Job interviews can be terrifying especially when it’s your first one and you don’t know what to expect. Interviews can be nerve-wracking no matter what level you’re at. However, to help you with your upcoming job interview we’ve compiled some tips that can be helpful. We also have a comprehensive course on Job Interviews and Salary Negotiation which can help you convert your interviews into job offers!
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Common Questions
Knowing what to expect can help a lot. Interviews are basically a test run to see and check an individual’s personality and if they’re a good fit for the company. A few common questions include:
- Tell me about yourself
- What is your greatest strength?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Do you feel you have any traits that make you stand out compared to others?
- What are your hobbies?
- What makes you think you will be a good fit for this job?
This is just a very brief list of some of the questions an interviewer may ask you. If you still feel you are unprepared, you can watch sample interviews online or search up more common questions.
Prohibited Questions
When you step into an interview you should have an idea about which questions an interviewer cannot ask you and if they do how you should react. Questions (according to guidelines) listed below are some questions that an interviewer should not ask.
- Marital status
- Number of children
- Genetic Information
- Height and Weight (unless a requirement e.g. modelling)
- Pregnancy
- Relatives/Family Status
- Religion
- Sex/Gender
- Religion
- Age
Unless the job requires any of these to be asked, for example, some jobs may have an age limit as to who can work there or height and weight may be asked if you are applying for a modelling agency it is completely prohibited to ask such questions. If you find yourself to be in a position where you are being asked such questions you can either:
- Answer the question.
- Give an answer indirectly that answers the interviewer’s concerns but does not give away personal information.
- Ask as to how this relates to the interview by saying “I don’t mind answering that question can you please let me know how it relates to the position I’m applying for.”
- You always have a right to end the interview and walk out. You can say that you appreciate that they took the time out of their day to interview you but this position may not be a good fit for you.
Preparation
- Research the company and the position you are applying for.
- Make sure your “selling point” is made aware. What makes you unique and why should you be chosen for this job compared to other applicants?
- Interviewers tend to ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview. Make sure to have a few questions thought of, this shows the interviewer that you have an interest in the position and company.
- Make sure you have a copy of your resume on hand and bring it to the interview.
- Make sure that you start the interview with the right energy. Walk-in brimming with confidence and enthusiasm. During the interview make sure you aren’t completely stiff, use your hands and body language you get your point across as you try to answer questions.
Tips
- It is said that most interviewers make up their minds about the candidate in the first five minutes. First impressions are a must. The first few questions the interviewer asks should be answered properly and with enthusiasm.
- “Tell me about yourself” is one of the most common questions you will get as an interviewee. Make the most of these questions. Give at least three detailed points about yourself preferably “selling points” and why you are a great fit for this company. Relate this to your hobbies or previous experience. You can end this by saying something along the lines of “If I’m still missing something you would like to know please feel free to let me know.”
- Dressing professionally is a very important part. Showing up to an interview is mainly about first impressions. Coming on time, dressing properly, a firm handshake. All of these are important points to keep in mind.
- If you still feel nervous, a good way to practice is coming up with a list of questions you may ask if you were an interviewer and then do a practice interview. What responses would make you hire a candidate? What makes a candidate stand out? All of these are points to think upon.
- Behaviour-based interviews are something you want to make sure you’re ready for. For example, an interviewer may ask you to tell a story about a time when you took the lead in a group situation. The interviewer in this situation will check your ability to react to certain situations and how you will react if placed in the XYZ situation.
In the end, it’s important you keep in mind that some interviews go good and others not so good. It doesn’t mean you should give up. You win some, you lose some.
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