Job interview question and answer: Tell me about yourself

When asked this question it's your chance to give a professional snapshot of your talents, qualifications and experience. Allow up to two minutes for this response. Be succinct and keep it relevant. It's time to sell yourself but keep focused because you need to give a good overview of what you can do in relation to the position for which you are applying. You could tell the interviewer where and what you studied include notable snippets like your majors, significant awards or a distinction average but only if the subjects you studied are relevant to the job. Summarise your work experience and the professional skills you have acquired. Concentrate on aspects of your experience that relate to the job. If marketing is a prerequisite for this job and you have marketing as part of your skills set, then make sure you focus on your experience in this field. Don't ramble on: keep to the point (no more than four points in total) and don't waste time on irrelevant information make sure each point hits the mark for the job. Check with the job description and select four main aspects of the job that you could cover. Finish off by briefly outlining your career plans and how the job on offer fits into those illustrious schemes.

Job interview question and answer: What do you know about this company?
When asked this question, your research will come into play. Whatever you do, do not say 'nothing' or 'I had a quick look at your website so I know you are a _____'. Spend some time on the company website to find out as much as you can about the company so that you can speak for at least a minute and a half about their business. Also look at any news features or other websites that come up when you search the company name as this is often information generated by others and not the company singing it's own praises. At the interview, you can discuss a number of aspects such as services, goals, position in the market and other points that you have gleaned from your research. Make sure you show knowledge without coming across as a 'know it all'. 'I was impressed with your growth figures over the past twelve months and it's great that you have a policy to support the local community' is an answer that shows you have done your homework and gives the company a pat on the back for their social policies

Job interview question and answer: What did you most enjoy about your last job?
How you answer this question will give the employer some insight into how well you are going to fit into their corporate culture. Interests correlate directly to work performance so talk about the things you enjoyed which are relevant to the position. If you are going for a job in sales, it would be a good idea to emphasise your love of client interaction and closing a deal, or if the position you apply for requires you to meet important deadlines you could highlight that you enjoy working in a high-pressure environment. A word of warning it's better to talk about liking challenges and achievements, rather than a hefty pay packet and long corporate lunches.

Job interview question and answer: Why are you applying for this job?
When answering the question about why you want the job, the comprehensive pre-interview research you have done will become essential. The interviewer wants to know why you are interested in the position so he/she can gauge what skills you are bringing to the position and how it fits into your shortand long-term career plans. Use your answer to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and re-emphasise your suitability for the position. Give specific examples of things that attracted you to the company, so the interviewer can see that you match their culture and will thrive in the position. While this looks like a question about you, the interviewer wants to know what you can do for the company and that you are a good fit for the job. In your answer, you might want to elaborate on your strengths and achievements and how they match the position description. You could also talk about your career goals and the objectives of the company (information from your research). In both these instances, you are explaining how and why you would be an asset to the company.

Job interview question and answer: Why should we give you this job?
Set yourself apart from the pack! You may find yourself reiterating some of the things you said in response to 'Tell me about yourself', but this time try to be more specific in linking your talents to the requirements of the position. Give strong examples of your skills and career achievements and, in doing so, explain how you can be beneficial in the new gig. Make a big statement to start and then support it with an example. 'I am always willing to go the extra mile' is a good opener. Find an example of an accomplishment that matches one of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description and use the STAR system of response: situation, task, action, result. 'In my previous position, the data management system was not working well and wasn't being used properly. I approached my manager and suggested a very simple way to fix the problem [shows initiative]. She agreed and I implemented the changes and also explained how it all worked to the rest of the team [team player and ability to communicate]. The result was that everyone started using the system [improved data capture] and the company saved huge amounts of time allowing staff to work on core business [improved productivity and profits].' This shows that you bring valuable skills to the job. Finally, link what you have done to the new position. 'My focus at work is about productivity and profitability and improving the bottom line for the business.'

Job interview question and answer: What are your strengths?

This is a classic example of how you should tailor your answer to the job. Make a list of the requirements of the job and demonstrate that you possess these, giving examples of how your strengths have helped produce excellent outcomes in previous positions. For example, if developing business project plans is a job requirement, show how you have managed this in the past and make sure to mention that the result was that the team working on the project were appreciative that they had such a strong plan to work with, that the job was completed within the projected time frame and that you saved your employer $X. Some generic skills-based answers include:

y 'My time management skills are excellent. I'm organised and take pride in excelling at my work.' y 'I'm very good with customers and I am efficient at resolving any problems that they have. My
customer service skills also help me to get along with other members of the team.'

Suggestions of other valuable strengths include: your leadership skills, problem-solving skills, ability to prioritise and work under pressure. Just make sure it correlates directly to the job you are applying for.

