A strong aversion to the weakness question
Q: “I haven’t done an interview in years. How do they even work these days? The last time I did an interview, I was asked to describe my greatest weakness. I hadn’t a clue what to say – and it’s not that I’m short of weaknesses to choose from. It just struck me as a […]
Don’t let questions throw you off the trail
In a job interview, it is important not to get rattled by the questions. The questions are only a means to an end. They are invitations to talk about something you know about. Yes, you must answer all questions, but you can do much more than that. Think of the question as the by-road you […]
Two jobs, same company – should I have a go?
Q: There’s a company I’d really like to work for – two jobs that interest me have recently been advertised there. They even have the same closing date. Should I go for one or would it be a good idea to apply for both? (EC, email). A: Like buses, you wait all morning for one […]
Panel wanted me to bad-mouth my current employers
Q: I work in a small, tightly-knit sector where everybody knows everybody else. Companies are very jealous of each other’s successes. I recently went for a job interview with one of our main rivals and was amazed the panel spent so long trying to get me to talk down my current employers. For obvious reasons […]
Trip down side track could undo your chances
Q: My company have advertised a role I feel I should get – but I actually think they’ve advertised the wrong role. In reality, they should have created two or three roles and broken up the responsibilities differently. I believe this would be more effective and efficient for the company at a time of rapid […]
How to show job change is for real
Q: In my last interview, I really struggled to persuade the panel that I want to leave my current job. Yes, it’s a good job, and pays very well, but it doesn’t fulfil me. Been there, done that. I’m prepared to take a step back moneywise to start on a new road – but the […]
A time to say nothing
Q: I’m taking a lot of time off work lately to attend job interviews, and I fear my boss might figure out I’m thinking of moving on. I haven’t told any brazen lies – no phantom dead grandmother stories – but I have mentioned family occasions and hospital trips to justify the days off. Should […]
Preparation will ease worries
Q: I’m really worried about an upcoming interview. I’m afraid I will get all tongue-tied. I know my job inside out but others will sell themselves much better than me. Any tips? (ED, email). A: Get some notes down on paper, but don’t learn stuff off. Write down six stories that show you doing your […]
Looking to the future after recent setback
Q: I have recently had a bad experience with an employer and felt I had no option but to resign. I felt I would not progress so I made the decision to leave. How can I explain this in an interview without looking like a quitter? (BT, email). A: Almost everybody has career reverses or […]
Shaking off interview nerves
Q: I tend to twitch a lot with my hands in an interview. Any tips for preventing this from happening? (GF, email). A: It is inevitable that you will experience nerves before and during an interview. You are stepping outside your comfort zone. Even the most skilled communicators can experience nerves – in fact, many […]