So, you’ve been invited to interview for an exciting new job, but it’s very likely that other candidates who have similar qualifications and experience to yours have also been asked to interview for the position. Because of this, it may be a challenge for you to stand out from the competition.
However, there is one aspect of your interview performance that other candidates won’t ever be able to replicate, and that’s you being you and showcasing your own unique qualities.
One surefire way to get noticed at an interview and sell your personality, skills, and expertise is to show off your individuality and imagination.
Here are five of the most common interview questions, along with creative suggestions for responding to them.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
The interviewer has already seen your CV and application, so don’t waste the chance to stand out by reciting your experience and qualifications like a robot.
Create an “elevator pitch” outlining your career aspirations, most significant professional achievements, and motivations to help you ace this interview.
If you have hobbies or extracurricular activities that you believe the interviewer would find interesting, be sure to bring them up.
2. What are your greatest strengths?
Your answer to this often-asked question can stand out from the crowd by focusing on how you would use your skills and abilities in the position you’re being interviewed for. Examine the job description carefully to figure out what skills are highlighted.
You can then emphasise your relevant technical, communication, and organisational abilities if the job description highlights them.
The next stage is to gather demonstrable examples of how you’ve applied those strengths in your previous roles.
3. What is your greatest area of weakness?
Weaknesses are something that everyone struggles with; however, demonstrating self-awareness and talking constructively about your own is another opportunity to respond in a unique manner.
Think back to a time when you struggled or made a particular mistake and describe how you’ve improved because of that experience.
If you’ve ever had trouble multi-tasking in a previous role, you can say something like, “I struggled to concentrate on delivering several different duties in the past. Now that I realise the importance of planning ahead, I now set aside ten minutes each morning to list everything that needs to be done that day and prioritise the key actions to be done first.”
Check out our advice on Talking About Your Weaknesses During an Interview.
4. What is it about us that makes you want to work here?
If you’re truly interested in the position you’re looking for, you should have no trouble coming up with an interesting and enthusiastic response to this question. It’s a chance for them to see that you’ve done some research about the business and its culture.
Again, the secret to standing out is to be specific, therefore feel free to bring up any recent announcements you have seen on their social media accounts or awards they may have won recently.
5. Why should we offer you this role?
This is the last and most important question of any interview, which you can expect in most interview situations. There is some overlap with the answer to question 2, however, this time you should emphasise the distinct characteristics that make you the ideal candidate.
Use descriptive words to help the interviewer visualise you successfully completing the key responsibilities of the job you’re applying for.
The Jomo Effect
Are you in need of the Jomo Effect? Whether you’re looking for expert support and advice in preparing for your interview or ready to get started with applying for new opportunities, get in touch today!
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