For the interview to be successful. How to succeed in an interview

    • Type #1. multistage
    • Type #2. Monostage
    • 1st stage. Talking on the phone
    • 2nd stage. Preparing for the meeting
    • 3rd stage. Interview
    • 4th stage. Results
    • Council number 1. Don't be late
    • Council number 2. Keeping the look
    • Council number 3. Respect for the employer
    • Council number 4. We act confident
    • Council number 5. Telling about ourselves
    • Council number 6. We behave naturally
  • 5. Selling a pen at an interview - 7 recommendations + an example
  • 8. Conclusion

A new job is an important chance in the life of every person. it is essentially an opportunity to change your current state of affairs. For some, it is important to increase the level of wages, someone strives for self-development and improvement, while others need a comfortable atmosphere in the team and normal working conditions. In any case, we are always looking for such prospects when changing places of our work. And, in order to get the coveted position, you need to properly set yourself up and conduct the very first interview with the manager, to behave with dignity and confidence. How to do it, etc. read on.

The procedure itself does not seem complicated, it is important here to gain a level of trust and convey your abilities as a specialist in the field you are applying for. But, in fact, there are even some parameters that allow, even at the first meeting, to evaluate not only your personal qualities but also professional. How to successfully pass an interview will be discussed later in our article.

From the article you will learn:

  • How to pass a job interview?
  • How to behave in an interview?
  • Popular job interview questions and answers
  • What rules should be followed?
  • How to lead and what to say to your potential leader?
  • Let's analyze a popular case - "How to sell a pen at an interview"

So, let's try to figure everything out in order.

Before you have an interview, you need to correctly compose your resume and send it to the employer, so we recommend that you read our article: "", where you can download ready samples and resume templates, recommendations and mistakes in drafting, etc.

1. What is a job interview?

In fact, an interview is a certain process that involves the acquaintance of the employer and the applicant. During the conversation, each of the two parties draws conclusions for themselves and makes a decision. From the side of the manager offering you a position, your characteristics are considered, business qualities and your level of compliance with company standards.

And, on the part of the applicant, by and large, the ratio of the level of remuneration to its conditions, prospects personal growth and even a schedule of their own workload.

Currently, recruitment systems, that is, the very first interview, can be of several types:

  • Individual . This is a method in which only the leader and the applicant participate in the meeting. -For the most part, you are offered to fill out a questionnaire and, based on the specified data, the conversation itself is built.
  • group. This is a form in which several applicants gather in a spacious room at once, and a specialist designed to purposefully engage in the selection of personnel works with the whole audience. This method is most common when hiring specialists for the position of "sales manager" or "sales representative".

According to the level of its complexity and the stages of passing the procedure itself, 2 main types can be distinguished:

Type #1. multistage

Such a system is used in large organizations, where any of the vacancies is the main one and special requirements are imposed on the candidate applying for it. Moreover, you need to go through several stages in order to get a positive decision.

  • Phone conversation. To begin with, you will be asked to answer a few basic questions over the phone. This allows you to identify your overall level of compliance and schedule a meeting time and date.
  • Interview at the preliminary stage. When you come to the meeting, most likely, you will be sent directly to the personnel department, where you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and submit it for consideration. It will need to indicate information relating to personal data, describe educational establishments that have been completed and places of former work. You may have to list the set of qualities that you possess and explain why you are applying for this particular position.
  • Testing. At this stage, most likely, there will be a need to complete several tasks or answer specially designed questions to the human resources manager. For example, they can give a trial text that will need to be translated if the vacancy involves the use of foreign language, or demonstrate literacy in a computer program, if such skills are essential in the position held.
  • Main interview. It is carried out immediately and immediately. A specialist can find out from you why the dismissal from your last job took place, whether the schedules offered for this position are comfortable for you, whether it is possible to go on business trips, especially if they are long. The HR manager may ask a number of questions related directly to the work technology itself and its specification.
  • Meeting with the immediate supervisor. It is assigned according to the results of the passed stages. At the same time, a line-level specialist evaluates the applicant using his own methods, close to his department directly, and makes the final decision.
  • Interview with senior management. This is the final stage, which is necessary mainly for acquaintance and judgment about your candidacy will take place on the basis of the data presented at the previous stage by the head of the linear level.

Type #2. Monostage

This interview option is used in an organization that has a small staff and limited capacity. For example, an enterprise employing 20-30 people requires an accountant or secretary. The vacancy is open and you are assigned a meeting time, which, most likely, will be held in a dialogue mode and a decision will already be formed based on its results.

AT recent times, these two types of interviews are also called single-level and multi-level.


2. How to pass a job interview - 4 main steps

For example, on special sites on the Internet or when processing information in newspapers, we managed to find several ads that have information that suits your requirements.

1st stage. Talking on the phone

When dialing the indicated number, you need to understand that such a conversation will be the very first idea about you and the further possibility of successfully passing the interview depends on how it develops.

Even if, in a small organization, such a conversation will be conducted by the secretary, then on your part, the conversation should be correct, friendly and positive. After all, in any case, when arranging a meeting with you, he will definitely pass on information about what the first conversation was to the manager.

In order for a telephone conversation to be effective, and first of all for you, you need to do the following:

  • Firstly, it is very important to clarify which of the vacancies you are invited to, discuss its parameters and General requirements. If during the conversation it has already become clear that for some reason you or you are not suitable this vacancy, you should politely refuse the appointed time and try to correctly explain the reason for your refusal. By and large, the time wasted will be a huge disadvantage for you and the entire search process.
  • Secondly, in your own notebook you need to write down the contact details of the organization, the time and date of the proposed meeting, the name of the company, the vacancy that you talked about and the name of the person with whom the conversation took place. Subsequently, this information will be very significant. For example, unforeseen circumstances may arise or it will be difficult to find the location of the enterprise.
  • Thirdly, if there is such an opportunity, you need to find out the name and patronymic of the person to whom you are sent for an interview. This will have an effect when, at the time of the first meeting, it will be possible to address a person not just as “YOU”, but with respect, applying the information received.

Correctly specify the information about the address of the organization and when discussing the time, decide in advance if there are any other circumstances that could prevent this. Moreover, if it so happened that there were several more meetings for that day, the difference between them must be made in 2-3 hours. This will help to be punctual and solve a number of issues. You need to understand that interviews are different, and any of them can be significantly delayed, which will disrupt your plans.

It is worthwhile to carefully study the information in advance on how to behave correctly in an interview, what to talk about and how to make a good impression. We will consider these issues in more detail below.

2nd stage. Preparing for the meeting

At this stage, you need to correctly carry out a series of actions that allow you to properly assemble yourself and set yourself up for the upcoming interview.

  1. "The documents". First you need to take care of all the documents that may come in handy. You can create a resume and print it in 2 copies, put a passport, diplomas of completed education, possible certificates confirming the levels and degrees of courses that you managed to complete at one time.
  2. "Potential Employer". For the purpose of your own self-development, you should try to find information about the organization you are going to. This can be done online. At least superficially studying the goals and directions of activity, products to be sold, years of foundation, development parameters, stages of its formation, you will be able to convincingly explain all your intentions and their seriousness in a conversation with the manager.
  3. "Route". You need to think over your route, with possible stops, transfers and search for the location of the building.
  4. "Questions and answers". Try to think of possible questions that may be asked and rough answers that will be convincing and as honest as possible. Set yourself up for possible tests and special assignments. It would be nice to make up a number of your own questions that may be relevant in the conversation and in the future will help you draw your own conclusions about the vacancy and the job in general.
  5. "Dress code". When all the preliminary stages are completed, it remains only to decide in what clothes to go to the meeting and how to make the most favorable impression on the leader. Let it be a very strict business suit, well-groomed nails, hair, neat shoes, and this will give the effect of a good attitude towards your candidacy.

3rd stage. Interview

This is exactly what you were trying to do. You should try to come within minutes. 10 before the appointed time, calm down and catch your breath. First, you should inform the secretary that you have arrived, and then, upon invitation, enter the office.

