The guide to a successful job interview - how to answer the difficult questions correctly - voila! career

"What are your weaknesses? There is no bigger cliché than the answer perfectionism" (Photo: ShutterStock)

The job interview is your gateway to the organization and to the position you wish for.

But sometimes even though there is a match between the parties - the opportunity is missed because the candidate doesn't make a good enough impression when the organization tries to wonder about Kencano.

Incorrect answers in the job interview can disqualify you even if you and the organization were meant for each other.

So how do you get around bumps like the classic question of weaknesses and the question of why you haven't been working for a long time?

Adi Ohion, southern region manager at Manpower, with answers she recommends answering in preparation for a job interview.

There is no bigger cliché than the "perfectionism" answer to this question.

Avoid it and all the familiar attitude of saying something good disguised as something bad.

The interviewers understand this well.

Instead, tell about a real weakness - but one that will not harm your performance in the position you are applying for.

Talk about challenges you experienced in your previous roles and how you overcame them or about skills you aim to strengthen in your next role.

Do not say by heart what is already written in your CV.

Not only can the interviewer read it himself - he has already read it.

Prepare a short and catchy answer that summarizes you well.

In addition, tell about your success in the previous positions you held, about what interests you in the position you are applying for and everything that you think would add value to your presentation.

"Don't say by heart what is already written in your resume" (Photo: ShutterStock)

What answers the question - why did you leave your previous position?

Avoid talking bad about the previous workplace - about how bad you were there and how bad the boss was.

The interviewer takes into account that the fact that you didn't get along with him is not necessarily his fault but maybe your fault.

You can answer that you were looking for something different, something new, something that would challenge you and further expand your knowledge.

It is also legitimate to say that you felt that you had reached a glass ceiling in terms of the ability to be promoted or that you were looking for a more stable job.

Assuming it is not a temporary position, the answer "no", "not necessarily" or "probably" is not good.

Employers are looking for stability, meaning an employee they can assume will be there for at least a while.

The idea of ​​wasting time on matching a new employee every few months doesn't appeal to them either.

Emphasize that you are looking for a job to stay in, develop in and grow in, one that will make good use of your skills and allow you to bring your abilities to the fore.

Do not answer variations of "because I am the best candidate".

You can give an honest and humble answer and state that you don't compare yourself to others but believe that your skills, your passion for the job and the motivation you come with creates an advantage.

Obviously the interviewer is not waiting for an answer like "because I need some kind of job" and an answer that talks about the conditions and treats offered by the organization will not impress you either.

Focus your answer on the advantages of the company: you believe in its purpose, are interested in its business and share its vision.

It can also be noted that the company gives the impression of a place where you can learn and develop.

"Avoid talking bad about your previous workplace - about how bad you were there and how bad the boss was" (Photo: ShutterStock)

How do you answer the question - why haven't you been working for a long time?

Not to say that it's because you haven't been able to find a job for a long time, nor that you just now, after a long period of time, started looking "because your parents are pushing" or for a similar reason.

If you were fired, honestly explain why (of course, downsizing or an organizational change sounds better than "I didn't get along with the boss") and try to stick to a positive framework that will shine a good light on you.

Don't answer no.

Always answer yes and ask questions about the company that you have prepared in advance: adjusting your expectations for the position, refining the managers' expectations of you, work procedures, working hours, etc.

This way, the interviewer gets the impression that you have invested effort in researching the company and that you are really interested in working there - and not that you have arrived at another job interview from who knows how many.

In collaboration with Manpower

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