how to answer interview questions?
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helo all!!
i got an interview coming up next tue but i have no clue how to prepare as i had screwed up my previous interviews when it comes to answering questions.
how do you guys normally answer interview questions such as
1. strengths and weakness
2. what makes you suitable for this job?
please help!! -
Be as honest as possible la,seriously don't kan chiong can liao..Take your time to answer...
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Lots of preparation is the key to a successful interview!
With adequate preparation you are less likely to mess up the interview for yourself. What type of job are you specifically applying for?
Strengths - I'd usually say that I've got a combination of technical & people skills, am adept at using technology and at the same time, good with people (be they colleagues, bosses, or customers). I'm also good at working in a team, or working independently. (Trust me, employers love to hear that sorta thing! )
Weaknesses - umm... dun say time management to this one. That will surely NOT get you the job! I'll say that my weakness is that I'm too impatient, and wanna get things done fast - sometimes even faster than my colleagues, but have seen a way around it - that is, to help my colleagues along the way so as to speed up things.
What makes me suitable for this job - I'd usually speak on each point of the selection criteria and emphasize how I can do each of them well. Maybe also say that I'm hardworking, loyal, and flexible too.
Perhaps you could also get hold of books on interview techniques to help you along, from the library or bookshops:
Brilliant interview : what employers want to hear and how to say it / Ros Jay Great answers to tough interview questions / Martin John Yate 24 hours to the perfect interview : quick steps for planning, organizing, and preparing for the interview that gets the job / Matthew J. DeLuca & Nanette F. DeLuca
(the last 2 helped me clinch my new job!
)
HTH! All the best for the interview & let us know how things went! -
Other that what others have suggested, you could tell yourself mentally. "What could be the worse outcome? Maybe I will just be unsuccessful and to go for another interview."Originally posted by superworm99:helo all!!
i got an interview coming up next tue but i have no clue how to prepare as i had screwed up my previous interviews when it comes to answering questions.
how do you guys normally answer interview questions such as
1. strengths and weakness
2. what makes you suitable for this job?
please help!!
With this mentality in mind, you will perform well because there is nothing to lose.
Good Luck and be cool.
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Hello, superworm99! Welcome to Club 30!
You might find the response to your thread might not be so good because recently, this issue had been discussed in this thread : Brain-freeze during job interviews.
You might want to read the posts in that thread because a lot of good advice has been given inside.
Good luck in your interview! Remember to return and let us know how it went! -
coolOriginally posted by SydneyLibrarian:Weaknesses - umm... dun say time management to this one. That will surely NOT get you the job! I'll say that my weakness is that I'm too impatient, and wanna get things done fast - sometimes even faster than my colleagues, but have seen a way around it - that is, to help my colleagues along the way so as to speed up things.
u rephrased your weakness!!! -
oh thanks for the guidance to that thread!Originally posted by Rhonda:Hello, superworm99! Welcome to Club 30!
You might find the response to your thread might not be so good because recently, this issue had been discussed in this thread : Brain-freeze during job interviews.
You might want to read the posts in that thread because a lot of good advice has been given inside.
Good luck in your interview! Remember to return and let us know how it went! -
Originally posted by superworm99:cool
u rephrased your weakness!!!
Yea... you could say that! -
In a nutshell interviews are all about lying when it comes to personal qualities.. don't you think -
This may be true, but isn't it also a bit cliche? I'm sure it's been used often enough. Wonder what the interviewers really think when they hear this?Originally posted by SydneyLibrarian:Weaknesses - I'll say that my weakness is that I'm too impatient, and wanna get things done fast - sometimes even faster than my colleagues, but have seen a way around it - that is, to help my colleagues along the way so as to speed up things.
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rmbr 2hv eye contacts when u answer the questions. if is more than 1 interviewers... must oso look for other expression.
answer questions steadily... be firm (although u r not) try lah.
of cos must with a smile...
as for strength & weakness... when u name them it could b vice versus. think abt it.
y u choose this company... say..u need a job... practicle answer.
of cos do abit of their company search... internet...
express hw intrests are u to work in their company....
GOOD LUCKS -
Hmm.. I dunno, so far, the interviewers looked like they believed me when I told them thatOriginally posted by Wanda:This may be true, but isn't it also a bit cliche? I'm sure it's been used often enough. Wonder what the interviewers really think when they hear this? 
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Anymore?Originally posted by SydneyLibrarian:Lots of preparation is the key to a successful interview! With adequate preparation you are less likely to mess up the interview for yourself. What type of job are you specifically applying for?
Strengths - I'd usually say that I've got a combination of technical & people skills, am adept at using technology and at the same time, good with people (be they colleagues, bosses, or customers). I'm also good at working in a team, or working independently. (Trust me, employers love to hear that sorta thing! )
Weaknesses - umm... dun say time management to this one. That will surely NOT get you the job! I'll say that my weakness is that I'm too impatient, and wanna get things done fast - sometimes even faster than my colleagues, but have seen a way around it - that is, to help my colleagues along the way so as to speed up things.
What makes me suitable for this job - I'd usually speak on each point of the selection criteria and emphasize how I can do each of them well. Maybe also say that I'm hardworking, loyal, and flexible too.
Perhaps you could also get hold of books on interview techniques to help you along, from the library or bookshops: Brilliant interview : what employers want to hear and how to say it / Ros Jay Great answers to tough interview questions / Martin John Yate 24 hours to the perfect interview : quick steps for planning, organizing, and preparing for the interview that gets the job / Matthew J. DeLuca & Nanette F. DeLuca
(the last 2 helped me clinch my new job!)