Passing to the chair indicated to you, you need to say hello, smile a little, and, addressing by name and patronymic, thank you for the invitation to an interview in this particular organization. The mobile phone must be either turned off or put on silent mode.

4th stage. Results

Based on the results of the conversation, you will either be asked to wait outside the door, or they will announce the time frame in which the decision will be made. But, it may also happen that, already ending the conversation, the manager will set the date for your internship.

3. How to behave in an interview - 6 practical tips

There are several main nuances and points that you should pay attention to in order for the meeting to be successful, and the impression of you remains only positive. It's not hard to follow them.

As mentioned earlier, you need to come to the meeting at least for 10 minutes early. Of course, you are not familiar with the place, but you definitely need to set yourself up, and being late for at least a minute and a half can negatively affect the beginning of the interview.

Before entering the office, be sure to knock, quickly examine your appearance again, remove chewing gum and all sorts of little things that can ruin it.

Introduce yourself, smile and try to attract the attention of an employee of the organization to yourself. Address him only by his first name and only in rare cases, as he will allow himself to be called.

Try to find the right seat and sit so that your face is turned specifically to the interlocutor. No need to fall apart in a chair or strongly clamp, cross your legs or shift them from one to another.

It has been proven that being clearly in front of his interviewer, a person perceives him as an adversary who has the right to decide your fate. Therefore, it will be more convenient if the chair is placed a little obliquely.

During the conversation, it is important to follow the gestures of your hands. Do not wave them strongly or clench into fists and fiddle with a pen or pencil. You need to try to move them calmly and smoothly. At the same time, your face should be open and sincere. Specialists they advise you to try to mentally draw a circle between you and visually look at its center.

Listen carefully to all questions and try to answer only when asked about it. Moreover, you need to answer in essence and within 2-3 minutes without lengthening or shortening the information. If suddenly the question was not heard, ask to repeat it, but you should not do this very often. By the way, answers like "Yes" and "No", are considered monosyllabic and by saying them in a low voice creates confidence in your indecision and ignorance of the material you are talking about.

In the case when the manager asks you to tell a little about yourself, you do not need to start a story from the moment you were born and delve into great details. Speak clearly and to the point. Tell us about what you graduated from, what positions you held, what was your career growth and a little about the reasons that prompted you to go for an interview in this particular company.

Don't forget to smile, and to lighten things up a little, or to make any of your slips insignificant, use an appropriate joke or a bit of unobtrusive humor. Even in a business conversation, a pleasant smile does not hurt, and perhaps it will tell about your confidence.

At the end of the conversation, you should definitely thank the employee and the company in his person for the opportunity to try to find a job.

4. Job Interview Questions and Answers

Of course, the scheduled interview may take place according to the scenario determined by the employee of the organization inviting you to it. But, in any case, what cannot be ruled out in any way are the questions asked to determine the necessary information. American scientists conducted a number of their own research, developed and confirmed theories, came to the conclusion that in any interviews are asked 20 standard questions, 15 of them are basic, and 5 are additional.

Possible interview questions and answers - 5 questions with answers

Question 1. What can you tell us about yourself?

Answer: you need to try to make the story short, but not dry, while there is no need to shout, use obscene language, use specific phrases related to slang speech. Try to keep within the time period of 3 minutes.

Moreover, during the notification process, disclose information about your education, some successes, not only in professional direction but also in a personal way.

Mention the success of your own career growth and merits. In the end, tell us why and what you want to change in own life, and how it would be possible, having received a vacancy in this company. Just don't try to flatter. It's always noticeable.

Question 2. What attracted you to this particular company?

Answer: it can be formed when preparing at home. On Internet resources, having studied a little the history of the company, its direction of activity, you can most correctly build phrases and the whole story. But, do not talk about what will sound trite.

For example, about the organization itself and how you like it, about the fact that you can change it for the better in the future. A response of this nature would be more appropriate.

Knowing that the company is in the baby food business, tell us that you have a special love for children and concerns about food safety in the formula market. And by means of employment, you will be able to realize how much this process has been worked out in this company and what you could offer in this direction.

Question 3. How did you resolve conflicts within your team at your previous place of work?

Answer: of course, for such a tricky question, you should try to give 2 or 3 effective methods for solving it. But, it’s not worth saying that earlier, your team only did what was in conflict and, as a result, all the necessary functions had to be performed only alone, that the entire amount of work fell on your shoulders because of this.

On the contrary, tell us how you managed to debug the work process, how the responsibilities were clearly distributed, and how such situations themselves arose quite rarely. Convince your interlocutor of your business qualities.

Question 4. What salary would you like to receive?

Answer: in this situation, it's a good idea to look through information on similar vacancies in another organization in advance and decide for yourself a definite amount.

The manager, of course, wants to understand what kind of employee comes to work for him, how much he himself evaluates his work.

But, it’s not worth bargaining here, it’s also not nice to have long discussions about this. You need to understand that if this is a huge organization that has a large staff and is not only regional, but also world famous, then the level of remuneration for your work can be raised by 30% from the average.

Question 5. Why did you leave your previous job?

Answer: by asking such a question, the future employer really wants to know the true reason for your departure and understand that something like this will not affect the process of today's work. In this case, of course, you can’t lie, you need to try to correctly formulate your idea and correctly convey it at the interview.

A situation may arise in which the data about your previous place of work is already known, and the true reason has not been a secret for a long time. And the question was asked to you, only in order to confirm your data.

For example if you were very busy with incomprehensible work, the deadlines for its execution were limited, and the behavior leading staff is inadequate, you can say the following.

It was difficult for me to cope with the constant flow of work, the deadlines for which were negligible and unrealistic to complete. I am not afraid of large volumes, I like being in the flow of things, but it is necessary to approach the issue of its temporary execution wisely.

Summing up this situation, we can say that in the modern world, very often recruitment functions are transferred to special agencies with long experience and wide specialization.

But, even the fact that at the first stage you will not be able to meet with the leader himself does not mean that you need to relax and not even think about the desire to make a good impression on the interlocutor.

On the contrary, it is worth understanding that you have to go through even 2 interviews. And you need to prepare for them with a vengeance. All outsourcing agencies work exclusively under contracts with organizations and are guided mainly by the parameters set by the managers themselves, selecting employees who are most suitable for a given position.

And, there can be many applicants, and your task is not only to charm the interlocutor, proving your business qualities, but also to surpass the rest of the applicants.


Maybe you just need to think about starting your own business. It's not as difficult as it seems, just read the article - "".

Of course, it is understandable that conducting such a recruitment process is very exciting and the situation becomes stressful. But, there are a number of vacancies in which applicants must initially be resistant to the situation and be able to resolve emerging issues.

In fact, when asking this question at an interview, the manager sets himself the goal of looking at actions in an unplanned situation and identifying the applicant's possession of sales techniques. To do this, of course, you need to understand the motives of the interlocutor and clearly know that the final decision depends on what will happen now, especially if the vacancy involves corrupt actions.

So, what is your model of behavior when asked to sell a pen or other product?

  1. Do not rush, and immediately issue spontaneous decisions. And, if you are even very worried, ask 1 minute to think.
  2. Next, pick up the same product (pen) and try to carefully examine it. Consider it all pros and minuses, make accents for yourself on uniqueness.
  3. Try to stick to the basic stages of sales, and if you are not familiar with them, and there is no experience in this matter, try to study them, at least superficially. For this there is a huge amount of suitable literature and articles on the Internet. Even if such an option looks awkward from the outside, the manager will still appreciate it and notice your perseverance.
  4. Try to understand who you are selling it to and assess the needs of this person, and when asking additional questions, use the technique of active listening. Analyze answers. For example, ask: how often do you write? Do you have a spare pen? Or what do you like about it, or maybe you should change something in it?
  5. Trying to make the fact of the sale, you do not need to lie and actively invent. Don't overprice.
  6. Try to maintain verbal contact throughout the entire time. It would not be bad to give this pen in hand potential buyer so that in reality he himself could evaluate all the properties.
  7. After you still manage to get consent to the purchase, it would be advisable to also offer a notebook or spare paste, and maybe even another related product.

