What questions might be asked at an interview? Who does the employer need?

Many questions that are asked to a candidate for a particular position during an interview are key, and the answers to them are given to the employer or a representative of the recruitment agency necessary information about the applicant. Perhaps someone thinks that interviewers are most interested in his education, but this is not always the case.

Are you a worthy candidate?

Sometimes an employer only needs a few words from a potential employee to draw an appropriate conclusion about him. Literally everything is taken into account: the manner of conversation, and the uniqueness and sincerity of the applicant. Secondly, the content of the answer itself is assessed. So, when applying for a job you may be asked:

Tell us a little about yourself? Very often, already at this stage the candidate may have difficulties, so personal information (literally a few of the most important sentences) should be prepared in advance;

Reasons for leaving your previous job? This question is the key one - the answer to it fully reveals the degree of reliability of the candidate, his loyalty and willingness to work in one place for a long time;

Tell us about your experience in the position you are applying for? You should speak clearly about your professional experience, supporting your words with facts. It is worth mentioning completed projects, concluded contracts or attracted clients;

Do you consider yourself successful? Even if you don’t think so, the answer should still be affirmative: yes, I consider myself successful, I always strive to achieve goals and know how to use my advantages. Such self-confidence always has a favorable impression on employers;

Do you know anything about the organization you want to work for? Similar questions are often asked by managers who are particularly concerned about the company’s culture. It is best to prepare for this and study information about your future place of work in advance;

How has your knowledge improved over the past few years? To reinforce your words, it is best to show the interviewer several certificates (if you have them) of completing courses, seminars, trainings or other professional development activities;

Have you applied for similar positions in other organizations? This question should be answered honestly, otherwise the employer will begin to doubt the loyalty of the future employee. Yes, I sent out my resume, but I’m ready to focus on achieving results in this particular company - the ideal answer when applying for a job;

Your expected size wages? In no case can you answer unambiguously. It is best to ask what limits you can make a claim, and also ask the interviewer about his proposal. Otherwise, a good answer would be a certain range “from ... to ....”;

Tell us how you can benefit the organization? The most successful question for an applicant when applying for a job, as it allows you to talk about your business qualities, professional skills and abilities. A great chance to present yourself from the most advantageous side - and try not to miss it. No platitudes - work overtime or become part of a team. Everything is only positive and active - to lead, attract, surpass or improve;

Is there anything annoying about the people around you? Be very careful: the employer does not want to hear about overly talkative colleagues or a picky former boss. A good answer can only be given after some thought - and this answer is no;

Do you have any questions? Necessarily! when applying for a job, they must be carefully thought out and written down. It’s good if they relate to the prospects for the development of the organization, the employee’s own career growth, or the projects that he will have to deal with. This is what will help the employer evaluate you as an interested and proactive candidate, and make a positive decision to hire you.

In order not to make a mistake with your choice, during an interview you need to be able to not only answer the employer, but also ask questions correctly.

Rabota.ru has already repeatedly covered various aspects of preparing a candidate for an interview with a potential employer. In the article “How to prepare for an interview,” among the recommended actions was the following point: think through questions for the employer, since an interview is not an interrogation, but a conversation between two potential colleagues.

“An applicant who does not ask a single question during an interview will not be able to make a favorable impression. By asking counter questions, a person emphasizes his interest in work and awareness in the professional field,” says Ekaterina Lukyanova, a consultant for the Rabota.ru website forums.

Therefore, we decided to tell you what questions can and should be asked when communicating with a recruiter at a recruitment agency or an HR person at an employing company.

Question 1. What will be my job responsibilities?

Each company has its own rules. That's why job responsibilities may differ from those at the previous place of work. “Having found out exactly what duties an employee will perform in this position, the candidate will be able to assess his strengths and understand whether this job is suitable for him, whether he can cope, how much he professional knowledge and skills correspond to this position,” says Ekaterina Chentsova, HR Director of the Vokrug Sveta group of companies.

Question 2: Is this a new position or an old job?

“This question allows us to clarify several points at once,” notes Anna Lenda, head of the HR department at Creative Media. - If this position has existed for a long time, then what is the fate of the previous employee? If he was fired, then for what? If this is a newly opened vacancy, then what is the need for its introduction, and what exactly is expected from the new employee?”

Question 3. What is the working hours in the company?

“Naturally, it is better to find out in advance what schedule you are offered to work on,” advises Anna Lenda. “Nowadays there is no uniform schedule in companies, and the start of the working day can be either 8 a.m. or 12 p.m., and its end varies accordingly.” However, it is worth finding out not only about the work schedule, but there are also many such important points x, like overtime, working on holidays and weekends, and, of course, how all this is paid.

It is also worth asking the employer about lunch time and breaks at work: is there a lunch break, “smoke breaks” and tea parties. Employers can deliberately keep silent about all these nuances so as not to scare away candidates prematurely.

Question 4. What results are expected of me during the probationary period?

“The employer can vary the length of the probationary period from one month to three,” says Ekaterina Chentsova. - Depending on this, a person is given certain tasks. Based on the results of their decision, conclusions about further cooperation are already being drawn. The candidate’s salary also depends on this. Often employers reduce the salary during the probationary period, and then do not increase it. This needs to be reminded.”

Anna Lenda agrees with this opinion: “The probationary period for employees cannot exceed 3 months, except for heads of organizations and their deputies, chief accountants and their deputies and heads of branches - a probationary period of 6 months is provided for them. The length of the probationary period will allow you to think through an approximate strategy for your work for this period. It is also necessary to inquire about the criteria for passing the probationary period in order to clearly know what results will be expected from you after the end of this period.”

Question 5. Is training provided for employees?

