Interviews are specifically designed to help the interviewer identify the candidates ability and weaknesses in carrying out a particular Job position, it is aimed at determining that the the individual will be able to handle the particular Job (ie the individual has the right education, skills and experience) and fit with the corporate culture and the particular group’s dynamics. It is also an opportunity to evaluate whether the candidate has red flags that suggest he or she wouldn’t work out well (lack of eye contact, poor hygiene, and other “in person” traits).
“Tell us about yourself.”
This ice-breaker question is a favourite.
Often asked at the beginning, this is your invitation to begin your sales pitch by describing education and professional achievements that are relevant to the job. Add relevant personality traits (an accountant who is calm and loves working alone; a social worker who has been recognized for empathy and resourcefulness) and select background information to round out your answer.
If you have trouble coming up with a succinct answer, apply the acronym WEP-standing for Work, Education and Personal. Stick to 80 per cent work and education, and only 20 per cent personal when replying with this formula. The personal is especially effective if you’ve discovered that you share an interest in cycling or skiing with one of the interviewers! After all, connecting with the interviewer is a great way to confirm that you will fit in fine. And relationship building is a key attribute that employers are actively seeking in building staff.
Another option is to counter with your own question: “Where would you like me to begin?” The answer would point you to what the interviewer found most interesting on your resume, and you could elaborate on that. Of course, to ask this question you have to feel confident in your ability to think quickly.
Your answer should ring with confidence and positivity: it can set the interview’s tone. Consider ending it by sharing why you applied for the position, how the job’s duties are exciting to you, what you love about the field; show your enthusiasm and make yourself memorable.
“Why should we hire you?”
You can also rephrase this question as “what can you do for us that other candidates cannot?” (Of course, you must never compare yourself to another applicant, if you are aware of who else has applied.)
Provide a quick synopsis of pertinent education, experience, skills and knowledge. But here’s the key: be ready to bring life and impact to your reply with stories that illustrate how you’ve applied your skills in solving previous and related problems, ones that are similar to those of the potential employer.
Build in examples of leadership and innovation. Leadership is not necessarily related to holding a management position; leadership is about taking initiative, responsibility, showing integrity, and working ethically. Innovation is increasingly necessary to drive business forward and ensure success. It can be expressed with examples of addressing customer service, finding quicker methods to accomplish a daily task, sourcing cheaper goods or negotiating better price points.
These questions give you free reign to pitch your sales message. It’s up to you to explain why you are the best applicant
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