HTH! All the best for the interview & let us know how things went! -
I suppose mesmerizing is a must in interviews... You must be very big babe or very hunky type.Originally posted by SydneyLibrarian:Hmm.. I dunno, so far, the interviewers looked like they believed me when I told them that
Everything you say they'd drool and believe. -
Why dont you tell us what kinda of position you are applying for. Different position will be require different answer.Originally posted by superworm99:helo all!!
i got an interview coming up next tue but i have no clue how to prepare as i had screwed up my previous interviews when it comes to answering questions.
how do you guys normally answer interview questions such as
1. strengths and weakness
2. what makes you suitable for this job?
please help!! -
Nah.. I'm neither. I'm really a witch in disguise... I cast a spell on each interviewer & they believe everything I sayOriginally posted by Elfred:I suppose mesmerizing is a must in interviews... You must be very big babe or very hunky type.
Everything you say they'd drool and believe. -
i always tell the truth...
probably why i was unemployed for a while -
i believe in telling the truth... in a good way...
it's all about selling your strengths and turning your weaknesses into your strength, or if that's not possible, talk about how you're en route to overcoming these weaknesses. at least that'd show you know what your shortcomings are and are willing to take the effort to overcome them.
no point lying bcos it'd be revealed sooner or later.
NEVER lie about your last drawn salary. they always check, in my industry anyway. n once they find out you lied, there goes your offer and more importantly, your reputation and future opportunities with the place.
all the best! -
i just realised - your interview's on tue! so what i said prob's too late... hahaa...
oh well, hope it went well!
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I didn't do any preparations, the only things I need are my certs, certs.Originally posted by SydneyLibrarian:Lots of preparation is the key to a successful interview! With adequate preparation you are less likely to mess up the interview for yourself. What type of job are you specifically applying for?
Strengths - I'd usually say that I've got a combination of technical & people skills, am adept at using technology and at the same time, good with people (be they colleagues, bosses, or customers). I'm also good at working in a team, or working independently. (Trust me, employers love to hear that sorta thing! )
Weaknesses - umm... dun say time management to this one. That will surely NOT get you the job! I'll say that my weakness is that I'm too impatient, and wanna get things done fast - sometimes even faster than my colleagues, but have seen a way around it - that is, to help my colleagues along the way so as to speed up things.
What makes me suitable for this job - I'd usually speak on each point of the selection criteria and emphasize how I can do each of them well. Maybe also say that I'm hardworking, loyal, and flexible too.
Perhaps you could also get hold of books on interview techniques to help you along, from the library or bookshops: Brilliant interview : what employers want to hear and how to say it / Ros Jay Great answers to tough interview questions / Martin John Yate 24 hours to the perfect interview : quick steps for planning, organizing, and preparing for the interview that gets the job / Matthew J. DeLuca & Nanette F. DeLuca
(the last 2 helped me clinch my new job!)
HTH! All the best for the interview & let us know how things went!
All I need to do is exhibit extreme confidence in what they say and I'm willing to take up the challenge.
Basically, in interviews, they just want to see how confident you're. They won't be able to understand half of what you said. If bosses can listen to 80% of what you've said, then they will be great bosses, cos most bosses don't listen. They do what they do best. Bosses people around. -
Now, that's a whole new perspective on this issue!Originally posted by Nelstar:I didn't do any preparations, the only things I need are my certs, certs.
All I need to do is exhibit extreme confidence in what they say and I'm willing to take up the challenge.
Basically, in interviews, they just want to see how confident you're. They won't be able to understand half of what you said. If bosses can listen to 80% of what you've said, then they will be great bosses, cos most bosses don't listen. They do what they do best. Bosses people around.
And hmm... certs? What flavour did you prefer? They taste kinda sweet and freshen up the breath, right?
Sowwy... couldn't help it!
Just like, when I re-read the topic, 'How to answer interview questions?', I couldn't help thinking :
"Name?"
Just respond with your full name...
"Age?"
Just tell him!
"Sex?"
Erm... Err... if you needed to answer that, Heng, or sInNeD, would be so interested in you!
OR, I'd most likely answer, 'Erm... not since the last millenium!'
Sorry... just taking a tongue-in-cheek approach! -
Well imagine, you're the 47th interviewee...Originally posted by Rhonda:Now, that's a whole new perspective on this issue!
And hmm... certs? What flavour did you prefer? They taste kinda sweet and freshen up the breath, right?
Sowwy... couldn't help it!
Just like, when I re-read the topic, 'How to answer interview questions?', I couldn't help thinking :
"Name?"
Just respond with your full name...
"Age?"
Just tell him!
"Sex?"
Erm... Err... if you needed to answer that, Heng, or sInNeD, would be so interested in you!
OR, I'd most likely answer, 'Erm... not since the last millenium!'
Sorry... just taking a tongue-in-cheek approach!
They would have heard the same 'I believe I can excel in this company and help this company achieve A B C'
It's the way you put the same message across. -
That's true! It feels like all the candidates bought the same book and memorised the same answers!Originally posted by Nelstar:Well imagine, you're the 47th interviewee...
They would have heard the same 'I believe I can excel in this company and help this company achieve A B C'
It's the way you put the same message across.
When I conducted screening interviews or sat in for interviews, I always look out for how the candidate carried himself / herself, how well they fielded 'surprise', ie. non-typical questions we throw at them, and how well they're able to articulate. We want to be sure that we get the right fit for the right job.
Confidence shows and is really endearing. And for certain posts, dynamism and individualism can be essential.
After you've interviewed enough folks, the same cliched answers can really come out sounding flakey to the interviewers, especially if the candidate regurgitates their 'model answers' sans conviction.
'Yeeeeeaah, riiiiiiiiiiight!'
That's one of the reasons why I enjoy watching 'American's Next Top Model', and sometimes, 'The Apprentice'... the judges can sometimes throw such caustic comments that totally throw the contestants off-guard and the responses are very very funny to watch!