Why are you looking for a new position?

Before you go for a job interview it is important to understand why you are putting your name forward for a new position. Career growth, short or long term goals, personal aspiration? The company is going to want to know what you have to offer their organisation, it is suggested it be in line with your own personal goals.

Do not view the interview as an interrogation session; use the interview as an opportunity for you to demonstrate to the employer why you could be the best candidate for the position. If you have not already covered the below in your CV, there is a potential these questions might come up as discussion points.

Gaps in CVs

Don’t have gaps in time periods on your CV, even if you worked in a temporary position, point it out.

Reasons for leaving

Be positive about why you left a position. People move on for a better opportunity, if it was involuntary, state the reasons, keep it brief and be honest.

What is the employer looking for?

To put it simply, the employer wants to know the following
1) If you have the required skills and knowledge for the position
2) If you fit the organisational culture of the business
3) If your compensation is fair compared to the task at hand
4) Your career path is in line with the short and long term goals of the company

What is required of you?

You need to want this position, chasing something that is not in line with your own goals is going to land you in the same position of looking for a job sooner rather than later.

Demonstrate to the employer that you are right for the job. Have the answers to the following questions.

• Do you know your strengths and weaknesses?
• When you start a project will you be able to see it through till completion.
• How do you handle pressure?
• Are you easy to work with?
• Why do you want to work for this organisation?
• Are you enthusiastic and easy to work with?
• Can you manage your time effectively?
• What type of structure do you require to perform at your peak for an organisation?
• Are you able to be solution orientated with challenges that arise?

They say luck favours the prepared! Good luck for the job interview.

Tags: Career Goals, Gaps in CV's, Interview tips, Luck, Preparation, Questions asked in Interviews, Reasons for leaving, Requirements in a job interview, What is employer looking for?