Wednesday, 5 November 2014

The 6 Toughest Interview Questions – and How to Answer Them

Here are 6 tough interview questions you should be ready to
answer, along with strategies on how to respond to them in a
way that makes you stand out:
See the latest jobs in Nigeria - HERE. Continue...
Could you tell me a little about yourself?
Most interviewers use this question not only to gather
information, but also to assess your poise, style of delivery
and communication ability. Don't launch into a mini-speech
about your childhood, schooling, hobbies, early career and
personal likes and dislikes. Instead, briefly cite recent
personal and professional work experiences that relate to the
position you're seeking and that support your credentials.
Why did you leave your previous employer, or why are you
leaving your present job?
If you were fired for performance issues, it's best to merely
say you "parted ways" and refocus the discussion on how
your skill set matches the current position. If you currently
have a job, focus on why you're seeking greater opportunity,
challenges or responsibility. If you're transitioning to a new
industry, discuss why you're making the transition and tie it
into the new job responsibilities (make sure that you have
very strong references regardless of why you left, or are
leaving, a position).
What are your weaknesses?
Realize that most interviewers don't expect you to be perfect
or reveal your true weaknesses. Turn this question around
and present a personal weakness as a professional strength.
Let's assume that you're detail-oriented, a workaholic and
that you neglect friends and family when working on
important projects. You can turn these weaknesses around by
saying that you're very meticulous and remain involved in
projects until you've ironed out all the problems, even if it
means working after hours or on the weekend.
Another tactic is to discuss an area where you're seeking
improvement, and then highlight the steps you're taking to
meet that goal. Perhaps you're an accountant, and are
working to improve your knowledge of payroll procedures by
taking courses at a local college, or maybe you're an IT
professional earning additional certifications.
What sets you apart from other applicants?
The interviewer who asks you this is really probing your
readiness for the job, your ability to handle it, your willingness
to work hard and your fitness for the job. Show your
readiness by describing how your experience, career
progression, qualities and achievements make you an asset.
Keep it professional, and focus on the value you'll bring to the
position. Highlight your ability by discussing your specific
skills and accomplishments, but don't forget to show your
interest in the job itself.
Where do you hope to be in three years?
This question is often asked of recent college graduates, and
the worst answer is to say that you want to be president of
the company or have the interviewer's position. Instead, talk
about what motivates you especially what will motivate you
on this job and what you hope to have accomplished.
Do you have any questions?
Don't say "no," or that everything has been thoroughly
discussed. If you think the interviewer has any doubts, now's
the time to restate why you're the most logical candidate for
the opening. Show your interest in the company by preparing
some key questions in advance. Asking about corporate
culture or what the interviewer likes the best about the
company will give you insight and let the interviewers know
that you're interviewing them as well.
See the latest jobs in Nigeria here - http://goo.gl/9YFZ8S

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