Starting to sell, confidence gradually comes, but, at the same time, your interlocutor will naturally make his objections. And there is nothing strange in this, the main thing is to respond to them correctly and not to go into a stupor.

For example, to the question: Why do I need her? you can easily and simply answer: “I understand that you already have a pen, so you know what a business approach is, and it would be very disappointing if its ink runs out at the most inopportune moment. Take it in reserve and you will be sure that in any situation, there will be no difficulties.

In fact, to be frank, personnel policy very difficult situation. Managers want to find a really worthwhile specialist and get him into their organization. But, there are only a few of them. Therefore, a smart salesperson who knows how to work and knows how to sell himself in an interview, as well as the methods and techniques of sales, applying regularly in practice, will be very necessary. And the interview process helps to understand this.

6. 13 common job interview mistakes

Of course, we try very hard and think through every moment and step, but if we suddenly get a refusal, we cannot understand for a long time what contributed to this.

In fact, there are several common mistakes leading to such a result.

  1. being late. The first and worst mistake. In this matter, your punctuality should simply go off scale.
  2. Untidy appearance. It is worth paying special attention to this, especially since you can prepare in advance and thoroughly.
  3. Escort. Such issues are resolved only on their own and no wives, husbands, relatives, girlfriends need to be invited to the offices. A negative opinion is formed immediately.
  4. insecure behavior. Set yourself up for the fact that everything matters, and even if the meeting is unsuccessful, this will give a chance to work in another organization, because there are always alternatives. Calm down and go to the meeting.
  5. Conversation by mobile phone . Turn off this connection for a while, it will not be very convenient during the interview to divert your attention and waste other people's time on your personal conversations.
  6. Questions about money. If throughout the meeting the topic of discussing finances and the amount of payments constantly pops up, this will lead to an unequivocal refusal.
  7. Arrogance and self-confidence. This behavior is also unacceptable. It is clear, of course, that you come to offer your knowledge and skills, but this must be done correctly and in accordance with the situation.
  8. Lie. No need to try to lie, because, as you know, sooner or later the truth will be revealed and this will create a negative image for you.
  9. Extra frankness. Often, candidates, when answering questions, try to gain confidence in themselves by voicing unnecessary unnecessary information. And this can be very damaging. No need to discuss your personal life, some kind of dislike for people, or the sins of the past.
  10. Reaction of irritation to asked questions. Many managers may ask the same question multiple times for verification purposes. It is worth keeping an eye on your emotions, although experts allow you to show a little irritability for a question asked three times. In their understanding, such a reaction will tell the interlocutor that you are attentive and follow the conversation. But, do not raise your voice and try to swear.
  11. Criticism of employees or superiors that you have worked with before. In any case, it is not even worth discussing this topic. Often the answers are simply projected onto the existing situation and this is not correct.
  12. Verbosity. This is also one of the main mistakes. This kind of behavior is annoying. The manager wants to hear a clear and meaningful answer to his question. Sometimes there are candidates who start talking about one topic, and in the process manage to discuss several more.
  13. Absence feedback . After the interview has passed, especially if a promise was made to call you, you should not make quick decisions and independently assume whether your candidacy came up or not. Dial the phone number at the specified time yourself and find out how your conversation ended for the receiving party.

1) How to behave in a job interview - tips and tricks

2) An example of selling a service at an interview

7. How to get a job without an interview

Oddly enough, but interviews as a form of testing a future employee for professional suitability are gradually becoming a thing of the past - all more people these days find jobs online and perform duties from home while working in comfort. Usually, vacancies on the Internet do not necessarily require a rigorous interview, the main thing for the customer is the quality of the work performed.

To get a job on the network, most often you just need to execute test, which allows you to demonstrate your skills to the customer. In general, working on the Internet has many other advantages, such as a flexible work schedule and a high stable income. We advise you to download our free course on making money online from scratch - it will help you determine the type of work on the Internet that is ideal for you and start earning money online.

Watch a video about making money on the Internet without investments from a specialist Andrey Merkulov:

8. Conclusion

Now, after reading the information, a certain scenario of actions and answers to the questions are formed: “How to behave at a job interview?”, “How to sell a product?” etc. becomes clear. Do not be afraid and show excessive nervousness, this will not only harm, but may subsequently affect your health.

Gain confidence that behind you is experience, knowledge of all the main processes, a long period of practice and a huge number of resolved issues. Gather your strength and tune in to the positive. But, on the night before the interview, be sure to get enough sleep, allowing the body to get a little stronger.

To paraphrase famous aphorism, then we can say: who owns the information, he owns the situation at the interview.

Before heading to the office, find out:

  • with whom you will talk: with the boss, the head of the personnel department or his ordinary employee;
  • interview format (group or individual, question-answer or self-presentation);
  • dress code and things you need to have with you (documents, gadgets, etc.);
  • how to get there (it is unacceptable to be late).

It will help to find out if this is the company's website or a call to the office.

Map answers to common questions

Interviews when applying for a job are of the same type and at the same time they are not similar to each other. Many have heard of stressful interviews where they can suddenly start yelling at the applicant to unsettle him. There are also so-called case-interviews: the applicant is placed in certain circumstances (for example, a conversation with a dissatisfied client) and they watch how he solves the problem.

It is not always possible to find out what type of interview is preferred in a particular company, so you need to be ready for anything.

To do this, make a card with answers to typical questions and requests (they are asked in 99.9% of cases):

  • top 5 of your main strengths;
  • what are you good at;
  • strategic directions of self-development;
  • proposals for the work of the company;
  • your life and work philosophy;
  • your short and long term goals;
  • unusual tasks that you had to solve.

You should also prepare in advance a list of topics that you would like to discuss with the HR manager.

Interpret the employer's questions

"A" doesn't always mean "A", and two times two doesn't always mean four. Recruiters sometimes ask insidious questions, where behind the simple wording lies a cunning plan - to get the applicant to say more than they should.

A simple question: what wages would you like to receive? But the answer helps the interviewer understand your motivation: money, social guarantees, work schedule, etc. If you are asked if you had conflicts with management and how you resolved them, then most likely the HR manager wants to know if you tend to take responsibility or are used to shifting it to others.

Tricky questions are many. You need to be able to see the "double bottom" (without fanaticism!).

Consider your non-verbal behavior

HR managers are people, not machines. They, like everyone else, pay attention to non-verbal signs: appearance, facial expressions, gait, gestures, and so on. An experienced professional can be refused just because he behaved incorrectly.

Consider body language ahead of time. If from excitement you habitually twitch your leg, then sit cross-legged. If you're tapping your fingers on the table, try something to occupy your hands with, like a ballpoint pen.

HR managers are people, not machines. They understand that you are worried. But the natural non-verbal communication increase your credibility.

Set taboo on some topics

“Tell me about yourself,” the interviewer asks. “I was born on April 2, 1980 (according to the horoscope Taurus). In his youth he played football, was the captain of the city team. Then he graduated from the institute ... ”- if the applicant’s story is something like this, he will not see the position as his ears.

There are things that are absolutely uninteresting to the employer and which in no way characterize you as a professional. In the given example, this is the year of birth (this can be read in the resume), the sign of the zodiac and sports achievements.

There are topics on which you need to impose a taboo for yourself:

  • summary summary;
  • personal life goals (buying a house, having children, etc.);
  • reputation of the company and its employees;
  • skills and experience that are not related to future work (I am an excellent cook, I understand plumbing, etc.);
  • failures that demonstrate incompetence.

Just as you have made a plan for what you will talk about, write down and memorize the topics that should be ignored. Also think about how to correctly answer if you are still asked about it.

Contemplate to calm down

Interviews are nerve-wracking. You can forget your name, not to mention the demonstration of business qualities.

