really is key, especially when it comes to your interview questions.
After all, this is your first opportunity to impress your potential future employer. So, prior to any interview you should take the time to prepare answers to the questions that are likely to be asked.
Here’s a closer insight into some of the questions that you are likely to be asked in your interview:
- How would you describe yourself?
- How would your manager describe you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
- What are your life goals?
- What are your long-term career objectives?
- How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
- What are the most important career rewards that you expect?
- Which motivates you more – the money or the job?
- What are your key strengths and weaknesses?
- Who do you think our main competitors are and how do we compare?
- What gives you your greatest motivation?
- Why should we hire you?
- How do you determine success?
- How do you work under pressure?
- What do you know about this company?
- Can you describe a major problem you have had and how you dealt with it?
- What have you learned from your mistakes?
- Can you describe how you have turned around a bad result?
When answering the above, you should adopt the following techniques to ensure that you give the best possible answers. Remember, this is your time to shine.
Get to known who you are
First and foremost, you should spend some time thinking about your skills, qualities and strengths. Once you understand what you can bring to the job role you are applying for, these will naturally surface in the answers you give.
At the same time, you should also take the time to research the job you are applying for so that you can alter your answers to suit the role.
Know about the business you are applying to
Displaying knowledge and an understanding of the company is important.
Take some time to research the company, what are their values and offerings, also if the company has a latest news section on their website, spend some time looking at this, it may give you a better insight into current business matters.
Structure your answers
When answering any question you should adopt a 3 to 4 point structure, keeping your answers relevant, to the point and impactful.
Bring in your own personal experiences
Supporting your answers with your own personal experiences can make a significant impact, reinforcing the fact that you have the knowledge, skills and expertise required for the job you are applying for.
So with each quality or skill you talk about, back it up with how you have applied these qualities to a real life working scenario.
Always use power words and active verbs
Never be fearful about overselling yourself. This is your opportunity to successfully secure the job you are applying for.
It’s important that you use power words and active verbs that reflect your skills, competence and confidence.
Ask a question at the end
At the end of any interview, you should try and ask a question. Whether that’s about the role itself, the company you are interested in working for, or anything else that you need to know.
If you don’t have any questions, just say that everything you wished to discuss has been covered in the interview and thank the company for their time and for meeting with you.
For further advice Contact Barber McLelland and let us share our superior knowledge of the accountancy profession with you and help you ignite your career platform. Simply give Justin Barber a call on 0114 279 2843, or email justin@bmrecruitment.co.uk