interview techniques

[jb190281]

anyone got any tips on interview techniques? i always get worried if they ask "what are your weaknessess" - i dont really wanna start listing them!!!!!

[bored0]

just say "being interviewed" !!!

[jb190281]

dont you think its a sod of a question - i cant exactly be truthful!

[Gok Wan]

You can be truthful - everyone has weaknesses!

What you have to do is name one and then go on to explain what you do to overcome it.

For example, say that your weakness is that you can't say no and if if someone asks you to do something you can end up get snowed under with work. You could then go on to say that you would ask for help or advise your line manager that you are loaded with work so that others can help you get it done on time.

[kira000]

The best way forward on this one, is to demonstrate that you acknowledge your weaknesses and work on them.

So dont think of it as something you are BAD at, think of something you are less good at and that you have to work harder at, then tell them an example about how you do it or a time when you did just that. For example,

" i used to find public speaking very difficult as i got very nervous, but in my previous job i found i had to start doing alot of it, so i made sure i went through my presentation a few extra times, prepared my case etc really well the night before. I found that it made me alot more confident, so its something i do all the time now" You could then add about a tme when you had to give a big public speach, and how you prepared, and then the final result (which should be a positive one!)

Hope this helps, shout if you need more help!

[Hymie]

The �best� advice I was given in relation to job interview technique, was to appear to be very keen to want the job.

If you really want the job, get into that state of mind, and hopefully the interviewer(s) will see this in your attitude.

[jb190281]

thank you all, very good answers. this is a job i really want so im keen to impress. i think i have my weaknessess sorted now. how about the end bit, where they say "do you have any questions for us" - i never do, but i obviously want to look interested, any advice? thanks very much again guys x

[SaintAleia]

DON'T ask "So, when do I start?" Confidence verging on arrogance!!
Only ask questions you genuiniely want answers to, if any, such as confirming the hours of work or something. Bit difficult though after an interview, there always seems to be so much to think about.
Good luck!

[ladyalex]

Research the firm and the job you are being interviewed for. Then you can ask questions that show that you are interested in the job, not just the money it will get you etc.
Agree with the previous posting about generally looking as though you are keen on the position.
try not to be negative either about why you are leaving your last job, or why you want the new one....don't say"I cannot stand my boss" rather try "I am looking to increase my experience of..."whatever the new job will give you experience of.
Good Luck!

[jb190281]

thanks very much for your input everyone. my interview is tmrw morning, so keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!!!!!

[kira000]

In all the interviews i have been in, and all the ones i've interviewed people for, never once have they written down anything that i/the candidate say to the "any questions?" question.

So in my opinion, dont feel pressure to ask something for the sake of it, you are more likely too goof! Only ask a question, if there is something about the role, or the company you want to know that hasnt been covered, i.e how big is the team, do you anticipate any opportunites for training on the job, will the role be based entirely at XX place or will it involve any travel?

The only other option, is to use the opportunity to sell yourself or your enthusiasm for the job one last time, maybe something like, "No, i dont have anything else to ask, everything is covered, and i think the role sounds really interesting (if poss, name one of your skills and one key point about the role which uses it) and thank you for the opportunity to come and meet you"

Good luck tomorrow, and keep us poseted as to the result!
K

[Ice.Maiden]

The perfect answer to "what are your weaknesses" is to say that you find yourself paying a lot of attention to detail, and like to get things done properly! Of course, these aren't really weaknesses at all, and a prospective employer'd hopefully see it as a "plus".

[Fay Mousse]

I asked someone to tell me their weakest point during an interview for an admin job.

She looked shocked, then puzzled. Eventually she said, "I don't like putting my head under water."

But she still got the job! It wasn't on a boat or in a swimming pool, after all.

[Trotbot]

As a regular interviewer, any candidate giving strengths instead of weaknesses will be told to name some real weaknesses sharpish. The positive is how you deal with it.

Enthusiasm is good, and asking about career progression shows long term interest. It costs a lot of money to recruit staff, and you want to feel that they are in it for the long haul. Too many candidates make it obvious they want to learn or get the company on the CV and then move on. Sorry, not getting a job from me.

[jb190281]

Hi everyone - well i feel the interview went well, hopefully letting me know before the end of the week, fingers crossed!

[ilovetohelp13]

Try these interview tips from Payscale.com - http://bitly.com/Zh2jdR