Take a look around to calm down. Inspect the office, equipment, employees. The details will tell you a lot about the company where you are going to get a job, and their analysis will help bring the nervous system back to normal.

Taking a critical look at the firm and future colleagues can increase your sense of self-importance. Remember: the company needs good worker as much as you are in a good job.

Take the initiative

In an interview, as a rule, there comes a moment when the interviewer and the interviewee change places and the applicant has the opportunity to ask questions of interest to him.

Do not waste time on useless “Will you call me yourself or should I call you back?”, “Why is this position open?” and so on. Show yourself as a proactive employee. Ask:

  • Does the company have any actual problem? How do you think I can help you?
  • Could you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
  • What advice would you give to someone who is starting to work for your company?

There are also a number of questions that should not be asked. Which ones - click on the button below.

Following these tips will prepare you for your interview and increase your chances of getting hired.

Are there additions? Write them in the comments.

Be sure to show your punctuality - to arrive at the institution without delay. Try to leave the house early, take the route where there are no traffic problems. Arriving in advance, you can observe and draw some conclusions for yourself.


No need to get lost at the entrance to the office - be confident and calm, do not forget about a smile. The posture of the candidate is also important - you can not slouch, cross your arms or lower your head. A good impression is created by a straight posture and an interested look.


When wondering how to pass a job interview, remember to behave naturally and openly. Listen carefully to the interlocutor, and if something is not clear, ask again immediately so that there are no misunderstandings later. Answer to the point and clearly. Speak confidently, competently, state your thoughts consistently. Do not exaggerate anything, in no case do not lie, pay more attention to what is useful when working.


The employer is primarily interested in the professionalism of the candidate. But you have to be prepared for outside questions as well. They test the future employee, checking his emotional state, adequacy and ingenuity. Even if these questions seem rude, do not lose your temper, which is highly valued by employers. You don't have to get aggressive. It is recommended to remain polite and avoid unpleasant questions, hinting that this has nothing to do with work.


At the end of the interview, the applicant has the opportunity to ask questions. You can ask about everything related to work - duties, work schedule, vacation and sick leave conditions. You can ask the reason for the dismissal of the previous employee in order to draw the right conclusion for yourself.


No matter how difficult the interview is, one should not be nervous, criticize, or interrupt the interlocutor. And in order to be known as a well-mannered person, at the end of the conversation you must certainly thank potential employer for accepting and listening.


It is advisable to prepare for an interview in advance, this increases the chances of getting a job, because it is approximately clear what the conversation will be about.


In fact, there is nothing complicated about how to successfully pass a job interview. If you have the necessary knowledge and are confident in yourself, everything will work out on the first try!

Recruitment starts with the first call or letter. In order to successfully pass the interview, it is important to immediately interest the employer, to distinguish yourself from the mass of other applicants, without violating the rules of etiquette and without showing nervousness.
Many companies (for example, online stores, operators cellular communication) start interviewing by phone. Even then they ask about the previous place of work, about character traits.
To feel confident and well prepared for an interview, just go through a few interviews and draw clear conclusions from them. Practice makes a master. And the main rule - do not fake anything. This is very noticeable in job interviews. We will tell you how to behave so that you want to be hired.

In this article you will learn:

  • How to pass an interview;
  • What questions are asked in an interview?
  • Top interview mistakes.

Content

Questions that are often asked in an interview

1. Please tell us about yourself.

This is a chance to present not only professional, but also personal qualities that are valued in the team. Think ahead about what you want to say about yourself. Institute, school, hobbies, successes. Talk about yourself without false modesty, but also without boasting. The employer is looking for someone who can and wants perform important tasks. The one who will interesting work. You need to make it clear why you are interested.

The employer needs an active, but manageable, disciplined person, tolerant of criticism, able to listen and understand others.

It is useful to prepare and rehearse in front of a mirror a short speech about yourself, in which you list “hard” (professional) skills, as well as “soft” (communication) skills. If you know what your future responsibilities are, build your story around that. Reduce the formal details of the biography, do not get carried away with details. Talk about education, about your experience, about how you are responsible, teachable, disciplined.

Important! Emphasize that you are able and willing to do the work and that you would be interested.

2. Do you have any questions about our company?

You also need to be prepared for this. Important! Suggest to the employer no more than three questions. These questions should be really interesting for you.

3. Why did you choose us?

Refer to serious reasons: the possibility of professional growth, career prospects, the attractiveness of working in a modern firm with a name. For example: "I consider your company to be competitive and very stable, I want to develop together with the company."

4. Do you have other suggestions? Were there any other interviews?

If so, say so, but mention that this firm is your priority. This will increase your chances. Be direct about other interviews, but don't go into too much detail. Your restraint will be appreciated.

5. Will family/children/private life interfere with business trips or overtime?

The question is borderline legal. Answer firmly: "It won't hurt."

6. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Communicate strengths, do not openly talk about weaknesses. Shift the focus, declare that weak sides try to level the strong. So say: "I know my weaknesses, but I try to keep them to myself."

7. Why do you need this job? Why is it worth hiring you?

The most winning question will require you to have empathy. Consider what to answer to each specific recruiter. Get in their expectations.

8. Where did your previous work go?

In no case do not mention conflicts and do not criticize. If the employer is aware of any conflict, do not tell in detail, mention that these were special circumstances, a unique case. Tell us about the positive results of past work: experience, connections, skills.

9. If you are employed, why do you want to change jobs?

The question is difficult. Employers try on the answer. Perhaps it is worth talking about fatigue from a long-term routine, about the fact that you want professional growth and career refreshment.

10. How do you envision yourself in a few years?

Speak without details: I want to work in the same organization, to solve more and more responsible tasks.

11. What is your work experience?

It is important for an employer to see a hard-working person. Start by saying that your first work experience was during school holidays, mention all the practices and jobs, emphasizing the most responsible ones.

12. Salary

If you are asked immediately, at the beginning of the interview, try to competently postpone the answer until later, but if the interlocutor insists, name the amount that will suit both you and the organization, corresponds to the labor market standards at that moment, the organization's capabilities. If you do not have accurate information, then declare that you are ready to discuss the issue after familiarizing yourself with the scope and nature of your duties.

Good wording:

- I think the salary will be not lower than the average in your company

- salary for staffing for me

— I will be happy with a reasonable salary, corresponding to my workload and qualifications.

In addition, you may be asked:

- What else do you want to know? (never say you don't have questions, show interest, say "thank you" for the information provided).

What would you change if you came to work with us? (If you are taken to leadership position- the answer is one, if not - completely different).

- tell us about your hobbies and lifestyle (it is important to mention hobbies that you can share with future colleagues).

How did you spend yesterday (today).

Preparing for an interview

The right attitude is important. Even if you have been unemployed for a long time, you have run out of resources and this vacancy is very important to you, keep restraint and a cool head. Step back, imagine that you are busy not for yourself, but for an important person for you. And work hard for it.

  • From the first call and letter, even if you are talking to the secretary, be polite and listen to what you are told. Find out if there is a vacancy, who you are currently talking to, and who will be interviewing. Study the future interlocutor, find out at least the name and patronymic.
  • Find out the address and go there before the interview, study the area, the road, so as not to be late. Arrive 5-8 minutes early, without haste, go to the restroom and examine yourself.
  • Find out if you need to fill out a questionnaire or take a test. Find their profiles on the Internet and practice.

Documents you will need

Even if you sent them in advance, take them with you to navigate the conversation:

  • summary (two copies); "
  • the passport;
  • diploma of education with an application;
  • diplomas and certificates of additional education and skills.
  • Letters of recommendation and reviews.

How to behave and what to say?

