{"id":576,"date":"2018-03-05T10:54:24","date_gmt":"2018-03-05T10:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/aspirations\/?page_id=576"},"modified":"2022-12-14T16:06:32","modified_gmt":"2022-12-14T16:06:32","slug":"interview-questions-get-prepared","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/aspirations\/job-hunt\/job-hunting\/interview-questions-get-prepared\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview questions \u2013 get prepared!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Going for an interview? Or are you unsure of what to expect when you enter the boardroom? To help you prepare, here are a few common and slightly tricky interview questions which may crop up. Use these as a guide, to help you get ready, to get that job!<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. What are your weaknesses?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interviewers do not expect you to be perfect, and like everyone else, we all have weaknesses. The key to answering this question is to turn your weakness into a positive. For example, you may be fairly reserved or quiet, but to overcome this you have completed presentations as part of your seminars or led a group in a task.<\/p>\n

Or you could portray a weakness as a professional strength. Let\u2019s assume that you\u2019re 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\u2019re very meticulous and remain involved in projects until you\u2019ve ironed out all the problems, even if it means working after hours or on the weekend.<\/p>\n

2. What can you tell me about our company and\/or industry?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Research, research, research! Ensure you have looked into the company you are applying for, focusing on what they do and their aims. Write down a few key points that you can cite when asked. Interviewers want to know that you\u2019re interested in their company, not just any job.<\/p>\n

3. What sets you apart from other applicants?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This question is designed to show your passion, readiness and ability for the job. Describe how your experience, career progression, qualities and achievements make you an asset. Keep it professional, and focus on the value you\u2019ll bring to the position. Highlight your ability by discussing your specific skills and accomplishments, but don\u2019t forget to show your interest in the job itself.<\/p>\n

4. Where do you hope to be in three years?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

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\u2019s position. Instead, talk about what motivates you especially what will motivate you on this job and what you hope to have accomplished.<\/p>\n

5. Do you have any questions? Can you think of anything else you\u2019d like to add?<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t say \u201cno,\u201d or that everything has been thoroughly discussed. If you think the interviewer has any doubts, now\u2019s the time to restate why you\u2019re the most logical candidate for the opening. Prepare at least three or four questions in advance that you can ask. This demonstrates your\u00a0interest in the job and that you have taken the time to prepare for the interview.<\/p>\n

6. Who\u00a0else have you applied to\/got interviews with?<\/strong><\/p>\n

You are being asked to demonstrate the consistency of your career aims as well as your interest in the job for which you are being interviewed. What you can certainly say in your favour, however, is that the present employer is your first choice.<\/p>\n