Category: Job interview

I chanced my arm – and got caught

Q: I was poorly prepared for the interview. I chanced my arm. I hadn’t practiced my answers, and I got thrown off by some easy questions. For example, I struggled on what I knew about the company (little or nothing); why I was leaving my current job (my time there is done, and this was […]

How to make your ‘dream job’ work for you

Q: I am going for an interview in a company next week. A friend of mine went for an interview there about a year ago and a question that really threw her was “identify your dream job – and why?” She reckons she made a complete mess of it. How can I get my head […]

Stressful situations at work, how I learned from the tough days

Q: I was surprised when one of the interviewers asked me how I handled stressful situations at work. I tried to tell her that I didn’t really feel stress on the job, but she didn’t buy it. I mumbled something about a time when our main suppliers had a major supply line issue, but the […]

Seven errors you need to avoid in a job interview

Showing lack of interest. Going through the motions is a no-no. You simply must display enthusiasm for the role, no matter how good you are at your job, or how mundane you think it is. If you can’t muster enthusiasm for the interview, they will likely conclude you won’t bring a great deal of life […]

How you can get into your stride at interviews

Q: After perhaps ten seconds of niceties at the start of the interview, the lead interviewer asked me why they should hire me. She said that I had as much time as I needed for the answer. This really threw me. I mumbled a few things about my strengths and experience, but I know I […]

How to keep the interview panel looking in the right places

Q: I am going for a job interview next week and I’m pretty sure I fit the bill. However, I fear my lack of technology experience will come against me. I’m not that bad on technology but I have never used it much in the workplace. I’m told the technology required in this instance can […]

Typical questions that candidates worry about

This week, I have compiled a list of typical questions our coaches often get asked by candidates, and the answers we typically give, writes Deirdre May, Career Coach, Slí Nua Careers.   Q: What clothes should I wear to my interview? A: Even if it’s online, you should dress to impress. Even if the job […]

Close run thing can lead to a better future

Q: I did not get the job, unfortunately. I was very disappointed. I really gave it a great shot over the three interviews, one of which included a presentation about what I would do in the role.  However, they told me I was pipped at the post by a very strong – but marginally better […]

Technical questions left me flummoxed

Q: The interview just got away from me. They started off by asking five technical questions. Four of them were on topics that I wouldn’t know just at the drop of a hat, but would figure out on a job very quickly. The fifth one I knew and I blurted out an unconvincing answer. At […]