  • Entering the firm turn off your phone. Say hello to everyone you see in the reception area. Ask for information about you. Entering the recruiter, say hello, be sure to address YOU by name and patronymic, say that you are pleased to receive an invitation to a conversation from this company.
  • Sit face to face, feel free to move a chair if you are uncomfortable, do not sit on the edge, do not fall apart, do not tuck your legs in, do not fiddle with anything with your hands.
  • Trust the interlocutor, speak openly and politely, at the end of the conversation, thank you for the time devoted to you.
  • Don't lie at the interview, but don't give information against yourself either. Talk about previous experiences with restrained approval, without negativity. Make it clear that you want to work in this company, tell me why (by studying the site on the Internet, reviews, market information). Answers should be short but informative. No monosyllabic “yes” and “no”, but do not answer more than a minute or three to one question.

Body language, gestures, voice

They will say a lot about you. Let this be a story about a well-mannered person who sits beautifully (without spreading his knees, without crossing his legs, without rocking), keeps straight, but not constrained, does not wave his arms, does not step from foot to foot, does not make unnecessary movements at all. Facial expressions should be lively, but not excessive. A little excitement won't hurt. Moderate voice. It would be nice to listen to his recording before the interview and correct possible shortcomings.

Watch the interlocutor's reaction to you, and not your internal state.

Clothes, hair, make-up

Dress in the generally accepted urban style, modestly, moderately, tastefully, without excessive sex appeal. Good quality, clean, whole clothes and shoes, neat hair, moderate, refreshing make-up, well-groomed hands - that's enough. Tight, baggy, inappropriate clothing indicates self-doubt and poor parenting.

There are many offers on the labor market and few vacancies, so it is important to attract attention and remain in memory. Within the framework of generally accepted office etiquette, you need to submit your winning business qualities and personal characteristics. They are no less important than professionalism. All this is within your power, because you are a worthy person.

A worthy end to the first stage of a long and difficult job search process will be an invitation to an interview.

How to pass an interview? How to behave? What to say in an interview? All these questions are of great concern to applicants for workplace, and knowing the answers to them is one of the conditions for your employment. Before answering these questions, let's first consider what an interview with an employer is.

A job interview is about finding out the applicant's experience., as well as his personal qualities, i.e. acquaintance with him.

An interview is a conversation of equal people, each of which has its own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common.

Even if you already have a lot of job search experience, remember that For each new job interview, you need to prepare in advance.

As a rule, the most qualified specialists, who reasonably claim to be the most qualified, are more responsible for the interview. Good work. Often, on the other hand, the lower the bar of a specialist, the worse he is ready for an interview. Therefore, whenever you receive an invitation to an interview, use the following tips:

A job interview should be viewed as a negotiation of a potential collaboration.

When building partnerships with a manager during an interview, it is important to:

  • firstly, present yourself as a mature and mature person who is aware of his value and individuality (which increases your chances of success),
  • secondly, it is easier to accept a refusal, because in this case, it will be the result of a discrepancy of views, which in no way can belittle your dignity.

It will be easier for you to succeed in an interview if you:

  • persistent
  • stress resistant
  • benevolent
  • charming
  • neat
  • punctual
  • responsible
  • flexible (you can quickly adapt to the situation)
  • proactive

Behavior at the interview

  • Arriving at the office, try to be polite and patient with everyone.
  • Conscientiously fill in all questionnaires and forms that you will be offered.
  • Introduce yourself at the beginning of the interview. Ask about the name of the interlocutor.
  • Keep eye contact.
  • Listen carefully to questions without interrupting the interlocutor.
  • If you are not sure that you have understood the question well, do not hesitate to clarify ("Did I understand correctly that ...").
  • Avoid verbosity, answer to the point.
  • Be objective and truthful, but don't be too outspoken.
  • When faced with the need to give negative information about yourself, do not deny the facts that are true, but be sure to try to balance them with positive information about yourself.
  • Carry yourself with dignity, try not to give the impression of a loser or a distressed person; however, refrain from defiant behavior.
  • If you are offered the opportunity to ask questions, be sure to ask, but do not get carried away (2-3 questions).
  • Asking questions, first of all, be interested in the content of the work and the conditions for its successful implementation.
  • Avoid asking salary questions at the first stage of the interview.
  • Be sure to specify how you will find out about the result of the interview, try to negotiate the right to call yourself.
  • At the end of the interview, remember the usual rules of courtesy.
  • For many questions, you do not have to prepare for an interview all over again. But on some points, each new employer must be approached taking into account its specifics, in order not to miss these features, it takes time and effort to prepare for an interview. However, remember that, first of all, the employer is interested in qualified specialists, professionals. Try to demonstrate your respective qualities during the conversation.

And a few more tips on how to pass a job interview:

  • Before the interview, consider how you will be dressed. Appearance and demeanor are of great importance and practically determine the first impression.

    If you are going for an interview in financial institution, choose a conservative business attire.

    If you are going for an interview in construction organization or a design firm, you can afford to dress in a more casual style.

    You can try to find out in advance whether the company has adopted a business or more casual style of clothing, but in any case, it is better to dress more formally for an interview.

    If showing up to work in jeans is considered par for the course at this firm, you will be able to afford it when you start working, but you should not come to an interview in a sweater and jeans.

    In any case, you should look neat and tidy.

    It is best for a woman to wear a formal suit or a fairly conservative dress for an interview, without going to extremes when choosing the length of the skirt, colors and jewelry. Do not use harsh perfume or cologne.

  • Make sure in advance that you know how to get to the company building and where to leave the car. Get out of the house early.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled time. This will show that you respect the interviewer and value their time. If you are still late, try to call back and warn about the delay.
  • Remember that when choosing from several candidates with the same qualifications, your ability to make a favorable impression during the interview will play a decisive role.
  • Get a good night's sleep before you go to the interview. Sleepy people never make a good impression. Try to go to bed at your usual time, not earlier or later.
  • Don't drink a lot of fluids. You may not find a toilet in an unfamiliar organization and feel bad during the interview.
  • If you are introduced to someone, make every effort to correctly hear and remember the name of this person. If you can immediately address the interlocutor by name, this will make a favorable impression. Asking again will reveal excessive nervousness.
  • It is important to find out the duration of the interview and stick to the agreed time. This will help to correctly allocate time between answers and questions, to determine the degree of detail of answers.
  • Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet in the office. Don't forget to smile when you enter the interviewer's office.
  • Don't forget how important body language is. Your handshake is no less important: your hand should be dry and warm; The handshake should be firm, but not too strong. Watch your posture, try to look into the eyes. Do not, however, take anything to the extreme.
  • Do not forget to bring as many documents as possible to the interview confirming your qualifications, education and additional knowledge.
  • If you are asked to fill out any forms, it is best to take them with you and return them as soon as possible. When working with them at home, practice on a draft. Remember that everything matters: literacy, blots, handwriting, and clarity of wording.
  • Don't forget to end the interview by agreeing on when and how you'll hear about the results, and thanking the interviewer.

When the interview is over:

  • You were offered to wait for an answer, promising to call. If the wait, in your opinion, has been delayed, do not hesitate to contact the company yourself. It is possible that you will be rejected (after making sure of this, you can focus your search efforts on other objects). Or perhaps your call will allow the head of the firm to solve the problem of choosing from a variety of candidates in your favor.
  • If you are still rejected, do not despair, because:
    • employers are also people and, like all normal people, they can make mistakes;
    • an interview, albeit an unsuccessful one, is a coin in the piggy bank of your experience;
    • Well, who told you that this missed chance was the only one for you?

Appearance

You are going to your first meeting with an employer. According to the job description, everything suits you. Therefore, you prepare for the interview especially carefully: amend your resume, mentally think through the answers to possible, including tricky, questions, and study the Russian-English phrase book at night. Finally, you need to think about your appearance, so that the employer has a first favorable impression of you.

Style individual and corporate

Clothing style largely depends on the position and institution in which you are going to work.

  • The closer your profession is to creativity, the less there are any rules. A creative person needs to emphasize his individuality and, probably, it will not be very correct to give him advice - he should be prompted by his creativity.
  • For representatives of conservative professions best option- fashionable classic. It means to look fashionable, but not defiant.