“This question allows you to find out whether the company is ready to invest in the development of its employees. The answer to this question will help a potential employee understand whether he will have the opportunity to improve his qualifications in the company,” says Anna Lenda.

“It is important to find out whether the company trains its employees, since for some professions (HR, accountants) work without training is simply impossible: constant professional development is necessary,” noted Ekaterina Chentsova.

Question 6: Who will I report directly to?

Can you meet this person? Chat and discuss the main points of your proposed work? “It’s better if you talk to your immediate boss at the interview stage and try to understand how psychologically comfortable it will be for you (and him) to work together,” explains Anna.

Question 7. Is participation in additional projects and business trips expected?

“According to our legislation, on business trips an employee receives a larger salary than in normal times, and sometimes this amount is quite large,” Ekaterina Chentsova comments on this issue. Therefore, be sure to check how business trips are paid at the potential employer company.”

The frequency of possible trips and their duration are two more important points that should be discussed during the interview. Questions will help the applicant understand how acceptable such working conditions are for him. A big plus would be life insurance for the employee during business trips.

Question 8: How long before I can expect a promotion?

“I don’t really like this question, because, as a rule, I’m not ready to promise an employee a crazy start,” admits Ekaterina Chentsova. - Several factors must coincide. Therefore, I usually answer: “I’m not ready to say what will happen in six months, but with some effort on your part it is quite possible.”

"Candidates who are focused on fast career, it would be quite appropriate to ask such a question. In this case, the employer will be able to tell on what conditions the employee’s advancement depends and what indicators need to be achieved for this,” adds Anna Lenda..

Question 9. Does the company have a social package and what does it include?

IN Lately candidates are increasingly interested not only in salary, but also in the various benefits and bonuses offered by the employer. Accordingly, employers are increasingly trying to make their social package offer as attractive as possible. So the question about additional benefits will not be superfluous at all and will make it possible to clarify very interesting points. Perhaps the candidate’s doubts regarding a somewhat reduced salary will be dispelled by an excellent benefits package.

An interview is an extremely important procedure for the applicant. When you come to an interview with a company where you want to take a certain position, it is vitally important to the right impression to the employer. Therefore, you need to thoroughly prepare for the interview so that everything goes as it should.

We are used to being asked questions during interviews. Employers test us for certain qualities and find out our readiness to do the job. You need to answer such questions correctly, because, as you know, they often do not mean at all what it seems at first glance.

Another, also important task, is to concentrate and remember what questions to ask the employer during an interview.

What you can and should ask

There are no generally accepted written or unwritten rules about what questions to ask an employer during an interview. though general recommendation is this: ask everything that is important for you to know for the upcoming work. Clarify all the points that were not told to you clearly enough, since they may contain something that will greatly affect your future work.

You also need to remember that sometimes employers deliberately withhold some information (for example, about the reason for an employee leaving a vacancy). It also happens that they simply forget to say something, even if it is an important work moment.

If you don't ask questions

There is a high probability that many applicants are simply embarrassed not only to ask the right questions to the employer, but also to ask him about anything at all. The motivation is different: suddenly I seem annoying, suddenly he doesn’t have time, suddenly I ask something wrong, and so on.

There is only one answer to this. Asking questions to the person you will eventually work for is extremely important. Otherwise, it will seem that you are either not interested in this work, or that you are simply passive. And this will not contribute to making a decision in your favor.

Next, we’ll look at what questions an employer is still recommended to ask during an interview and how to formulate them correctly. Let us remind you that you can not be limited to them and navigate depending on the situation and the specifics of the vacancy.

According to the experience of many applicants, the following questions are relevant during an interview with an employer.

To whom will I be directly responsible for my work?

This is really important because you can't answer to everyone above you in the company.

Why did the previous employee quit?

The question is relevant if the vacancy is not new, but this workplace released due to some circumstances. Perhaps the specialist left his job due to unacceptable conditions or something else. By trying to find out more about it, you will make sure whether this position is suitable for you or not. If this is a new vacancy, the appearance of which is associated, for example, with the opening of a new branch, the questions asked to the employer at the interview about this will disappear by themselves, since you will be a “pioneer.”

What qualities should the person you see in this position have?

This question will help you realistically assess the likelihood of getting a job at the company.

What prospects will I have in your company?

It’s unlikely that any employer will be able to give you a specific answer to this. Therefore, you will have to evaluate how direct the answer received was. Or how vague it is, leading away from the question. From what you hear, you need to draw conclusions whether you will have career growth here or not.

What would help me show myself as a worthy candidate for this vacancy?

Perhaps you have certificates of additional education that contributed to the choice in your favor.

What will be our next steps?

Most correct question the employer, which it is advisable to ask if the interview was successful. You let them know that you are serious, and at the same time you will learn the algorithm of actions for finding employment in the company and starting to perform work duties. If you don't ask about this, the interview will be incomplete.

What not to ask

Before an interview, we need to worry not only about what questions to ask the employer at the interview, but also about how not to ask too much and not spoil the impression of ourselves. Further we will talk about just such moments.

1. Don't ask what you can find out from easily accessible sources. For example, about how many branches the company has, where the head office is, and so on.

2. Do not ask questions about various small details of work, such as everyday issues, daily routine, lunch time, etc. This may cause a feeling of irritation. Such questions are appropriate only when you are being approved for a position.

3. Refrain from asking questions regarding the company's activities. This is the company’s motto, products, audience to which the company’s services are aimed, and others. In theory, you should ask about this before the interview if the job here interests you.

Now we know what questions to ask the employer and which ones to refrain from asking. It remains to understand some more nuances of a successful dialogue at an interview.

Other Cautions

It’s not enough to know the questions to ask an employer; you also need to present them to right time and in the right context. If these factors are overlooked, they may seem irrelevant.

