Interview Questions – #1

Tell me about yourself

Take this Question Very Seriously!

This is a basic question asked in almost every interview process and could be asked in varying forms, for example; 

  • May we know you?
  • Who is …(your name)…?
  • Is there anything about you we should know that is not in your CV / Resume?
job interview question #1

It all boils down to the following reasons:

  • The interviewer wants to confirm the information you have highlighted in your resume – for veracity.
  • The interviewer wants to hear you communicate – to know how articulate you are in the chosen language.
  • Your confidence is tested and much more (There are Points To Note at the bottom of the write up)

Let’s here from the Experts: –

TRAPS: 

Beware, about 80% of all interviews begin with this “innocent” question. Many candidates, unprepared for the question, skewer themselves by rambling, recapping their life story, delving into ancient work history or personal matters.

BEST ANSWER: 

Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Remember that the key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. In other words YOU MUST SELL WHAT THE BUYER IS BUYING. This is the single most important strategy in job hunting. 

You Must Sell What the Buyer is Buying

So, before you answer this or any question it’s imperative that you try to uncover your interviewer’s greatest need, want, problem or goal. 

To do so, you are expected to take two important steps:

1. Do all the homework you can before the interview to uncover this person’s wants and needs (not just the generalized needs of the industry or company)

2. As early as you can in the interview, ask for a more complete description of what the position entails.  You might say: “I have a number of accomplishments I’d like to tell you about, but I want to make the best use of our time together and talk directly to your needs. To help me do, that, could you tell me more about the most important priorities of this position?  All I know is what I (heard from the recruiter, read in the classified ad, etc.)”

3. Then, ALWAYS follow-up with a second and possibly, third question, to draw out his needs even more. Surprisingly, it’s usually this second or third question that unearths what the interviewer is most looking for. 

You might ask simply, “And in addition to that?…” or, “Is there anything else you see as essential to success in this position?: 

This process will not feel easy or natural at first, because it is easier simply to answer questions, but only if you uncover the employer’s wants and needs will your answers make the most sense. Practice asking these key questions before giving your answers, the process will feel more natural and you will be light years ahead of the other job candidates you’re competing with. 

After uncovering what the employer is looking for, describe why the needs of this job bear striking parallels to tasks you’ve succeeded at before. Be sure to illustrate with specific examples of your responsibilities and especially your achievements, all of which are geared to present yourself as a perfect match for the needs he has just described.

POINTS TO NOTE & THINGS TO DO:

  • This is an opportunity to sell/market your skills, talent and personality – market you to the interested company.
  • This is usually one of the first questions asked, and first impression matters. You can easily catch the interviewer/s’ interest.
  • Ensure you have practised your answer(s) several times, you may need someone to act a script with you to build your confidence and point out errors.
  • The direction of the interview is often dependent on the response to this first question.

Click the link below for more articles on Job Interview questions…

Interview Question #2 – What are your greatest Strengths?

Speechless was here!

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Hi! I am Speechless, a content developer and Website manager. Since 2011, I have been providing web and digital services to several organisations and it has been an awesome experience. I am the Project Coordinator for www.speechlesswaters.com, a fantastic and engaging website. If you are excited about extending your personal brand or corporate experience online... just give me a shout out at contactus@speechlesswaters.com.

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