In the blog this week, we will begin an evaluation of typical questions asked by employers to recent graduates during job interviews. The primary purpose is to encourage applicants to carefully plan possible thoughtful responses based on further research of the organisation and the specific job vacancy.
The importance of understanding the interview question process
So, when attending an interview for the first job after graduation, the process typically starts with the company employees asking questions, and then ends with the graduate being asked if they have any questions to ask. It is essential that both these events are fully anticipated and carefully planned prior to the interview.
Fortunately, the initial commonly asked questions can be anticipated. As you will learn in the blog next week, the type of question beginning with the stem, ‘tell me something about’, is called an open question that aims to get the candidate to relax and start talking. However, it is essential to be very careful with the response as there will be follow-up questions that are aimed at gaining more specific details and identifying false or misleading information.
The common questions asked by employers during the initial stage of interviews
• Tell me something about how you manage situations when under pressure or stressed.
• Tell me something about how you manage when balancing projects with time pressure.
• Tell me something about what you did to improve your interpersonal skills.
• Tell me something about how you developed soft skills while at university.
• Tell me something about what you enjoyed most and least at university.
• Tell me something about yourself that is interesting.
• Tell me something about what kind of work environment you would prefer.
• Tell me something about whether you prefer to work independently or in a team.
• Tell me something about why you think you are the ideal candidate for this job.
Question 1
Why is it so important to research the organisation again before an interview?
Question 2
What key information is required to respond to the initial questions from employers?
Question 3
How might understanding the typical question sequence help manage the interview experience?
We will explore Question 3 in the blog next week.
Comments