Make sure that your questions to the employer do not show you as an incompetent specialist. On the contrary, show knowledge of the matter and maximum interest in the work and the company. Leave the exciting question about salary for last, so as not to seem like a mercantile person.

In the rare case that the employer has given you comprehensive information about the vacancy, tell him so. This way you will show that you had questions, but they disappeared on their own. In reality, such a situation is unlikely.

Now that we’ve figured out what questions you can ask an employer and what you shouldn’t, let’s look at the other side of the process. Let's move on to what we might be asked at an interview and how we can answer brilliantly.

Underwater rocks

Once upon a time, during a job interview, you could hear simple, direct questions and give a completely logical answer to them. Today this is almost impossible to find. Therefore, answers to the employer’s questions should not only be truthful and meaningful, but exactly what is expected of us.

Also today, during interviews, it is customary to find out from the candidate not only his work experience, but also personal potential, the ability to adapt to certain conditions, and much more, depending on the vacancy. Therefore, the questions may sound specific. And you need not to get confused in order to answer them adequately.

Questions and their meaning

Let us now consider the questions that are most often asked to applicants during interviews, and also try to find out what is expected of us.

tell us about yourself

Perhaps this one looks simple question actually the most difficult. The further course of the procedure for considering a candidate for a position in the company depends on the answer. The mistake job seekers make is that what they start talking about themselves somehow coincides with the vacancy they want to fill. But this is not what the employer needs.

Ask the interviewer, for example: “Would you mind if I start with education?” Tell us about all the significant achievements in this field. Don't miss out on any awards, competitions or victories. It is also worth talking about your family and plans for the future, without going into details that are not at all related to your career.

To present yourself as best as possible, prepare and rehearse your speech. This will help overcome anxiety during the interview.

What do you think are your strengths?

It is necessary to talk about those qualities that will be useful at work. At the same time, it is highly desirable to have at least one example of how they have already helped you in your professional activities.

What aspects of yourself do you consider weak?

The question itself is tricky and without taking into account the situation in which it is asked. When answering, you should be extremely careful not to say anything that will negatively affect your employment.

The ideal answer is to covertly (under the guise of a disadvantage) talk about one of your advantages. For example, you can say how much you like to chat and communicate with people if you are applying for the position of sales manager. In any case, don't start talking about a flaw that will interfere with your work.

In fact, they ask about shortcomings in order to see our reaction. This question helps to understand how a candidate can get out of a difficult situation.

To make sure everything goes smoothly, to know how to answer an employer’s question about your strengths and weaknesses, make lists of such qualities. It will be interesting for you, and extremely useful for preparing for the interview.

Why do you want to work with us?

By asking such a question, the employer wants to see your knowledge about the company's affairs. Here you need to make arguments that reflect the company's important achievements. Be sure to mention that the company is known in the market for such and such goods, you know about its good reputation, working conditions for employees, which attracts you.

By talking about the reasons that you want to work for this particular company, you are consciously or unconsciously flattering the employer. And if you manage to do this competently, your chances of getting the desired job increase significantly.

Why did you leave your previous job?

In general, this question does not imply anything other than its direct meaning. Therefore, the answer can be simple: there was not enough career growth, there was no opportunity to develop, etc.

Tell us about your previous place of work

They want to find out what skills you have developed and how they will be useful in a new place. Therefore, it is worth talking only about what will meet the requirements for a candidate for a vacancy.

What salary would be enough for you?

The best way out in such a situation is to try to avoid answering. If that doesn't work, you can phrase your answer something like this: “The pay you want depends on your level of production work, so I'll need to be familiar with all my responsibilities to answer.”

If they still require a specific number from you, name one that will be slightly above the average for such a position. There is no point in overestimating it, since you will almost certainly have to give in.

How long do you plan to work in our company?

Somewhat controversial in terms of meaning. For some employers, it is important that a person can be made part of the company, to see him imbued with the idea, and this takes time.

It is acceptable to formulate the answer as follows: “As much as the company needs my skills.” Or something similar. The main thing is to make it clear that you have serious plans for this position.

Where do you work now? How long have you been looking for a job?

When answering, under no circumstances should you present language that would at least hint that you are not doing anything, even if you do not have a job at that time. Tell me you've been looking for so long new job, have received offers, but continue to look for a suitable place.

What is your marital status? Will it interfere with work?

Tell the truth, for example, that you have a wife (husband) and small children. Children stay with their grandmother or with a nanny, that is, this will not prevent them from devoting themselves to their favorite work with all their might.

Your hobby? Will it interfere with your work?

Here, too, you need to tell the truth. Say you play tennis on weekends or go to the theater after work.

Thus, we see that you need to prepare before the interview in many ways. You need to clearly know what questions to ask the employer during an interview and what answers to give to his counter questions.

conclusions

In the article we looked at important aspects passing an interview: what questions to ask the employer and how to correctly answer counter questions.

We found out that you need to ask questions correctly and only those that are appropriate at a specific stage of the interview. There is no need to focus on those that are easy to find the answer to on your own.

The interviewer's questions during an interview can be fraught with hidden meaning. You need to prepare in advance and work out the answer to each of them so that the dialogue develops in your favor, that is, you show your best side.

We sincerely wish that the article will be useful to you. And you got the position you dream of.

Some companies like to ask how you imagine perfect job. In others, why manhole covers are round and not square. Some employers consider standard interview questions useless and improvise, while others carefully think through every next step. We have collected 20 questions that you will probably be asked at an interview.

Different questions have different goals. But most often, employers ask quite expected things related to the candidate’s personality, his professional level, career ambitions, understanding of the work mission, and suitability for the position.

