THE JOB INTERVIEW

Job interviews are stressful for anyone. If you are invited for a job interview, you have made an impression on the employer already. However, you will have to do your best to outperform the other candidates that are also being interviewed, to get that job. The best advice is to prepare the best you can for the job interview, so that you feel self-confident and calm when you go into the interview session.

Preparing for the interview

  • Make sure of the time, date and place of the interview.
  • Obtain as much information as you can about the company, to help you ask the right questions.
  • Develop questions for yourself that may be asked during the job interview.
  • Practise these questions with a friend or relative.
  • Remember to take your Curriculum Vitae (CV) with you.

The interview

  • Never be late!
  • Dress in clean, neat clothes.
  • Look people in the eyes when you greet them and give a firm handshake.
  • Make eye contact with the interviewer, but also do not stare.
  • Don’t sit down before you are asked to do so.
  • Be polite, confident about yourself and enthusiastic about the work.
  • If you don’t understand a question, ask for an explanation.
  • Answer questions honestly and to the best of your ability.
  • Explain clearly why you have good skills and experience for the job
  • Don’t smoke or chew gum during the interview.

Questions which might be asked during the interview

Some interview questions can be tricky, so do work out what you will say when you are asked to answer them. Also do a google search on the internet to see more interview questions and answers to really prepare yourself well. Here are a few questions you might be asked:

  • What were your responsibilities in your previous job?
  • What major problems and challenges did you face in your previous job and how did you overcome them?
  • What was your biggest accomplishment/biggest failure in your previous job?
  • What was most rewarding/least rewarding in your last job?
  • Why did you leave your previous job?
  • What have you done since your last job?
  • What do you expect from a supervisor?
  • What do you know about this company?
  • Why are you interested to work for this company?
  • Tell us what you know about the post you are applying for-how do you see your role in the post?
  • When was the last time you were angry-what happened?
  • If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something, how would you handle it?
  • Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how did you handle it?
  • What are your career goals and ambitions?
  • What motivates you?
  • Do you like working on your own or in a group?
  • What salary do you have in mind?
  • Tell me more about yourself.
  • What are your strong and weak points? (Give a weak point that can also be a positive point, or explain how you are working on your weak point!)
  • Tell us of an incident where you were involved in conflict at work. How did you handle the conflict?

Questions you might like to ask

  • What does the job entail?
  • What will be expected of me?
  • What will my promotion prospects be?
  • What will my starting salary be?
  • Will there be bursaries to study further part-time?
  • Ask questions about the following: Working hours, pension, medical aid and leave.
  • When may I expect to hear your decision on my application?

With recognition to . Interview Questions and Answers by Alison Doyle.

Compiled and distributed by

Department of Labour

Directorate of Work-seeker Support Services

Private Bag X117

PRETORIA

0001