If you are currently looking or searching for a job and are giving interview rounds, you will notice that there are a series of questions & queries that are always repeated in Interviews sessions. But before preparing your strengths, weaknesses, eligibility and achievements, you should consider a series of more specific tricks suggested by Sandy Golinkin, founder of Raising the Bar, a professional consultancy firm that helps recent graduates.
The expert advises to know the latest news of the company to which you apply, browse their social networks and investigate the interviewer through LinkedIn. By inquiring and adapting your answers, you will show that you understand the company, its mission and its place in the market and that you want to work there.
“I recommend thorough preparation to feel confident about yourself before the interview,” Golinkin tells ‘New York Post. ‘ The most important ingredient of an interview is your preparation. You have to know perfectly the objective of the company and the department to which you are applying for work, he adds.
The consultant discovered after working with recent graduates a surprising peculiarity: young people can be too humble. “Millennials are not fans of boasting of themselves,” he explains. “They think it’s not attractive. But I think they can talk about their strengths and what they can contribute in a succinct and informative way,” he adds.
Golinkin reveals the thought process that you should follow before the most common interview questions. Similarly, explain how to respond in your next meeting with a human resources manager to these questions.
Name our biggest competitors
Bad response: Companies that may share same customer base and market are competitors.
What you should reply: “This question helps you to assess how you see the company and determine if you understand the business of Company,” says Golinkin. “It is an indicator that you have done the duties that I said before and you can process that information,” he says. Make sure your answer shows that you understand the company’s market place, business challenges and who the customer is. For example, if you are interviewed in a chain of luxury hotels, name other accommodations of a higher category, not just any hostel.
Why are you better than other candidates?
Bad answer: I will be a great employee for the company.
What you should say: this is your moment to reflect. Show that you understand what they are looking for and that you can make a difference. Therefore, before the interview, study the qualifications and skills requested in the job advertisement. Focus on those where you stand out and give examples to support it.
For example, a company might say that it is looking for an ingenious employee to work in a team. You should say something more creative like: “I am an excellent team member. I was the captain of the football team. And I know you’re looking for someone witty. Last summer, I was a fellow in a company and one of the things that congratulated me was for how innovative it was with the budget so limited that I had for my salary. “
Why do you want to work here?
Bad answer: “I’m not sure.”
What you should say: this question is aimed at knowing your true motivation and knowing your personality. “They are evaluating how genuine you are or if you are just trying to get a job anywhere,” says Golinkin. “If you’re trying to decide between two or three different positions, they don’t need to know,” he adds.
Respond honestly about why you are interested in the job. You can also mention why you feel respect and admiration for the company. The consultant advises for an Interview: “If you cannot express why you want to do the job you are applying, what you can contribute and learn in Company growth, it is cause for concern. Bosses or Interviewers want someone who cares about the job and the company. “
Bad answer: “I don’t know, maybe Selena Gomez”
What you should say: your answer says a lot about your emotional intelligence. Golinkin explains: “Are you considerate? Are you reflecting on this? They look for your professional personality. Name the people who stand out in the industry that interests you. This shows that you are generally interested in this sector. ” For example, if you are applying for a job in a technological startup, you could say that you would like to meet Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or Elon Musk.