1. “Tell me about yourself.” You will be asked to do this, so be prepared to share the main points of your work history. Use the simple formula “present - past - future”. First, talk about who you are this moment what you do, what you can do. Then talk about what brought you to your current position: your combination of skills and experiences. At the end, you talk about your plans and prospects.

2. “Name your strengths». It’s important here not just to list your best qualities, but also give an example of how they helped achieve certain goals and successes in work.

3. “Name your weak sides». Position your weaknesses as points of growth: tell us how you plan to work on your shortcomings, what you have already managed to correct.

4. “Why do you want to work for us?” Here you can demonstrate the degree of preparation for the interview, level of knowledge about the company, and interest in the job. If you can't find enough information, don't hesitate to ask your employer questions.

5. “Why did you leave your previous job?” There is no need to be frank here. If your relationship with management did not go well or you simply became bored, the employer will be wary. : You would like your job to be more varied, or your ideal boss doesn't bother you outside of work hours.

15 more questions you may be asked:

6. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” be precise in your forecasts: here the employer is interested in your train of thought and the direction of your dreams.

A worthy conclusion to the first stage of a long and difficult job search process will be an invitation to an interview.

How to pass an interview? How to behave? What to say at an interview? All these questions are of great concern to job applicants, and knowing the answers to them is one of the conditions for your employment. Before answering these questions, let’s first consider what an interview with an employer is.

A job interview is about finding out the applicant's experience., as well as his personal qualities, i.e. getting to know him.

An interview is a conversation equal people, each of which has its own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common.

Even if you already have extensive job search experience, remember that It is necessary to prepare in advance for each new job interview.

As a rule, the most qualified specialists, who quite reasonably lay claim to the most Good work. Often, on the other hand, the lower the specialist’s bar, the less prepared he is for the interview. Therefore, whenever you receive an invitation for an interview, use the tips below:

A job interview should be viewed as a negotiation about a potential collaboration.

Lined up partnerships with the manager during the interview, it is important:

• firstly, present yourself as a mature and formed personality, aware of your value and individuality (which increases your chances of success),
• secondly, it’s easier to accept a refusal, because in this case it will be the result of a difference of views, which cannot in any way diminish your dignity.

It will be easier for you to succeed in an interview if you:

• persistent
• stress-resistant
• friendly
• charming
• neat
• punctual
• responsible
• flexible (able to quickly adapt to the situation)
• are proactive

Behavior at an interview

• When you come to the office, try to be polite and patient with everyone.
• Conscientiously fill out all questionnaires and forms that are offered to you.
• Introduce yourself at the beginning of the interview. Ask what the name of the interlocutor is.
• Keep eye contact.
• Listen carefully to questions without interrupting the other person.
• If you are not sure that you understood the question well, do not hesitate to clarify ("Did I understand correctly that...").
• Avoid verbosity, answer to the point.
• Be objective and truthful, but don't be too revealing.
• When faced with the need to give negative information about yourself, do not deny facts that are true, but be sure to try to balance them with positive information about yourself.
• Behave with dignity, try not to give the impression of a loser or a distressed person; however, refrain from being provocative.
• If you are offered the opportunity to ask questions, be sure to ask, but don’t get carried away (2-3 questions).
• When asking questions, first of all be interested in the content of the work and the conditions for its successful completion.
• Avoid asking questions about pay at the first stage of the interview.
• Be sure to clarify how you will find out about the result of the interview, try to negotiate the right to call yourself.
• When concluding your interview, remember the usual rules of politeness.
• For many questions, you won’t have to prepare for an interview all over again each time. But on some points, each new employer needs to be approached taking into account its specifics; in order not to miss these features, time and effort are needed to prepare for the interview. However, remember that, first of all, the employer is interested in qualified specialists and professionals. Try to demonstrate your relevant qualities during the conversation.

And some more tips on how to pass a job interview:

• Before the interview, think about how you will dress. The appearance and demeanor are very great importance and practically determine the first impression.

  If you are going for an interview at a financial institution, choose a conservative business attire.

  If you are going to an interview with a construction organization or design firm, you can afford to dress in a more relaxed style.

  You can try to find out in advance whether the company has a business style or a more casual style of clothing, but in any case, it is better to dress more formally for the interview.

  If showing up to work in jeans is considered normal at this company, you can afford it when you start working, but you shouldn’t show up to an interview in a sweater and jeans.

  In any case, you should look neat and tidy.

  It is best for a woman to wear a formal suit or a fairly conservative dress for an interview, without going to extremes when choosing skirt length, colors and jewelry. Avoid wearing harsh perfume or cologne.

• Make sure in advance that you know how to get to the company building and where to leave the car. Leave the house early.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This will show that you respect the interviewer and value his time. If you are still late, try to call back and warn about the delay.
• Please remember that when choosing from multiple equally qualified candidates, decisive role Your ability to make a favorable impression during an interview will play a role.
• Get a good night's sleep before going to the interview. Sleep-deprived people never produce good impression. Try to go to bed at your usual time, no earlier or later.
• Don't drink a lot of fluids. You may not be able to find a toilet in an unfamiliar organization and will feel bad during the interview.
• If you are introduced to someone, make every effort to correctly hear and remember that person's name. If you can immediately address your interlocutor by name, it will make a favorable impression. Asking again will reveal excessive nervousness.
• It is important to find out the duration of the interview and stick to the agreed time. This will help to correctly distribute the time between answers and questions, and determine the degree of detail of the answers.
• Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet in the office. Don't forget to smile when entering the interviewer's office.
• Don't forget how important body language is. Your handshake is no less important: your hand should be dry and warm; The handshake should be firm, but not too strong. Watch your posture, try to look into the eyes. However, do not take anything to extremes.
• Be sure to bring with you to the interview as many documents as possible confirming your qualifications, education and additional knowledge.
• If you are asked to fill out any forms, it is best to take them with you and return them to the shortest possible time. When working with them at home, practice on a rough draft. Remember that everything matters: literacy, blots, handwriting, and clarity of wording.
• Don’t forget, when ending the conversation, to agree on when and how you will learn about the results, and thank the interviewer.

