Making the interview process a bit easier

INTERVIEWS are an absolute ordeal.

Unsure of what questions will be asked, will there be a skills test, feeling the pressure of being put on the spot in front of a panel of managers?

Actually, the most important thing to remember is that the interview isn’t just the company assessing your suitability, it’s also about you assessing the company’s suitability for you.

Jeni McCabe, of SCR Solutions, a human resources consultancy based in Dundee, gives the inside track.

“A company with a good recruitment process will make sure you have all the relevant information before you reach the interview stage so you’ll have a clear idea of what the job involves.

“A job description and person specification will help you to match your skills and experience to your suitability for the post.

“You can also do a bit of research about the company to see what their values are and get a bit of history. Checking their website is a good place to start.

“Confidence is key during an interview so prepare yourself by thinking of examples of how you are a good fit for the post and what extra skills or abilities you can bring to the job.

“Things like a good team spirit and the ability to think outside the box may help.

“Consider what kind of questions you might be asked during the interview, and what questions you would like to ask, and have some notes prepared — but don’t just read from a script.”

The most feared interview questions are: “Why should I hire you?” “Tell me about yourself”, and “What is your biggest weakness?”

What are the answers that potential employers may be looking for?

Why should I hire you? “This question is looking at your additional personal qualities. Are you a team player, can you lead the business forward, what is your work ethic like and will you be a good fit with the current team?“

Tell me about yourself? “Don’t be too personal. Only discuss what you are happy to disclose. It’s OK to talk about your career and pastimes other than your family and personal life.”

What is your biggest weakness? “Don’t be too hard on yourself, this question is looking to see if you can be objective and realistic. Your weakness may actually be a positive, things like ‘I really pay attention to the detail, I won’t submit a project until I’m 100% happy with it, etc.”

This is some great advice from Jeni at SCR Solutions, read it well.

Je8i McCabe