HOW TO TACKLE COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN AN INTERVIEW

I don’t actually understand what happens to most of us as soon as we have entered the interview room just to find a panel of interviewers seated ready to interrogate us. For some, the first instance or appearance makes them to panic, shiver and their mind shift to a state of oblivion. They even find themselves forgetting the corporate etiquette and end up greeting the panel using slang terms like, “Hi guys.” Anyway, an interview has always been a dreading experience to many especially in the situation where one can be “caught off guard”

Today, I would like to focus much on some of the questions that you may be asked in interviews and the approach you can use to answer them. You will notice that some of them would be as follow:

1.       What personal characteristics could have currently boosted your success level?

While tackling this question, it would be better if you focus on personal characters that relates to the professional environment, for instance, being adaptive, working effectively under low supervision, interactive (which will show you value teamwork).

2.      Do you perceive working with others or more specifically as an individual?

 In an organization, you should understand that it is like a system where each element plays a specific role but they are meant to achieve the same objective in the end. Thus teamwork is highly encouraged. You may be also questioned on what drives you into working in a team. Actually, the driving force should rely more on getting experience and skills from others besides sharing what you have!

3.      How can you ensure that customer is satisfied?

As you answer this question, bring out the issue of customer being given the first priority in the business. Explain on your devotion to serve clients diligently and attending to their needs with utmost passion. Explain your convincing and interactive skills that will make the customer feel that he is the ‘boss’ and you are there to serve him or her.

4.      What are you bringing into this organization if we hire you?

 This is the point where you actually need to highlight on the skills and experience you have accumulated over years. Explain to the interviewers your ambition and vision for the company, maybe 10 years to come and how your presence will be an asset and not a liability.

5.      How much salary do you want us to pay you?

When answering this question you should be prudent and have critically analyzed it prior to the interview. Ensure that you are well acquainted to the payroll of the organization in relation to the post you are applying for. You should avoid being specific by preferring to give a certain quantifiable range.

6.      What are some of your weaknesses?

This is a critical question and the approach you apply to answer it may determine whether you are worth for the job. Don’t introduce too sensitive personal weaknesses like taking too long to prepare for work, being unable to work well with others, being slow in production among related ones. On the other hand, introduce more of professional weaknesses, for instance if you are a leader you may state that you find yourself sometimes imposing too much pressure on members for them to meet deadlines which in some case some members productivity may not be compared to others.

As you master on how to tackle these questions and the expected results, interview would always be a getaway through which you will be majestically crossing over!