When the interview is completed:

• You were asked to wait for an answer, promising to call. If the wait, in your opinion, is too long, do not hesitate to contact the company yourself. You may be rejected (if you know this, you can focus your search efforts on other properties). Or perhaps your call will allow the head of the company to solve the problem of choosing from many candidates in your favor.
• If you are still rejected, do not despair, because:
  • employers are people too and like everyone else normal people, may be wrong;
  • an interview, even if unsuccessful, is a coin in the treasury of your experience;
  • Well, who told you that this missed chance was your only one?

Appearance

You are going to your first meeting with an employer. According to the job description, everything suits you. Therefore, you prepare for the interview especially carefully: make amendments to your resume, mentally think through the answers to possible, including tricky, questions, and study the Russian-English phrasebook at night. Finally, you need to think about your appearance so that the employer has a favorable first impression of you.

Personal and corporate style

The style of clothing largely depends on the position and institution in which you are going to work.

• The closer your profession is to creativity, the fewer rules there are. A creative person needs to emphasize his individuality and, probably, it would not be very correct to give him advice - his creativity should prompt him.
• For representatives of conservative professions, the best option is fashionable classics. This means looking fashionable, but not provocative.

Accordingly, if you are going to work in a bank, you do not need to have a nose ring. And to work in night club you don't show up buttoned up in a sharp, classic suit.

There is one a win-win. If you have not been to this institution before and are not familiar with its procedures, before deciding what to wear, take a walk in front of your future place of work and observe what people wear there. Try to appear in the same style during the interview.

Hairstyle

The quality of the haircut is immediately visible, especially on short hair, so before getting a job you should go to a salon where a haircut is not the cheapest.

• A business woman can stop at a haircut, because the longer the hair, the more time and money it takes to care for it. Ungroomed long hair- this is the most terrible thing you can imagine.
• Today it is fashionable to dye your hair in several colors. Let these be non-contrasting colors that smoothly flow into one another and create the feeling of one, but very beautiful and deep color. The haircut should look almost unstyled.
• Longer hair is in fashion for men compared to last season.

Costume

• Opt for the clothes in which you feel organic. This will give you confidence when talking to an employer, and you can fully focus on your business skills.
• The length of the skirt is a matter of figure and preference, however, when going to a serious organization, it is better to choose classic version The length of the skirt for a business suit is mid-knee.
• Pants should be rather wide.
• Jewelry and gold are acceptable, so you can safely complement your outfit with a large bracelet, ring and earrings. However, it is worth balancing your appearance and the amount of jewelry with official salary, which you are applying for.
• Even in hot weather Ladies should abandon their neckline and cover their shoulders.
• A business suit implies closed shoes, that is, shoes, not sandals. It is unlikely that you will suffer from the heat, since decent places have air conditioning everywhere. Shoes, unlike a suit, can be of a bolder and more fashionable design, not necessarily classic.
• When going for an interview, it is better to avoid certain colors in clothing. Red can make your interlocutor feel aggressive, while brown can make you feel unsure of yourself.
• The color of clothing should be selected depending on the color of the hair and eyes, as well as the season. In summer, light colors: cream, light green, blue, beige. In winter, you can stay in beige or change into a darker suit. The combination of black and white is in fashion.
• You shouldn't dress too colorfully - you risk appearing frivolous.

Some advice for men:

• Avoid provocative tie colors. This detail in a business suit should be in the same tone as boots and socks.
• Black shoes are not worn with light-colored trousers, and vice versa.
• Many men do not attach importance to manicure, and in vain. If during a conversation you decide to smoke a cigarette, then your unkempt hands will immediately catch the eye of your interlocutor. By the way, when you first meet an employer, do not advertise your bad habit. Firstly, many organizations do not smoke, and secondly, a healthy lifestyle is in fashion.

Makeup and perfume

• Cosmetics should be in natural tones. And here it is appropriate to recall a principle that has long been abandoned, but is applicable when applying for a job: color matching of nail polish and lipstick.
• The perfume should be quite discreet; you should not use evening scents.

And finally, the most important thing during the interview- your self-confidence. You consider yourself a professional who deserves this place, right? So let it be read on your face, and success will not be long in coming.

Interview questions, which answers are better?

Interview questions: what's behind them?

Prepare carefully for an interview with an employer. Sometimes it resembles preparation for secret work. The job search is almost complete, and all that remains is to make the final push towards the desired goal. Before a meeting with an employer, manuals are studied, speculative dialogues are built, and answers to not yet asked questions are rehearsed.

An interview in its genre is least reminiscent of an exam, where for each question there is a single correct answer that the examiner knows for sure. An interview is a conversation between equal people, each of whom has his own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common. And success at an interview does not depend on the ability to calculate the correct answers, but on the ability to be an interesting interlocutor.

Therefore, when asked how to answer questions at an interview, you can briefly answer - honestly. Often people are interested not only in what you say, but also in how you say it. Behind every question there is more than just a desire to find out something about you, but also your ability to conduct a dialogue, to be open to your interlocutor.

What is behind the employer's questions?

So, let's look at some frequently asked interview questions.

Tell us about your failures

Some people fall into a slight stupor after such a proposal. Some try to convince their interlocutor that his whole life is pure luck, others try to laugh it off by remembering his last marriage or the country in which he was destined to be born. But for the employer, rather, it is important not just to list the situations in which you failed, but to understand what you evaluate as a failure, whether you are able to talk about it, and how you overcome difficulties. None of us is immune from failures; everyone, including the person sitting opposite you, has had their ups and downs. And the value of life experience lies not in the number of years you have worked in a position, but in life experience, the ability to “get up” after failures, move forward after mistakes made, the reasonableness of decisions made and the ability not to step on the same rake. Only a person who is able to admit and draw conclusions from his mistakes knows how to move forward.