Accordingly, if you are going to work in a bank, you do not need to have an earring in your nose. And you don’t come to work in a nightclub buttoned up in a strict classic suit.

There is one win-win option. If you have not been to this institution before and are not familiar with its rules, before deciding what to wear, take a walk in front of your future place of work and observe what is customary to wear there. At the interview, try to look in the same style.

Hairstyle

The quality of the haircut is immediately visible, especially on short hair, so before applying for a job, you should go to the salon, where the haircut is not the cheapest.

  • A business woman can stop at a haircut, because the longer the hair, the more time and money it takes to care for them. Untidy long hair is the worst thing you can imagine.
  • Today it is fashionable to dye your hair in several colors. Let it be non-contrasting colors that smoothly flow into one another and create a feeling of one, but very beautiful and deep color. The haircut should look almost unstyled.
  • Men have longer hair in fashion compared to last season.

Costume

  • Stop your choice on the clothes in which you feel organic. This will give you confidence when talking with the employer, and you can fully focus on your business qualities.
  • The length of the skirt is a matter of figure and passion, however, when going to a serious organization, it is better to prefer the classic version of the skirt length for a business suit - up to the middle of the knee.
  • Pants should be rather wide.
  • Costume jewelry and gold are acceptable, so you can safely complement your outfit with a large bracelet, ring and earrings. However, it is worth commensurate your appearance and the amount of jewelry with the official salary for which you are applying.
  • Even in hot weather, ladies should abandon the neckline and cover their shoulders.
  • A business suit means closed shoes, that is, shoes, not sandals. It is unlikely that you will suffer from the heat, since decent places have air conditioners everywhere. Shoes, unlike a suit, can be more bold and fashionable in design, not necessarily classic.
  • When going to an interview, it is better to refuse some colors in clothes. Red color can cause aggression in your interlocutor, and brown - a feeling that you are not confident in yourself.
  • The color of clothes should be selected depending on the color of hair and eyes, and on the season. In summer, light colors: cream, light green, blue, beige. In winter, you can stay in beige or change into a darker suit. The combination of black and white is in fashion.
  • Do not dress very colorful - you risk seeming frivolous.

A few tips for men:

  • Avoid flashy tie colors. This detail in a business suit should be in the same tone with boots and socks.
  • Black shoes are not worn with light trousers, as, indeed, vice versa.
  • Many men do not attach importance to manicure, and in vain. If during a conversation you decide to smoke a cigarette, then your unkempt hands will immediately catch the interlocutor's eyes. By the way, at the first meeting with the employer, do not advertise your bad habit. Firstly, many organizations do not smoke, and secondly, in fashion healthy lifestyle life.

Makeup and perfume

  • Cosmetics should be natural tones. And here it is appropriate to recall the principle from which we have long departed, but when applying for a job, it is applicable: the color matching of nail polish and lipstick.
  • Perfume should be quite restrained, you should not use evening scents.

And finally, the most important thing in the interview- your self-confidence. Do you consider yourself a professional who deserves this position? So let it be read on your face, and success will not be long in coming.

Interview questions, which answers are better

Interview Questions: What's Behind Them?

Prepare carefully for an interview with an employer. Sometimes it's like preparing for covert work. The job search is almost over, and it remains to make the last push towards the desired goal. Before meeting with the employer, manuals are studied, speculative dialogues are built, answers to questions that have not yet been asked are rehearsed.

An interview in its genre is least of all reminiscent of an exam, where for each question there is a single correct answer that the examiner knows for sure. An interview is a conversation of equal people, each of which has its own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common. And success in an interview does not depend on the ability to calculate the correct answers, but on the ability to be an interesting conversationalist.

Therefore, when asked how to answer questions at an interview, you can briefly answer - honestly. Often not only what you say, but also how you do it. Behind every question is not just a desire to know something about you, but also your ability to conduct a dialogue, to be open to the interlocutor.

What is behind the questions of the employer?

So let's take a look at some of the most frequently asked interview questions.

Tell me about your failures

Some after such a proposal fall into a slight stupor. Some try to convince the interlocutor that his whole life is pure luck, others try to laugh it off, remembering the last marriage or the country in which he was destined to be born. But for the employer, rather, it is important not just to list the situations in which you failed, but to understand what you evaluate as a failure, whether you are able to talk about it, how you overcome difficulties. None of us is immune from failures, everyone, including the person sitting opposite you, had their ups and downs. And the value of life experience is not in the number of years that you have worked in a position, but in life experience, the ability to "get up" after failures, move forward after mistakes made, the rationality of decisions made and the ability not to step on the same rake. Only a person who is able to admit and draw conclusions from his mistakes knows how to move forward.

List your strengths and weaknesses

Another question that for many becomes a stumbling block. Guidelines for job seekers suggest that you present your weaknesses as an extension of your strengths, for example, it is suggested to tell the employer about how you cannot quit the business you started, and leaving work on time is simply beyond your strength.

If you answer this question as written, you certainly demonstrate a good knowledge of the literature on this issue, a good memory and, at the same time, absolute inflexibility, the inability to "creatively" process the material read. Do not forget that HR managers also read books, and if they seem to you to be narrow-minded people who are able to "swallow" any information, you are mistaken. Behind this question lies not so much the desire to really learn about your positive and negative qualities how much the ability to be open, the ability to respond to uncomfortable questions, self confidence. Do not issue stamps, each of us has a lot of shortcomings that "have the right to life" - someone loses their ability to work under the eyes of ill-wishers, some cannot stand routine work, and most of us hardly get up in the morning to get to work on time. Think about what is really inherent in you and do not be afraid to be frank. After all, only a self-confident person can talk about his shortcomings without fear for his reputation.

How do you see yourself in 5 years

The question, rather, is not about career achievements, but about the ability to see prospects, understand how you can move towards the intended goal, internal motives, the ability to plan your own life and see intermediate results. Depending on what you tell, it is not difficult to understand how objectively you treat yourself as a professional, whether you are interested in the profession itself or are you more interested in career growth, how accurately you correlate own development and promotion.

Personal life

For some reason, all the questions that affect this area also cause great embarrassment. And what is better - to be married or not, to be with children or childless, what marital status has advantages? You can discuss this for as long as you like, but you have the marital status that you have, and you are unlikely to change it depending on the wishes of the employer. In most cases, these questions do not aim to penetrate the secrets of your personal life, but rather to understand the extent to which you are able to talk about yourself with a stranger. How open are you and how do you keep the boundaries of your "I", are you independent and independent enough, whether you talk about what worries you, or try to avoid discussing personal topics. And if you prefer not to talk about your private life, how delicately you know how to do it.

Key words: frequently asked interview questions, how to answer interview questions, what to ask in an interview, job interview questions, FAQ and interview answers, what interview questions are asked, interview answers that give a chance.

Possible questions

The most common questions you should be prepared to answer.

Obviously, no one is able to determine in advance all the questions that can be asked in an interview. The theoretical exception is structured interviews, where all candidates are asked the same pre-prepared list of questions. But this type of interview is rarely used. However, in practice, you can make a list of 15-20 questions, many of which, in one form or another, are asked at almost every interview. Let's consider some of these questions.

Tell me a little about yourself

This is a great chance to present yourself in the best light, especially if you have prepared in advance. Consciously or unconsciously, the employer is looking for an employee who CAN do the job, i.e. has the appropriate qualifications, experience, etc., and WANTS to perform it.

  • The employer must see the interested employee and understand how this interest is explained.
  • The employer is looking for someone who is manageable, i.e. feels his responsibility, demonstrates submission to discipline, susceptibility to criticism, knows how to listen and understand what he is told.

You should prepare and work out a story about yourself that will show that you have the listed desired qualities, which are especially important from the point of view of employers. If you are applying for a certain position or job known to you, your story should be built with this in mind. When talking about yourself, cut back on formal biographical information and don't get carried away with details. The most important thing is to mention your practical experience, your knowledge and skills that may be useful to the employer, as well as your attitude to work and interest.