Job interview question and answer: Can you describe a time when you have taken initiative? What was the result?
This is an important one! No matter what industry you work in, the employer wants to know that you have the motivation and ability to take action when your job requires you to do so. They also want to see that you can think independently, generate ideas and make suggestions associated with the business. Give one example of a time when you have come up with an idea and how you went about seeing it through to completion. Talk about the challenges you faced along the way and how you overcame these to succeed. Maybe you came up with an idea for a new project, which would cost the company minimal overhead, but create maximum profits. You presented a proposal to the boss, persuaded them to take it on board and then successfully carried it out. This shows that you can bring valuable skills to the job such as leadership, motivation and problem solving. Also, try to emphasise the importance of teamwork. For example, 'While I have the ability to take direction and work on my own, I am also an excellent team player and I firmly believe in working together to obtain the best possible results as a group.'

Job interview question and answer: Why did you choose this career path?
This is one of those questions that, as broad as it is, you should have a well-prepared and specific answer for. You want to demonstrate to your prospective employer that you are focused, know what you want, and have a genuine passion for your chosen industry. The most important thing is to show the interviewer that you have specific reasons for choosing that particular career path, as that implies a dedication and enthusiasm that will motivate you and get you far. You could point to aspects of your personality, interests or significant experiences from your personal or professional past that have helped to steer you in your present direction. Citing reasons of money, status or that your parents made you do it won't do much to advance your cause demonstrating genuine passion will get you a lot further. Show the interviewer that you and the position you are applying for are a perfect fit. If you are applying for a job in public relations you could say, Ive always been a strong communicator and people person. I also like a fast-paced, high-energy environment so a career in PR is just a natural path for me. Alternatively, if you are applying for a design job you could mention your excellent eye for detail and aesthetics, and your life-long fascination with all aspects of design. Perhaps you have been sketching and working on personal creations from a young age, and can name certain designers o mentors who r have inspired and influenced you. With such an open-ended question, be specific but refrain from rambling on too much. Dont give long and boring answers be direct and to-the-point. Pick one main reason why you chose the career path and elaborate with a few specific points (keeping in mind the job requirements) show the interviewer that your skills and personality are exactly what their company needs.

Job interview question and answer: How do you handle criticism?

This might seem like a tricky one because it boils down to either admitting that you are a mere mortal who has flaws and can be criticised, or claiming that 'criticism' simply isn't in your vocabulary (unless you're the one giving it out) at the risk of appearing arrogant and lacking in self-awareness and humility. However, this tricky interview question is a fairly straightforward one to navigate if you're clever about it, and it is possible to answer without perjuring yourself.

'I try to see criticism as an opportunity to improve my work'

Constructive criticism is an important part of professional growth, and this is a good chance to show your employer you are striving to be the best and are open to improvement. Even though receiving criticism is going to feel lousy, show the interviewer that you are happy to put your ego to one side, and that you listen to and act upon feedback and advice. If you don't use criticism as an agent for change when it happens, then those vicious teeth of criticism will just keep biting and biting.

'I decide whether the criticism is valid or not'

Criticism isn't necessarily a synonym for the cold hard truth. When you come up against a less-thanrave review about your work, judge it on its own merits. After weighing up the evidence, you may decide that you are actually making the correct decision. Criticism can spring from a person's doubt about your abilities, jealousy of your success or pure vindictiveness so be strong and confident in your abilities. Sometimes the most successful people are the ones who go against the grain and defy public opinion.

'It depends on whether the criticism is from a colleague or a client'

It's important to make this distinction, since handling criticism and carrying out effective damage control could be a core component of the job on offer. If you are going for a job as a waiter, the interviewer wants to know how you would handle a cranky customer, or if you are an airline check-in person, how you would diffuse the situation if flights were delayed. Criticism from a client is a completely different kettle of fish to that from a colleague, since it is likely to be more professional than personal. Your potential employer won't be too excited at the thought of you arching your back at the gall of a customer lodging a legitimate complaint. Criticism from the boss, of course, should never be dismissed if you take your job seriously and want to continually improve and progress.

Give an example
Interviewers love real-life examples because they show that your answer is based on the person you are, rather than a person you have created in order to blitz the interview. Make sure the example illustrates the answers above that you have viewed the criticism objectively, have taken ownership of the problem and have used it to improve your work. If you are in a leadership position, you will need to show that you are responsive to criticism by calling a meeting to discuss feedback and work towards solutions. The dos and don'ts of hearing what you don't want to hear:

y y y y y y y y y y

Do listen objectively Do ask for specifics Do get a second opinion and do your own research Do take ownership and responsibility Do take feedback into consideration Do learn from it Don't ignore the criticism Don't get defensive, angry or rude Don't make excuses Don't dwell on the error

Reason for leaving: The job wasn't stimulating enough

If you feel trapped in a job that doesn't provide the stimulation or advancement opportunities, it is a smart career move to see what else it out there. However, you must be careful how you phrase the lack of passion you had for your previous job or the interviewer might be left with the impression that you

are easily bored and unmotivated. Instead, focus on your excitement and enthusiasm for the job they are offering, referring to specifics, and illustrating your qualifications. Possible response: I had a rewarding seven years at my former company and was involved with projects I am immensely proud of, but when I saw the advertisement for this position I knew it was a perfect match for my skills and couldn't resist applying.