List your strengths and weaknesses

Another question that becomes a stumbling block for many. Guides for job seekers suggest presenting your weaknesses as a continuation of your strengths, for example, telling your employer how you can’t quit what you started, and leaving work on time is simply beyond your strength.

If you answer this question as written, you certainly demonstrate a good knowledge of the literature on this issue, a good memory and, at the same time, absolute inflexibility, the inability to “creatively” process the material you read. Don’t forget that HR managers also read books, and if they seem to you like narrow-minded people who can “swallow” any information, you are mistaken. Behind this question lies not so much a desire to really find out about your positive and negative qualities as much as the ability to be open, the ability to answer uncomfortable questions, self-confidence. Don’t give away cliches, each of us has quite a lot of shortcomings that “have the right to life” - some lose their ability to work under the gaze of ill-wishers, some cannot stand routine work, and most of us have difficulty getting up in the morning to get to work on time. Think about what is truly unique to you and don’t be afraid to be frank. After all, only a self-confident person can talk about his shortcomings without fear for his reputation.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

The question, rather, is not about career achievements, but about the ability to see prospects, understand how one can move towards the intended goal, internal motives, the ability to plan one’s own life and see intermediate results. Depending on what you say, it is not difficult to understand how objectively you view yourself as a professional, whether you are interested in the profession itself or are you more interested in career growth, how accurately you relate your own development and advancement.

Personal life

For some reason, all questions affecting this area also cause great confusion. What is better - to be married or not, to be with children or childless, what family status has advantages? You can discuss this as long as you like, but you have the family status that you have, and you are unlikely to change it depending on the wishes of the employer. In most cases, these questions are not intended to penetrate the secrets of your personal life, but rather to understand the limit to which you are able to talk about yourself with others. stranger. How open you are and how you maintain the boundaries of your “I”, are you sufficiently independent and self-sufficient, do you talk about what worries you, or try to avoid discussing personal topics. And if you prefer not to talk about your privacy how delicately you can do this.

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Possible questions

The most common questions you should prepare to answer.

Obviously, no one can predict in advance all the questions that might be asked in an interview. The theoretical exception is structured interviews, where all candidates are asked the same pre-prepared list of questions. But this type of interview is rarely used. However, in practice, you can make a list of 15-20 questions, many of which, in one form or another, are asked at almost every interview. Let's consider a number of such questions.

Tell us a little about yourself

This is a great chance to introduce yourself to better light, especially if you have prepared in advance. Knowingly or unknowingly, the employer is looking for a worker who CAN do the job, i.e. has the appropriate qualifications, experience, etc., and WANTS to do it.

• The employer must see an interested employee and understand what explains this interest.
• The employer is looking for someone who is manageable, i.e. feels his responsibility, demonstrates submission to discipline, receptivity to criticism, knows how to listen and understand what he is told.

You should prepare and practice a story about yourself that will show that you have the listed required qualities, which are especially important from the point of view of employers. If you are applying for a specific position or job that you know, your story should be structured with this in mind. When talking about yourself, reduce formal biographical information and do not get carried away with details. The most important thing is to mention your practical experience, your knowledge and skills that can be useful to the employer, as well as your attitude to work and interest.

• I take responsibility for the assigned work, I am easy to learn, and I am disciplined.
• I can and want to do this work because it interests me.

What questions do you have?

This question can be asked right at the beginning of the conversation, and only preliminary preparation will help you navigate correctly. It is advisable to prepare a list of questions in advance so that during the interview, taking into account the context of the conversation, you can offer them to the employer.

You should not ask more than three differently directed questions, unless the current situation forces you to do so.

Why did you choose this job (organization)?

Give serious reasons: the desire to apply your qualifications and work experience where they can give the greatest return, opportunities for growth, the attractiveness of working in a strong team, etc.

The following answers to the question are possible:

• I see prospects for my development in your company.
• I want my knowledge to be applied, and I want to gain the experience of a professional.
• I want to do interesting things in your team.

Have you received other job offers?

If you have received it, then say so directly. Knowing that someone else is willing to hire you will only improve your chances. Of course, it should be added that this work interests you more.

Have you been interviewed in other places?

As a rule, you can honestly say yes, but take your time to say where exactly.

Will your personal life interfere with this job, which involves traveling and long working hours?

This question is asked more often to women. To such an attempt to circumvent the law, answer firmly: “No, it won’t hurt.”

What are your strengths?

Emphasize first of all those qualities that are useful for this job.

What are your weaknesses?

Under no circumstances should you answer this question directly and honestly. It should be turned so as to shift the emphasis, mentioning the shortcomings, talk about the advantages that overcompensate for them.

Why do you want this job? Why should we hire you?

This is the best question to "sell" yourself. But you should carefully prepare for it in advance.

Why did you leave your previous job?

You shouldn't talk about conflicts, even if they existed. Never criticize your former boss or employer. If the interviewer knows that you had a conflict, do not go into detail, explain that it was a unique case associated with special circumstances and highlight the positive things that happened in previous work: experience, skills, professional connections, etc.

Why did you decide to change jobs?

This question is often asked to those who are working at the time of the interview. It is difficult to answer this question well. We can say that the organization has exhausted real opportunities for your professional and job growth, and you would not want to stop there.

How do you imagine your position in three (five) years?

It’s better to answer in a more streamlined way: I would like to work in the same organization, but in a more responsible job.

What is your work experience?

