As you gear up for your interview to join the world of Recruitment, it’s essential to grasp the qualities interviewers seek beyond technical skills. Employers value candidates who exhibit maturity, effective communication skills, awareness, problem-solving abilities, active listening skills, conviction, and a sense of purpose. These attributes signal your commitment to building a meaningful career, rather than just seeking a job.
Feeling apprehensive about interviews, especially without direct experience in the role, is natural. However, your diverse background equips you with a wealth of personal experiences that can impress interviewers. Whether through education, part-time or full-time work, or extracurricular pursuits, you’ve gained valuable skills and insights transferable to professional settings.
To navigate competency-based interview questions effectively, employ the STAR technique:
S – Situation: Set the scene by describing the context or scenario you faced. This contextualisation helps interviewers understand the circumstances surrounding your experience.
T – Task: Outline the specific task or objective you needed to accomplish within that situation. What goal were you working towards?
A – Action: Detail the precise actions you took to address the task at hand. Emphasise your skills and decision-making process, showcasing your ability to tackle challenges.
R – Result: Share the outcome of your actions and how they impacted the situation. Reflect on the results and evaluate your actions critically, demonstrating your ability to learn and grow from experiences.
By employing the STAR technique, you can structure your responses in a clear and concise manner, providing interviewers with tangible examples of your skills and capabilities.
Remember, your unique background and experiences make you a valuable candidate. Approach each question with confidence, knowing that you possess the skills and qualities sought after by employers. Embrace your journey and showcase your potential to ace the interview and kickstart your career journey.
In preparation for your upcoming interview, it’s essential to anticipate and be ready to tackle some of the most common questions that may arise. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list along with effective strategies to help you navigate each one with confidence:
Tell me about yourself:
Keep your response concise and focused on your educational background, career trajectory, and current professional status.
Why are you looking for a new job?
Highlight your aspirations for career growth and development, steering clear of discussions about monetary incentives or previous challenges.
What do you know about our company?
Conduct thorough research to showcase your genuine interest and preparedness for the role by demonstrating knowledge about the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements.
Why do you want to work here?
Articulate how your career goals align with the company’s vision and objectives, emphasising your enthusiasm for contributing to its success.
What relevant experience do you have?
Emphasise your transferable skills and interpersonal abilities, showcasing how your previous experiences have equipped you for the role.
What would your previous co-workers say about you?
Highlight specific positive attributes that reflect your professional strengths, ensuring not to divulge overly personal information.
Have you done anything to further your experience?
Discuss any relevant educational pursuits or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.
Where else have you applied?
Be honest yet succinct in your response, subtly indicating demand for your skills without overstating it.
How do you perform under pressure?
Frame your response positively, illustrating how you thrive in challenging situations and maintain composure to achieve optimal outcomes.
What motivates you?
Go beyond financial incentives and highlight intrinsic motivators such as personal fulfillment, recognition, or making a meaningful impact.
What’s your greatest strength?
Showcase your key strengths relevant to the role, maintaining a positive and confident tone throughout your response.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Approach this question tactfully, acknowledging a work-related area for improvement while demonstrating proactive steps taken to address it.
Let’s talk about salary. What are you looking for?
Research industry standards and articulate your salary expectations with a focus on long-term career growth and mutual benefit.
Are you good at working in a team?
Highlight your collaborative skills and leadership abilities, providing examples of successful team projects you’ve been a part of.
Tell me about a suggestion you made that was implemented.
Illustrate your problem-solving abilities by discussing a specific suggestion you made that positively impacted your previous workplace.
Has anything ever irritated you about people you’ve worked with?
Maintain a positive outlook and focus on professionalism and conflict resolution in your response.
Is there anyone you couldn’t work with?
Keep your answer broad and avoid singling out individuals, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in various work environments.
Tell me about issues you’ve had with a previous boss.
Exercise diplomacy in discussing any challenges, emphasising positive experiences and constructive resolutions.
Would you rather be liked or feared?
Stress the importance of earning respect through professionalism, effectiveness, and fostering positive working relationships.
Are you willing to prioritise the company’s interests?
Express your dedication to contributing to the company’s success and aligning your personal goals with its objectives.
Do you have any questions for me?
Conclude the interview on a high note by asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your preparedness and genuine interest in the role and the company.
