INTERVIEWS



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“What did you do in your last job?”

Give an account of what your last job involved, especially these details:

( The skills used in your last job

( Machines or equipment used

( Any responsibilities you had

( People you dealt with

( How long you stayed in your last job

( Duties which match this job

Write your answer here.

“How often were you absent from your last job?”

If your absences were rare, then simply say so in a confident manner.

If you were often absent, explain why and point out that the problem is unlikely to happen again. Here are some examples:

( “... but then I had treatment and I’m in excellent health now and the doctor said it would never return.”

( “… but that was a one-off. I had an almost 100% attendance record in previous jobs so I can assure you I’ll be wholly reliable.”

Write your answer here.

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“Why did you leave that job?”

People leave jobs for many reasons. Mention only those that cast you in a favourable light. Avoid saying you were sacked, dismissed, had an argument, etc. It might also be useful to reassure the interviewer that the same problem would not occur in the job for which you are applying.

Here are some common reasons:

( Job was only temporary / seasonal / end of contract.

( It was only part-time.

( The company closed down.

( The job was made redundant.

( The wage was not enough.

( It required too much travelling or long hours.

( You decided on a career change.

Write your answer here.

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“Have you done this kind of work before?”

Always try to answer YES.

Example

You want a clerical job, but haven’t actually worked

as a clerk. You could mention these things:

( Any paperwork used in previous jobs, e.g. time sheets

( Any qualifications, e.g. English, Maths, Typing

( Office skills, familiarity with photocopying,

use of switchboard, telephone

( That you are treasurer of a social club

( That you collect coins and keep detailed written records and like dealing with figures

( That you can use a computer

( That you mix well with people

( That you pick things up quickly

( That you have always wanted an office job and are now eager to start and will always work hard.

Write your answer here.

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“Why do you want to work here?”

Employers want to hear positive reasons that suggest you are likely to stay with the firm if hired.

It also gives you a chance to mention anything you have learnt about the firm – and this shows you’ve taken the trouble to find things out.

Mention, if you can, these things:

( The good reputation the company has as an employer

( Its reputation as a forward-looking company

( That it is doing work in which you have a keen interest

( That the job appears ideal for you

Write your answer here.

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“How is your health?”

The interviewer wants to be sure that you are fit for the job and in good health generally.

Your answer should seek to reassure him / her on both points.

( If you are in good health, and have not mentioned any problems on application forms or letters, simply say so confidently.

( If you have had poor health you could ask your doctor for a letter clearly stating your fitness.

Most GPs will be willing to oblige although there may be a fee to pay.

( If you have mentioned a disability on your application form, say that it will not affect your ability to do the job.

( Always stress that you are fit for this particular job and that you are in good health generally.

Write your answer here.

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“What are your greatest strengths?”

This is another opportunity to list all your positive attributes for the job:

( Your skills

( Experience

( Interest

( Enthusiasm

( Reliability

( Efficiency

( Ability to mix well with people

( Pride in a job well done

Write your answer here.

“What are your weaknesses?”

Don’t help the interviewer to reject you – admit no weaknesses!

If you have to talk about a weakness show how you have learnt from this to become a better person.

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“Tell me more about yourself.”

Here are some things you might want to mention:

( Hobbies, interests, leisure activities, clubs or organisations to which you belong

( Any positions of responsibility you hold

( A brief life history – where you were born and brought up, places you studied or worked at, education/training you have received

( Previous job experience

Write your answer here.

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“What was your last employer’s opinion of you?”

( Always give a positive answer.

( Give specific examples of things you did that were well received.

( Ideally, offer an open letter of recommendation or reference from your previous employer or suggest that a reference could be obtained.

( Do not criticise previous employers.

Write your answer here.

“When are you available for work?”

Don’t hesitate. Answer straight away:

( “As soon as possible“

( “Whenever required to start”

The time to consider arrangements is after being offered the job.

You can always contact the employer and try to arrange a more convenient start date if this is essential.

Write your answer here.

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“Do you have any questions?”

Whatever you do, don’t sound as if you are only interested in what the job gives you.

Use your judgement about the timing.

An in-depth question on their bonus scheme and pension plan is not sensible at a first interview.

Here are some points that you may want to raise:

( What are the normal hours of work?

( Are there any unusual hours?

( Will I be paid overtime?

( What is the pay?

( Will I be paid weekly or monthly?

( What holidays will I be entitled to?

( What are the promotional possibilities?

( What training will I be given?

( When may I expect a decision?

( When would I be expected to start?

Write your questions here.

GOOD LUCK!

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Mention these things:

← Related previous experience

← Other work experience

← Qualifications / training you have had

← Relevant interests and hobbies

← Appropriate personal characteristics

← How quick you are to learn

← How enthusiastic you are

Then go on to describe experience you have which shows knowledge of the work and actual ability, wherever possible.

If you have no direct experience, describe other work experience to show your ability to learn a job quickly and successfully. Stress your keen interest and enthusiasm to learn.

Remember: the interviewer is looking for someone who is going to put a lot into the job – ability, hard work and enthusiasm.

If you think that you are about to be offered the job, you will need all the facts before deciding whether to accept.

Tick the ones that you will want to ask.

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