Have the answers ready

By STEVE HART

So you have an interview coming up and are worried about those probing questions that can throw even the most confident candidate off the rails.

Every question you are asked during an interview has a good reason behind it. Even a polite inquiry about your day isn't meant to draw comments about the friend you just met or the pair of shoes you would like to buy on the way home.

Interviewers want to find out about your career and work experience and get the inside information on how you think and where you want to go.

Despite what you may think, there are right and wrong answers. For example, saying you are unemployed or that you hate your boss is not the right answer to the question "Why do you want this job?"

To help you overcome palm-sweating obstacles to your next job, recruiters at Hudson have provided a list of questions you can expect to face at any interview, why the question is asked, and tips on how to answer.

Give me an introduction to yourself

This question often catches people on the hop and pinpoints those who have prepared for typical interview questions and who can think on their feet.

You need to be confident and articulate. Describe what you have done to date, the experience you have built up, and where you want to go long term.

What does company "culture" mean to you?

Refer to your belief in the type of company culture you like to work within - that is what the interviewer is trying to establish.

What were the key successes or achievements in your present or last role?

Be careful not to exaggerate as you may be asked to give details. There is the potential for a dishonest person to exaggerate a previous role, so stick to the facts.

What were the frustrations?

The interviewer is looking to see if you bad-mouth employers, show disrespect and breach confidentiality. And make sure not to mention stress or a fast-paced environment because most jobs can get quite challenging at times. Be honest but careful in how you structure your answer.

Tell me how you identified a recent business development opportunity and the outcome.

The interviewer is looking for evidence that you followed a definite lead that was planned, thought through properly and had long-term potential.

Describe a group or meeting you were invited to attend. How did you assess the group?

This question gives you the opportunity to show your initiative and presentation skills, how you relate to people at all levels from industrial to corporate, and your ability to assess people. These are important skills in all businesses.

Who would give you the worst reference and what would they say?

This is your opportunity to turn a negative into a positive.

What would you do if everyone in your department called in sick?

The interviewer is looking for your ability to show initiative, take responsibility and communicate. If this event happened, the kind of actions you would need to take would include diverting phones, communicating with colleagues about what had happened, and contacting key clients or customers. After such an emergency you would want to ensure steps were taken to cover such emergencies in future.

What flowers were in reception?

The interviewer is checking on how observant you are and that you don't lie or try to fudge the question.

Can you think of three reasons why manhole covers are usually round?

The interviewer wants to know if you can think on your feet, solve problems in a creative way, and if you have a sense of humour.

Career expert Dr Marie Wilson says the essence of good interview etiquette is to be prepared. "Research the company and the job so you are able to relate your experience to the job you are applying for and so you can anticipate what kind of questions you might be asked," she says. "Study the job description. Is it a good fit?

"Dress appropriately and make sure you arrive well before your interview to signal that you take the process seriously."

It can be wise to find out in advance exactly where the company is and how long it takes to get there.

Wilson says that if you don't have a lot of experience to call on when responding to interview questions, remember that you can use other experiences.

"You may be involved in volunteer work, community and sports groups, education and training, or other activities.

"Using examples from these, in addition to paid employment, allows you to demonstrate skills in teamwork, communication, negotiation and a host of other skills that are important in the workplace.

"Try to remember that the key reason that interviewers want to know what you have already done is to try to predict what you will be able to do in the job.

"You can help them by thinking through examples of performance - on and off the job - that allow them to assess your skills and abilities."