The way people are hired has changed almost beyond recognition in a number of ways over a period of time and it is quite likely that a company might use psychological insights and profiling as part of your application process.
If you want to understand more about what that process involves someone like Leadership Alliance can help paint a clearer picture of how companies now look to hire new talent.
When it comes to the part of your job application that really matters, the interview, it is obviously highly important to prepare yourself for this situation and anticipate some of the typical questions you might get asked.
1. The question aimed at putting you under the spotlight
If there is one specific question that is going to be asked more often than not in an interview it is the invitation to the candidate to “tell me more about yourself”.
A good tactic would be to pick out some career highlights and personal achievements and present this in a concise presentation format that lasts little more than a couple of minutes.
2. How you will fit in and make a positive contribution?
Your interviewer will also be likely to ask you a question that is framed to establish how you might be viewed as an asset to the company and what value you will add if you are hired.
It should be noted that this is not a question that is asking about your qualifications, which they already know about, and is more a question designed to enquire how well you think you might align with the company’s culture.
3. Look into the future
Another favourite question used regularly by interviewers is “where do you see yourself being in a few years’ time?”
The purpose of this question is to gauge your level of career ambition and how motivated you are to get on.
4. Why do you deserve to get the job?
This classic interview question is often framed directly by inviting you to give your reasons why the company should hire you over other candidates.
This is your chance to sell your attributes and persuade the interviewer that you have the best qualifications and the right profile to succeed in the job.
Although you might feel a bit uncomfortable talking about yourself in this way it is often the best way to leave a good impression and improve your chances of getting the job.
5. Dealing with an unexpected question
Finally, you can prepare thoroughly for your interview and have a number of convincing answers to the sort of questions you anticipate being asked but it can often be the case that you might get a curveball question that is designed to take you out of your comfort zone.
If this happens to you, make sure you remain calm and allow yourself a moment to reflect on the question and compose a suitable answer.
It is all too easy to waffle and stumble when you are presented with a question you haven’t prepared for but the key is to take a deep breath, think about the question, and then deliver a measured response.
If you really can’t answer the question it is often better to say so rather than talk your way out of a job opportunity with an unconvincing answer.
If you are prepared for the interview and have practiced some good answers to standard interview questions it should help you to hear the words you have been waiting for, “you’re hired”.