FAQ

Q 1. What if I’ve just started having a coffee or a snack and I get called in to the interview?

A 1. If you have been having a cup of coffee or a snack while you were waiting to be called and the call comes when you haven’t finished, leave your coffee, snack and conversation behind (however great the coffee may be and however interesting the conversation may be) when you enter the interview room.

Q2. What if I don’t understand what the interviewer asked me? Is it ok to ask them to repeat?
A2. Ask the interviewer to repeat the question. You may want to say “I’m sorry I could not hear what you said clearly, could you repeat it for me please?” OR “could you rephrase that question since I did not understand it?”

Q3. Why do the interviewers ask us to tell something about ourselves when the CV is right in front of them?
A3. There are a number of reasons for this. One of the reasons is to see how you describe yourself, your accomplishments, your responsibilities. Another is to see if there are any descripancies in what is written on the CV as against what you are saying. The Cv gives facts but describing your job will show your mindset; e.g. how did you see your job? Do you see it as a painful experience or do you look at it as a challenge to be overcome? Be prepared with the answer to this question for this is a favourite of interviewers.

Q4. If I’ve had problems with my job/boss/company in the earlier company, should I tell the interviewer about it?
A4. Was your earlier boss the worst nightmare anyone could have? And your colleagues complete idiots who needed to have their heads examined? Don’t say so even if it is true. Bad mouthing earlier employers is a definite no-no. you could mention that you faced challenges and how you handled them but don’t turn it into a big crib.
It's sometimes a smaller world than you think and you don't know who your interviewer might know, including that boss who is an idiot... You also don't want the interviewer to think that you might speak that way about his or her company if you leave on terms that aren't the best.

Q5. How do I prepare for the interview if it is my first interview?
A5. Practice makes perfect! Do mock interview with friends. Practice answer the simple questions that are listed in this blog. There are other sites that will list interview questions. Practice answering them on your own first. Then ask your friends, family or anyone who will fill in the role of the interviewer to ask those questions to you and any others he/ she can think of (relevant ones ofcourse). Try and answer them the way you would want to during the interview.