In Kenya, hundreds of people move from one place to another seeking jobs especially fresh graduates.
Getting a response from an employer after sending out that application is usually the highlight of the job search.
This means that your potential employers have formed a certain impression of you from your resume.
In their minds, they think you are close to what they consider their preferred candidate, and you have the task of surpassing these expectations.How you present yourself and answer the questions will determine if you will get the job or get dismissed right away.
The number of questions that can be asked by Human Resources, the hiring manager, and other interviewers is limitless
Poor, or no, preparation is a deadly mistake as it demonstrates to the employer a lack of interest.
Therefore, Preparation is the key to interview success.
Questions, even though common can be approached in the form of a powerful pitch that sets you apart from all other applicants.
The secret to answering common interview questions is understanding what the interviewer is really after and giving well thought and personalized answers.The following are some of the top common questions asked during interviews and how best to respond to them.
. Tell us about yourself
Translation: Do you fit the profile of our ideal candidate?
Other versions of the question:
a.) What information about you should we know?
b.) What do we need to know about you?
Important Points to Remember
a.) This is one of the most frequent interview common questions asked during interviews.
b.) Your interviewer basically want to get a feel of your academic credentials, work experience, skills and career achievements.
c.) They have obviously gone through your CV, but need hear it from you. This is a chance to give a pitch and convince them that you would be the best candidate for this position.
d.) Arrange your thoughts in three parts where you introduce you experience and skills, state achievements and successes and end with a projection of your next step in your career.
e.) Cohesive flow of thoughts is critical because mixing up events shows disorganization or possible dishonesty.
Pitfalls to avoid when answering this question:
a.) Steer away from giving too much information. Stick to facts and relevant information. Remember that it is an interview and not a social chat.
Sample Answer:
“I am a customer service team leader heading a team of 8 officers for 3 years now in the Insurance industry. I have a degree in Business management, a certificate in Customer Service and I have undergone several Customer Service and Customer Relationship Management workshops.
“My team mainly handles insurance claims from customers and coordinates with relevant insurance companies for settlements. I was awarded Best Customer Service Officer at the end of my first year in the job, and I have been recognized in my company as the Team Leader of the Year two years in a row.
“At this point, I envision the next step in my career in a different industry as yours to experience your kind of clients and improve my exposure to handling customers”.
by: Claysoil