  • I am responsible for the assigned work, I am easily trained, disciplined.
  • I can and want to do this job because I'm interested in it.

What questions do you have?

This question can be asked right at the beginning of the conversation, and only preliminary preparation will help you orient yourself correctly. It is advisable to prepare a list of questions in advance so that at the interview, given the context of the conversation, offer them to the employer.

You should not ask more than three different questions, unless you are forced to do so by the current situation.

Why did you choose this job (organization)?

Give strong reasons: the desire to apply your qualifications and work experience where they can give the greatest return, opportunities for growth, the attractiveness of working in a strong team, and so on.

Possible answers to the question are:

  • I see prospects for my development in your company.
  • I want my knowledge to be applied, and I want to get the experience of a professional.
  • I want to do interesting things in your team.

Have you received other job offers?

If you did, please say so directly. Having someone else willing to hire you will only increase your chances. Of course, it should be added that this work you are more interested.

Have you interviewed elsewhere?

As a rule, you can honestly say "yes", but do not rush to say exactly where.

Will your personal life interfere with this work associated with traveling and irregular working hours?

This question is often asked by women. To such an attempt to circumvent the law, answer firmly: "No, it won't hurt."

What are your strengths?

Emphasize first of all those qualities that are useful for this work.

What are your weaknesses?

Never answer this question directly and honestly. It should be turned in such a way as to shift the emphasis, mentioning the shortcomings, talk about the advantages that overcompensate for them.

Why do you want to get this job? Why should we hire you?

This is the best question to "sell" yourself. But you should carefully prepare for it in advance.

Why did you leave your previous job?

You should not talk about conflicts, even if they were. Never criticize your former boss or employer. If the interviewer knows that you had a conflict, do not go into details, explain that this was a unique case associated with special circumstances and highlight the positive things that were in the previous job: experience, skills, professional connections, etc. .

Why did you decide to change jobs?

This question is often asked to someone who is working at the time of the interview. It's hard to answer this question well. We can say that the organization has exhausted real opportunities for your professional and promotion, and you would not want to stop there.

How do you imagine your position in three (five) years?

It is better to answer streamlined: I would like to work in the same organization, but in a more responsible job.

What is your work experience?

Possible answers to the question are:

  • I got my first work experience while still in the school brigade.
  • In practice (list where and in what capacity you passed it).

What salary do you expect?

At the beginning of the conversation, it is better to try to evade the answer by saying that you do not consider it necessary to discuss the salary in the first place. If the interviewer insists, then name the amount that is attractive to you and meets the expectations, capabilities and norms of the organization. If you do not have such information, then do not underestimate the amount called by you, but indicate your readiness to discuss this issue separately after a detailed acquaintance with the content and conditions of work.

Possible answers to the question are:

  • I believe that the payment will not be below the average for your company.
  • Salary according to the staff list at your enterprise will suit me.
  • I hope for a reasonable level of wages, corresponding to the amount of work.

What else would you like to know?

Never say you don't have questions. Try to ask a question that speaks in favor of your hiring. For example, ask for clarification on something important for work that was not sufficiently covered in a previous conversation. Think about these questions ahead of time. But do not try to ask all these questions at the interview if you are not asked about it. Be sure to thank the employer for the information provided.

What changes would you make if you took this job?

The question is often asked to applicants for the positions of managers and administrative workers. You should show your familiarity with similar situations and the ability to take the initiative, but do not overdo it, showing a willingness not to leave stone unturned. Also, beware of suggesting changes if you haven't had a chance to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the state of affairs.

These are the most common interview questions asked of candidates. Sometimes, you may encounter unexpected and apparently harmless questions. For example: "What did you do today?" Think about how beneficially you can answer this question for yourself. However, the problem is also how you actually spend your time and what lifestyle will increase your chances of getting a job.

Who needs an employer

If you are applying for a position on the hierarchical ladder, then be prepared for what is required of you:

  • knowledge, experience, skills;
  • education (better profile);
  • work experience (preferably in the specialty or related fields);
  • versatility (ex. financial director with knowledge of accounting);
  • specific cases that improved the condition;
  • computer literacy;
  • ability to learn quickly;
  • sociability;
  • initiative;
  • systematic;
  • ability to predict and analyze;
  • discipline
  • decency;
  • self-control;
  • perseverance in solving problems;
  • desire for professional growth.
  • charm, pleasantness in communication;
  • ability to work in a team;
  • fast adaptation;
  • enthusiasm;
  • endurance in extreme situations;
  • stress tolerance;
  • reliability.
  • helpfulness;
  • friendliness;
  • diligence;
  • tact;
  • sense of humor.

Key interview points to think about ahead of time

A person is still met by clothes, so appearance is not the last role. No one will demand Armani suits from you, but you should look neat and businesslike. This does not mean at all that you should change your style - first of all, you should feel comfortable, but try to choose clothes that are as appropriate as possible for the occasion. Hair and hands should be well-groomed, make-up is very important for ladies. The property of the human psyche is such that the first impression has a decisive influence on the subsequent attitude.

You must arrive at the meeting exactly at the appointed time. Being late is unacceptable. If you are late for objective reasons, call and try to reschedule the meeting. If circumstances are such that you can arrive earlier than the appointed time, call again and find out if the employer can accept you.

During the interview, the direction of the conversation is set by the employer, so give clear answers to the questions posed. Mean "yes", "no", "did not have", "was not a member" are unlikely to serve you well, but you should not fall into lengthy explanations either. Your comments should be short but meaningful.

Resist the temptation to exaggerate your merits or exaggerate your professional experience. Provide only information that is true. Otherwise, you can only hurt yourself. Firstly, the veracity of your answers is easily verified during the interview, not to mention the fact that the employer can directly contact your former management; secondly, they can take your word for it, but arrange a small practical test.

Give a constructive analysis of your previous activities. Don't be afraid to talk about your weaknesses. Naturally, you should not focus on them, but you should not avoid this topic either. By admitting and analyzing your mistakes, you only earn extra points for yourself - only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

Any employer is trying to find out the reasons for leaving previous jobs. It's safer to tell the truth again. Refrain from reproaching the former leadership - the bosses have their own solidarity. If at your previous job you were completely sick, and you want to curse this whole sharashka office unbearably, resort to the help of the same constructive criticism. So, at least, you will declare yourself as a person who thinks and analyzes.

When the employer has received all the information he is interested in about you, it is your turn to ask questions. In almost all Western recommendations on job search technology, you will find advice to get as much information as possible about the company before the interview. In our country, unfortunately, this is not always possible, but the Internet greatly simplifies the task - the number of corporate sites is growing by leaps and bounds. Nevertheless, at the interview it is not shameful, but it is simply necessary to ask about the organization in which you may have to work, about the place that you can take in it, and the prospects for your professional growth. It is quite correct to be interested in the level of one's income, without, however, bringing this topic to the fore.

At the end of the interview, the Employer will most likely inform you that they will consider your candidacy and will contact you. In the West, where the culture of relations in the labor market has long been formed, the candidate is notified of the decision, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. In our still largely uncivilized country, you are unlikely to be bothered if your candidacy was not suitable, so ask the employer to clarify whether he will contact you in any case, or only in case of a positive decision. Agree on how long you can expect a response, ask if you can call and find out the result yourself.

Thinking time belongs not only to the employer, but also to you. You also make your choice. Among other things, it is useful to decide for yourself what this company will be for you in the light of your future career - a career ladder, or just a step in it, i.e. whether you are going to develop and grow professionally within the organization or see it simply as an opportunity to reach a higher professional level. How you will build relationships with the new management and team largely depends on the decision you make.

How to increase self-confidence, develop and develop self-esteem

All of us know that a person who exudes confidence in himself and his actions easily makes contacts, more often positively solves his problems, moves up the career ladder faster, realizes himself more fully and, as a result, is happier. Therefore, it is necessary and very important to develop self-confidence. In order to gain confidence, we offer 12 steps that will help you change your self-esteem and teach you how to be confident in various life situations.

