Job Winning Advice

It is a bit cynical to claim that employment interviews are likely a game of cat and mouse, in which the interviewer is the cat and the applicant/respondent is the mouse. The crucial impression is made in dealing with questions. This is where one candidate shines and another fails. Here is some advice collected from various experts about how to handle questions designed to unsettle you.

1. Don't be upset if you are asked a needling or stress question. Such questions are designed not so much to take information as to upset the respondent and test his/her ability to handle unpleasant personalities. In selection interviews the needling question is considered as good test of character. If you are asked a stress question, the best approach is to answer the substance of the implied attack vigorously and to ignore the tone of aggressiveness in the question. For example,

Question:

    "I see you have been in public service for five years. You'll need to smarten up in this organisation if you are appointed. Do you think you can handle the pace? "

Answer:

   " A few people share your view of the public service. But most of the public servants i know work pretty hard and I certainly always did. I am sure i can handle the pace of work in this company and i look forward to the opportunity to try."

2. Never speak disparagingly of your previous employer, even if encouraged to do so. Most interviewers will think you may treat them similarly in the future if they appoint you.

3. Do not be too frank or too informal. If asked why you had three jobs in as many years, and whether this indicates indecisiveness. A good answer would be to explain that you gained experience from each position, moved up the ladder each time but still wished for wider experience and a proper launch into the field you are now applying for. Make no slighting remarks about the people in the other companies, and emphasise the positive rather than the negative aspects of each job.

4. Do not talk too little or too much. Not so little that the questioners feel you either have no opinions or that you won't share them with the committee. Not so much that they wish you'd shut up so they can ask the next question.

5. Do not turn statements into questions (' The usual rate for this job would be about $40 000 to $50 000, so i would expect something in that range?')

6. Do not express  uncertainty ('Well i hope to. . .', 'I think it might be done this way, but i may be wrong.').

5. It is important during your reply to address all members of the panel, not just  the questioner. Your tone should be a mixture of confidence, thoughtfulness and modesty.

7. At the end of the interview the respondent is usually asked if he/she has questions for the panel. The choice of these questions is very important.

They should not be administrative questions, such as pay or conditions of promotion opportunities etc

They should not be critical questions, such as 'Do have an equal opportunity policy here?'

So questions might be revealing that the applicant has been researching that company and taking an interest in its future directions. For example,

What are the company's plans for diversifying their product?

Will the public relations department be responsible for all publicity in the future?