I'm scheduled for a job interview this weekend (at this one insurance place) and I'm super nervous because I've never had any of these before. I'm not sure how to prepare myself, like what to wear, how to talk, and what type of questions they would be addressing ect. What type of things should I say if they ask me about my strengths? I don't want to make myself sound incompetant but at the same time I don't want to sound all conceited. Any help?! I really need this job. :(
I always get that question, 'tell me about yourself.' I usually start from my education, why I chose my major, how I like it, what I expect from it...Then I talk about my work experience (part time) & how that enhanced my textbook knowledge. I also talk about big projects that I've worked on, what I like about my current job as well as the ones I've had in the past, what I've learned from them, & how they've helped me grow personally. Oh yeah, as for clothing, you have to be polished. Regardless of how laid back a position is or how laid back the company/job is, you should always show up @ interviews wearing something conservative (mostly solid colored clothing). Make sure your shoes are appropriate also. I currently work @ an investment bank, & my sister used to work at an insurance company (from which you are applying), and if somebody were to show up @ an interview wearing casual wear, I can guarantee that they will be shown to the door within 30 minutes. Companies take what you wear very seriously. I was sent home once by my boss because he didn't like the color of my shirt. I went shopping instead nearby and came back to work. As for the question, 'What are your strenghts?' (which is a very commonly asked question) Be sure that the strengths you list are strengths that will make you a stronger candidate...meaning, make sure these strengths will allow you to enhance your capabilities at the job at which you're applying!! So if you were asked for 3 strengths, you list each strength, talk about why you think it's a strength, how that'll contribute to your work, and how that strength came about. (Obviously you'll need to do some background research on your job) For example, I'd say that one of my strengths is that I am a perfectionist in moderation. Oftentimes, in my studies/career, I've realized that paying attention to minute details gets you very far. A lot of times, it's the small things that get overlooked and trips you up. If you spend an extra 5 minutes checking your work and making sure that it is correct in its entirety, then it will save you a lot of time in the future from not having to redo your work and confusion on other people's part for any wrong answers that may come about as a result of a minute detail. If presenting a project to somebody, I feel that you gain more credibility when the work itself is neat and organized. If they ask you why they should hire you instead of anybody else, tell them that it is because you thrive on challenges and are a quick learner. Also that you are very hardworking and dedicated. On questions where they ask you to say something negative, always put a positive spin to it! i.e. 'What are your weaknesses?' When I started high school/college, I was very bad at time management. Since then, I've learned of ways to improve upon this. Each night, I set up a schedule for myself for the next day, and I try to follow that. I always allow for extra time now to get to certain places. In doing so, I've learned to manage stress as well.) or something along the lines of that. My number one advice to you is to be yourself. Have confidence that you will get the job. Don't ramble; take time to think through your answers before blurting them out. Smile, maintain eye contact, & admit to faults. Good luck PS: If you go on monster.com (link provided by Knoctur_nal above), there will be some various sample interview questions that could help you prepare.
eye contact, firm handshake, speak confidently, and dress suit and tie. typical questions: tell me about yourself? what are your strengths? what are your weaknesses? Why should we hire you? (or similarly What makes you different from the other applicants?) Why do you want to work for our firm? Maybe some behavior questions.
just stay calm, relax....and don't say the wrong things, im not a expert so if you don't get the job...plz don't blame on me!
just tell them what they want to hear. what i found out is that the truth isn't always the best answer. you also want to show them that you have a strong desire for continuing to learn. be prepared for random off-the-wall questions that seem to have no relation to the job in which you are interviewing. for example, i had an interview for shell and the interviewer asked me seriously if i knew the exact scientific name of the shell logo...obviously i did not know...i did not get the job. that's about all i can tell you. don't sweat it.
