| Preparing for an interview is a very daunting task, let | | | | So that covers the basic settling down questions. |
| alone if English is not your first language! Many job | | | | When the interview really starts, you will be asked |
| interviews will contain standard questions that they will | | | | questions about why you want the job; what |
| start with in order to make you feel at ease. You can | | | | experience you have; what are your strengths and |
| practise beforehand so that you are fully prepared. | | | | weaknesses and they will generally try to get a feel |
| Common questions could include the following: How | | | | about how enthusiastic and organised you are. It is |
| are you today? Did you find your way here ok? Tell | | | | essential that you express your enthusiasm for the job |
| me a little about yourself. | | | | and company when you answer. So that means it is |
| If you have the answers already prepared the | | | | essential that you thoroughly research the company or |
| chances are that you will feel more comfortable and | | | | organisation beforehand. Learn a little of their history |
| at ease. | | | | and how they have developed. You can then really |
| If you are worried that you will not be able to | | | | sound enthusiastic as you can see what a great |
| understand the questions that are being asked of you, | | | | organisation they would be to work for! |
| then it may be a good idea to have a sentence | | | | Make sure that you have considered what skills are |
| prepared so that you can ask them to repeat or re | | | | needed for the post for which you are applying and |
| phrase the sentence. For example, "I am sorry but I | | | | have answers ready. Also think about how you could |
| don't fully understand the question could you please | | | | bring a benefit to your potential employer. How could |
| re-phrase it for me?" | | | | you move their business forward? |
| It is also important that your answers are full and not | | | | It is important that if there is anything the employer can |
| simple yes, no answers as this may leave the | | | | do to help you in the interview to mention it prior to the |
| interviewer with the impression that you are not | | | | interview, or on your application form when asked. |
| particularly bothered by the job. For example if you are | | | | But the main thing to route to success is to prepare |
| asked: How are you today? It is better to answer with; | | | | well; your esol (EFL) teacher will probably be more |
| I am very well thank you and yourself? Rather than | | | | than happy to help, your success is their success. |
| simply saying ok. | | | | |