The following answers to the question are possible:

• My first work experience was gained in a school brigade.
• In practice (list where and in what capacity you completed it).

What salary are you expecting?

At the beginning of the conversation, it is better to try to evade the answer by saying that you do not consider it necessary to discuss salary in the first place. If the interviewer insists, then name an amount that is attractive to you and meets the expectations, capabilities and standards of the organization. If you do not have such information, then do not underestimate the amount you quote, but indicate your readiness to discuss this issue separately after familiarizing yourself in detail with the content and conditions of the work.

The following answers to the question are possible:

• I believe that the payment will not be below the average at your enterprise.
• Salary according to staffing table Your company will suit me.
• I hope for a reasonable salary level commensurate with the amount of work.

What else would you like to know?

Never say you don't have questions. Try to ask a question that would speak in favor of your hiring. For example, ask to clarify something important for work that was not sufficiently covered in the previous conversation. Think about such questions in advance. But don’t try to ask all these questions during an interview if you are not asked to do so. Don't forget to thank the employer for the information provided.

What changes would you make if you took this job?

The question is often asked to applicants for managerial and administrative positions. You should show your familiarity with such situations and the ability to take initiative, but do not overdo it, showing a willingness to leave no stone unturned. Also beware of suggesting changes if you have not had the opportunity to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the state of affairs.

These are the most typical interview questions asked of candidates. Sometimes, you may encounter unexpected and seemingly harmless questions. For example: “What did you do today?” Think about how you can benefit from answering this question. However, the problem is also how you actually spend your time and what lifestyle will increase your chances of getting a job.

Who does the employer need?

If you are applying for a position on the hierarchical ladder, then be prepared for what will be required of you:

• knowledge, experience, skills;
• education (preferably specialized);
• work experience (preferably in your specialty or related fields);
• versatility (for example, a financial director with knowledge of accounting);
• specific things that improved the condition;
• computer literacy;
• ability to learn quickly;
• communication skills;
• initiative;
• systematic;
• ability to predict and analyze;
• discipline
• decency;
• self-control;
• persistence in problem solving;
• desire for professional growth.

• charm, pleasantness in communication;
• ability to work in a team;
• fast adaptation;
• enthusiasm;
• endurance in extreme situations;
• stress resistance;
• reliability.

• helpfulness;
• friendliness;
• caring;
• tact;
• sense of humor.

Key interview points to consider in advance

A person is still greeted by his clothes, so appearance plays an important role. No one will demand that you wear Armani suits, but you should look neat and businesslike. This does not mean at all that you should change your style - first of all, you should feel comfortable, but try to choose clothes that best suit the occasion. Hair and hands should have a well-groomed appearance; makeup is very important for ladies. The property of the human psyche is such that the first impression has a decisive influence on subsequent attitudes.

You must arrive at the meeting exactly at the appointed time. Lateness is unacceptable. If you are delayed for objective reasons, call and try to reschedule the appointment. If circumstances are such that you can arrive earlier than the appointed time, call again and find out if the employer can accommodate you.

During the interview process, the employer sets the direction of the conversation, so give clear answers to the questions posed. Stingy “yes”, “no”, “didn’t have”, “wasn’t a member” are unlikely to serve you well, but you shouldn’t go into lengthy explanations either. Your comments should be brief but meaningful.

Resist the temptation to exaggerate your merits or exaggerate your professional experience. Provide only information that is factual. Otherwise, you can only harm yourself. Firstly, the veracity of your answers can be easily verified during the interview, not to mention the fact that the employer can directly contact your previous management; secondly, they may take your word for it, but give you a small practical test.

Give a constructive analysis of your previous activities. Don't be afraid to talk about your weaknesses. Naturally, you shouldn’t focus on them, but you shouldn’t avoid this topic either. By admitting and analyzing your mistakes, you only earn yourself extra points - only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

Any employer tries to find out the reasons for leaving previous jobs. It's safer to tell the truth again. Refrain from reproaches against the former leadership - the bosses have their own solidarity. If you were completely sick of your previous job, and you want to curse this whole sharashka office unbearably, resort to the same constructive criticism. So, at least, you will declare yourself as a thinking and analyzing person.

When the employer has received all the information he is interested in about you, it is your turn to ask questions. In almost all Western recommendations on job search technology, you will find advice to obtain as much information as possible about the company before the interview. In our country, unfortunately, this is not always possible, but the Internet makes the task much easier - the number of corporate websites is growing by leaps and bounds. However, at the interview there is no shame, but it is simply necessary to ask to talk about the organization in which you may have to work, about the place that you can occupy in it, and the prospects for your professional growth. It is quite correct to be interested in your level of income, without, however, bringing this topic to the fore.

At the end of the interview, the Employer will most likely inform you that they will consider your candidacy and will contact you. In the West, where the culture of relations in the labor market has long been formed, the candidate is notified of the decision made, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. In our still largely uncivilized country, you are unlikely to be disturbed if your candidacy turns out to be unsuitable, so ask the employer to clarify whether he will contact you in any case, or only if the decision is positive. Agree on how long you can expect a response, ask if you can call yourself and find out the result.

Time to think belongs not only to the employer, but also to you. You also make your choice. Among other things, it is useful to decide for yourself what this company will be for you in the light of your future career - career ladder th, or just a step in it, i.e. Are you going to develop and grow professionally within the organization or are you considering it simply as an opportunity to reach a higher professional level. From decision taken It largely depends on how you build relationships with the new management and team.

How to increase self-confidence, develop and develop self-esteem

All of us know that a person who exudes confidence in himself and his actions easily makes contacts, more often solves his problems positively, moves up the career ladder faster, realizes himself more fully and, as a result, is happier. Therefore, it is necessary and very important to develop self-confidence. In order to gain confidence, we offer 12 steps that will help you change your self-esteem and teach you to be confident in various life situations.