Step 1. Decide what is the value for you, what you believe in, how you would like to see your life. Analyze your plans and evaluate them from the point of view of today, so that you can take advantage of this when you notice certain shifts.

Step 2 Forgive yourself for past mistakes. From time to time try to analyze your past, but do not let it take over you. Make room for even small, but pleasant memories. The bad past will live in your memory until you eradicate it yourself.

Step 3 Guilt and shame will not help you succeed. Don't let them take over you.

Step 4 Look for the reasons for your failures in yourself. When you blame the state, circumstances, other people for your troubles and misfortunes, you give up the role of master of your own life. Successful person occupies an active life position and changes itself. And in any case, he will find the opportunity to firmly stay on his feet under the blow of certain circumstances.

Step 5 Do not forget that each event can be evaluated differently. Thanks to this view of things, you will be patient with people and calmly respond to attitudes that previously seemed to you biased.

Step 6 Never talk bad about yourself. And especially avoid attributing negative traits to yourself: “stupid”, “incapable”, “unhappy”. This can develop an undesirable stable stereotype in the subconscious.

Step 7 Your actions can be evaluated in different ways. If someone constructively criticizes your actions, use it to your advantage, but do not allow others to criticize you as a person.

Step 8 Remember that sometimes failure is luck. Thanks to the defeat, you can conclude that, firstly, you set yourself the wrong goals that were not worth the effort, and secondly, you managed to avoid the next, possibly even bigger troubles.

Step 9 Your positive attitude to life is a guarantee of well-being and inner balance, high spiritual health. It depends only on you how you see this world. Life is too short to waste it on depression.

Step 10 Give yourself the opportunity to relax from time to time, listen to your thoughts, do what you like, sometimes be alone with yourself. This way you can understand yourself better. These moments provide an opportunity to accumulate energy, as it were, in order to take a decisive or significant step forward.

Step 11 Choose for yourself several serious goals, on the way to which you need to achieve smaller, intermediate ones. Soberly consider what means you will need to achieve these intermediate goals. Do not disregard any of your successful steps and do not forget to encourage and praise yourself.

Step 12 Be confident. And remember these words: You are not a passive object on which troubles are pouring, not a blade of grass that is waiting with trepidation to be stepped on. You are the top of the evolutionary pyramid, a unique personality, an active creator of your life, you are in charge of events! You are the master of your own destiny!

Reasons for not getting a job

  • pitiful appearance;
  • know-it-all mannerisms;
  • lack of a career plan and a clear goal;
  • lack of sincerity and balance;
  • lack of interest and enthusiasm;
  • lack of tact;
  • lack of courtesy;
  • indecision;
  • little knowledge in the specialty;
  • lack of purpose;
  • inability to speak: weak voice, poor diction;
  • unwillingness to start from the bottom: expecting too much too soon;
  • bad reviews about previous employers;
  • the desire for self-justification, evasiveness, reference to adverse factors;
  • intolerance with highly developed prejudices;
  • narrowness of interests;
  • inability to value time;
  • poor management of own affairs;
  • lack of interest in social life;
  • lack of understanding of the value of experience;
  • inability to take criticism;
  • obsession with money;
  • expressed unwillingness to learn;
  • desire to simply settle down;
  • unsuccessful family life;
  • poor relationship with parents
  • unwillingness to look into the eyes of the interlocutor;
  • slovenliness;
  • cynicism;
  • being late for an interview without a valid reason;
  • lack of questions about work to a potential employer;
  • uncertainty of answers to questions;
  • low morale.

Interview rules of conduct

  • When greeting a company representative, do not shake hands first.
  • Do not sit down until you are asked to do so.
  • Listen carefully. Follow the direction of the conversation given by the interviewer.
  • Before answering a question, try to understand why it was asked, how to emphasize your strengths in the answer, and what you should not talk about.
  • When discussing previous jobs, do not criticize your former boss and colleagues.
  • Do not start discussions about your personal or financial problems unless you are specifically asked to.
  • You can name a salary that will satisfy you, but not before you are asked about it.
  • At the end of the interview, thank the interlocutor for their attention.

Preparing for an interview

  • Try to provide yourself with information about the organization in which you want to find a job.
  • Keep copies of all required documents, professional resume, copies of certificates of education.
  • Get ready to give the names and phone numbers of the persons recommending you, after agreeing this with them.
  • Find out the exact location of the organization and the route so as not to be late.
  • Make sure you have sufficient time and were not nervous if the interview was delayed.
  • stick business style in clothes.
  • Make a list of expected questions and prepare response options.
  • Prepare specifically for the discussion of wages.
  • Practice answering the most likely questions well, doing this in the form of a playful interview rehearsal.
  • Be sure to prepare the questions you will ask if you are offered the opportunity.

When preparing for an interview, it is very important to conduct preliminary reconnaissance. It is necessary to collect as much information as possible about the company where you are going for an interview and about the people you will meet.

Useful information can be obtained different ways. If we are talking about a large enterprise, get acquainted with its products or services. Many organizations distribute their brochures and promotional brochures. Try to find articles in newspapers or magazines about this organization.

You can talk to a person who works or has worked in this organization. You can learn a lot of useful things from him, but you should take into account the subjective coloring of such stories. Perhaps some of your questions can be answered by the consultant of the agency you contacted.

What you need to know about the organization you are going to interview:

  • What products or services does the organization offer?
  • Where and to whom are products and services sold?
  • How many years has the organization been in existence?
  • How have the objectives of the organization changed since its inception?
  • Is the composition of the leadership stable, or does it change frequently?
  • What is the legal status of the organization?
  • Have there been attempts to take over the organization by other firms?
  • Did the organization make a profit last year? Over the past three years?
  • Have there been layoffs in the last three years? Why?
  • Is the organization part of any larger association?
  • How much attention is paid to the organization of the press? Why?
  • What are the press reviews about the organization?
  • What is the attitude towards employees in this organization?
  • What new projects are being developed in the organization?
  • Is the organization based in the country or does it have partners or branches abroad?
  • What are the prospects for the industry to which the organization belongs?

self-presentation

You and the employer: 10 rules for success

Rule 1 Gather all the documents you may need in advance. Recording with written recommendations, telephones. Do not forget also your diploma, course completion certificate (if any), passport, work book and resume, preferably in two copies. Carefully sort all the papers into files, this will be eloquent evidence of your diligence and thrift.

Rule 2 Write your presentation speech on a piece of paper and rehearse it in front of a mirror. Think in advance what and how you will say.

Rule 3 Don't try to make a good impression with just your appearance. Be natural, a strict business look is most acceptable. Remember, first impressions are very important.

Rule 4 Relax. Nervousness is immediately noticeable, but more than that, it inspires the employer with an unpleasant thought: “Why is this person so worried? Does he want to hide something? Or is he unsure of himself? ". Get a good night's sleep, set yourself up for success. It is better not to take any medicine unless you want to look sleepy and lethargic.

Rule 5 Don't be afraid of rejection. Prepare mentally for any outcome of the interview.

Rule 6 Behave naturally and benevolently, do not pinch. You should not wear a mask that you have invented for this occasion. The most important thing is constant courtesy. Try to listen more than talk, excessive talkativeness will only hurt.

Rule 7 Don't try to show your superiority. Of course, you need to show your competence, but nothing more.

Rule 8 Avoid fawning and flattery - it immediately becomes noticeable and few people like it. Keep moderately free and independent (but do not overdo it!), do not fuss and do not be shy. Then the employer will treat you with the same respect as you treat yourself.

Rule 9 Do not speak badly about anyone and do not try to denigrate the former management, work colleagues, competitors. It won't make you shine. Even your weaknesses can be used for good (For example: slowness, allows you not to miss details and carefully do the work).

Rule 10 Do not agree to the proposed terms immediately. It's better to say, "I'll think about it." A stranger ready for anything looks more like a dropout or an adventurer.