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How to answer the key interview questions
This is one of a series of articles by Andrew Fisher – CEO of Media C2C
All interviewers are different in their style and approach – but they will all ask some / many of these top interview questions. So be prepared:
How to answer the key interview questions - Here are the Media C2C tips...
Tell me about yourself? - This is often the opening question in an interview so be prepared. As this is a ‘warm up’ question do not use all your key sales points too early and be careful not to talk too much. It is best to keep it succinct and summarise the last five years or so of your career. Your cv summary profile should provide the base for your answer.
What attracted you to this Media Job? - Be positive and answer with ‘3 points’ eg ...‘I have always admired and been interested in joining (company applied for) and this role is attractive because it provides an opportunity to (1) contribute at a strategic level, (2) manage a growing team and (3) develop my skills and experience.
What do you know about our organisation? – An easy question as you will have prepared – again don’t talk too much but explain what the business does, complement them on their website and say why you are particularly attracted to the organisation.
Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job? - Be brief, to the point, and honest. If you were made redundant – the role was made redundant not you.
Why should we hire you? - This is your opportunity to sell yourself. This should be with ‘3 points’ eg I have the skills, experience and attitude required, I am ‘professional, honest and hardworking’. I have achieved year on year increase in sales, the best staff retention rates and delivered my projects on time and to budget.
What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses? - List 3 strengths – these may be technical and / or personal skills or a combination. If pressed for weaknesses – consider these as areas for technical or personal development or future training needs and indicate these as such.
Tell us about your greatest achievement? - Present a positive and confident picture of your progress to date but stress your drive, ambition and desire to develop further.
What do you look for when you hire staff? - Think in terms of skills. initiative, and the adaptability to be able to work comfortably and effectively with others. Mention that you like to hire people who appear capable of moving up in the organisation – like yourself.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? – Do not be glib or ask for the interviewer’s job. Instead a 2 / 3 year promotion plan and desire to learn more before moving within the organisation applied to.
What important trends do you see in our industry? – Your preparation should have covered this – so be honest, non controversial and illustrate where you have gained knowledge for your answer.
Media C2C is the employer only job board and candidate database specialising in Media Jobs in the UK.
To learn more: http://www.mediac2c.co.uk/
To upload your cv: http://www.mediac2c.co.uk/candidates/register.aspx
To advertise and search: http://www.mediac2c.co.uk/recruiters/register.aspx