Help on interview techniques.?

Question

I have an interview tomorrow for a temp job in an office. While the job itself isn't that big, the company is, and will probably be observing everything I do in the interview room, down to what colour socks I'm wearing.

So, I need some advice on what to say in response to general 'competency based questions' such as "Give an example of when you've worked under pressure", and "Give an example of team work"

I understand generally what is expected from me, but has anyone got any good tips, key "buzz" words? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

For the "teamwork" question, the key is to discuss how the different skills of everyone in the team were utilized to achieve the best result (project completed ahead of schedule, under budget, etc.) It's all about the "deliverable" - what got done, by when, and by whom?

For the "under pressure" question, try focusing on pressures that were not self-imposed (in other words, not "I had to pull an all-nighter to complete the project because I forgot to update my Outlook calendar and missed the meeting") Focus instead on external factors (a customer changing their mind mid-stream, a deadline that management knew was unreasonable but had to be met anyway), and then explain how you heroically achieved the impossible. Try to do this all with a straight face and you'll be a shoo-in. :)

Good luck!

Answer 2

I say first to calm down, I doubt they'll look at your socks. They're still people after all so unless you go in looking like a bum or act like a jerk they should give you a fair shot.

As for how to answer the questions, answer truthfully. There are no right or wrong answers. They're likely just trying to find out what you're about, so if you lie, and they find out later, you'll be disliked.

That said, don't admit to leading or bullheadedness, they likely want a newby to be a follower and part of the group. You can also give examples of teamworked based on the general team you had at your old job, and how everyone does their tasks efficiently to ensure you meet your goals set by the company leader. Everyone has experience with that.

Answer 3

Ok well think of a time when you worked under pressure, whether it was a tight deadline or a difficult customer, think back to how you handled the situation, maybe write yourself a brief script and read over it a few times so the words flow and you don't stumble on them. The teamwork answer, again think of a situation you were in and describe it-I would use fairly simple language and short sentances. 'Buzz' words, well competant is one you could slip in somewhere, confident, fast-learner, approachable,reliable,dependable, thorough,punctual. You seem to be doing the right thing in thinking through things they could ask you, just smile, relax and I'm sure you'll do very well. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Nobody can tell you what to say at an interview, but I will offer this piece of advice that I tell all my students:

The KEY to interviewing is to understand the "real" reason for the question. In other words, what is it that the interviewer is testing?

Every single interview question is designed with a specific purpose in mind, and the KEY to successful interviewing lies in being able to determine this purpose. Not easy, but once you know what they're looking for, then you can tailor your answer around that.

Perfect example, "Tell me about yourself." Do I really want to know about you? NO! What I'm really looking for here is your ability to communicate and organize your thoughts. What you say isn't nearly as important as how you say it.

Answer 5

Look very smart, use eye contact, don't stare though.
Use words you understand:
Dynamic
Pro-active
Interpersonal skills.

Smell nice, sounds stupid, but use good aftershave.
Back your answers up, tell them you would be a great asset to their company because...

Use a strong handshake at the beginning and after. Be positive but dont babble.

Examples:
Under preasure:
Relate it to the new job from your previous expierience. So Email based back logs for example, you could state you had a deadline and had to work as a team to resolve.

Also the company sounds good for long term prospects, so see it as a long term, solid progression.

Answer 6

Dude I am the interview master. Here is the thing: If you know you are qualified to do the job then you are OK, but when someone is going to hire you they are interviewing YOU which means they are going to be spending 40 hrs a week with you and they want to hire someone they all get along with. Kinda potential friend. Just relax and take it slow. Let them know that you are right for the job and have goals but are pretty cool too.

Answer 7

firstly answer as many of the questions they ask you truthfully, if you do make stuff up to impress at least make sure its a half truth or that they will never find out?! secondly always look the interviewer square in the eye never look down at the floor or away into distance even when you are thinking what to say WARNING this is isn't as easy as it sounds! thirdly remove any jewellery that isn't of the norm IE nose/eyebrow piercing and lastly SMILE :) oh and good luck!?!

Answer 8

The concept of using "buzz" words is old fashioned. You will either get the job (depending on your skills/qualifications) or you won't.
Your interviewer will probably have decided within 90 seconds whether or not to offer you the job.
To improve your chances, dress well, respond enthusiatically, and keep relevant.

Answer 9

Make sure you are prepared to answer their failure questions, it's nice to see that mistakes have been learnt and what came out of them, how you would have done things better and what you wouldn't do again.

Research the company, they will always ask you what you know about them so be armed. Know the job too.

The above are things that are lacking in the interviews I take so this would put you head and shoulders above the rest.

Good luck!

Answer 10

remember the persons name, firm grip of someones hand, look into their eyes, personal grooming, and be very respectful to them. You can ace the interview this way.