Step 1. Decide what is valuable to you, what you believe in, what you would like to see your life like. Analyze your plans and evaluate them from the point of view today to take advantage of this when you notice certain shifts.

Step 2. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. Try to analyze your past from time to time, but don't let it take over you. Make room for small but pleasant memories. The bad past will live in your memory until you eradicate it yourself.

Step 3. Feelings of guilt and shame will not help you achieve success. Don't let them take over you.

Step 4. Look within yourself for the reasons for your failures. When you blame the state, circumstances, other people for your troubles and misfortunes, you refuse the role of owner own life. A successful person takes an active life position and changes himself. And in any case, he will find an opportunity to stay firmly on his feet under the blow of certain circumstances.

Step 5. Don't forget that each event can be assessed differently. Thanks to this way of looking at things, you will be patient with people and calmly respond to attitudes that previously seemed biased to you.

Step 6. Never talk bad about yourself. And especially avoid taking credit for yourself negative traits: “stupid”, “incapable”, “unlucky”. This can develop an unwanted stable stereotype in the subconscious.

Step 7 Your actions can be assessed in different ways. If someone constructively criticizes your actions, use it to your advantage, but don't allow others to criticize you as an individual.

Step 8 Remember that sometimes failure is success. Thanks to defeat, you can conclude that, firstly, you set yourself erroneous goals that were not worth the effort, and secondly, you managed to avoid further, possibly even greater troubles.

Step 9 Your positive attitude towards life is key wellness and internal balance, high spiritual health. How you see this world depends only on you. Life is too short to waste it on depression.

Step 10 Give yourself the opportunity to relax from time to time, listen to your thoughts, do what you like, sometimes be alone with yourself. This way you can understand yourself better. These moments provide an opportunity to accumulate energy in order to take a decisive or significant step forward.

Step 11 Choose several serious goals for yourself, on the way to which you need to achieve smaller, intermediate ones. Consider soberly what means you will need to achieve these intermediate goals. Don’t ignore any of your successful steps and don’t forget to encourage and praise yourself.

Step 12 Be confident. And remember these words: You are not a passive object on which troubles fall, not a blade of grass that tremblingly waits to be stepped on. You are the top of the evolutionary pyramid, a unique personality, an active creator of your life, you lead events! You are the arbiter of your own destiny!

Reasons why they don't get a job

• pathetic appearance;
• know-it-all mannerisms;
• lack of a career plan and clear goals;
• lack of sincerity and balance;
• lack of interest and enthusiasm;
• lack of tact;
• lack of politeness;
• indecision;
• little knowledge in the specialty;
• lack of determination;
• inability to express oneself: weak voice, poor diction;
• reluctance to start from the bottom: expecting too much too quickly;
• unkind reviews about previous employers;
• desire for self-justification, evasiveness, reference to unfavorable factors;
• intolerance with highly developed prejudices;
• narrowness of interests;
• inability to value time;
• poor management of one's own affairs;
• lack of interest in social life;
• lack of understanding of the value of experience;
• inability to take criticism;
• obsession with money;
• expressed reluctance to learn;
• the desire to simply settle in;
• unsuccessful family life;
• poor relationship with parents;
• reluctance to look your interlocutor in the eyes;
• sloppiness;
• cynicism;
• being late for an interview without good reason;
• no questions about work to a potential employer;
• uncertainty of answers to questions;
• low moral level.

Rules of conduct during an interview

• When greeting a company representative, do not shake hands first.
• Do not sit down until you are asked to do so.
• Listen carefully. Follow the direction of the conversation that the interviewer sets.
• Before answering a question, try to understand why it was asked, how to highlight your strengths in your answer, and what not to talk about.
• When discussing previous jobs, do not criticize your former boss or colleagues.
• Do not start discussions about your personal or financial problems, unless you are specifically asked about it.
• You can name a salary that will satisfy you, but not before you are asked about it.
• When ending the interview, thank the interviewee for their attention.

Preparing for an interview

• Try to provide yourself with information about the organization you want to work for.
• Carry copies of all necessary documents, professional resume, copies of education certificates.
• Get ready to give the names and phone numbers of people recommending you, having previously agreed with them.
• Find out exactly the location of the organization and the route so as not to be late.
• Make sure you have enough time and don't get stressed if the interview goes on for a long time.
• Stick to it business style in clothes.
• Make a list of expected questions and prepare possible answers.
• Prepare specifically to discuss the issue of wages.
• Practice your answers to the most likely questions well, doing this in the form of a game interview rehearsal.
• Be sure to prepare the questions you will ask if you are offered this opportunity.

When preparing for an interview, it is very important to do some background research. It is necessary to collect as much information as possible about the company where you are going for an interview and about the people you will meet.

Useful information can be obtained different ways. If we're talking about O large enterprise, get to know its products or services. Many organizations distribute their brochures and brochures. Try to find articles in newspapers or magazines about this organization.

You can talk to a person who works or has worked in this organization. You can learn a lot of useful things from him, but you should take into account the subjective nature of such stories. Perhaps a consultant from the agency you contacted can answer some of your questions.

What you need to know about the organization you are going to for an interview:

• What products or services does the organization offer?
• Where and to whom are products and services sold?
• How many years has the organization been in existence?
• How have the organization's mission changed since its inception?
• Is the leadership team stable or does it change frequently?
• What is the legal status of the organization?
• Have there been attempts to take over the organization by other companies?
• Did the organization make a profit last year? Over the past three years?
• Have there been any staff reductions in the last three years? Why?
• Is the organization part of any larger association?
• Does the press pay much attention to organization? Why?
• What is the press response about the organization?
• What is the attitude towards employees in this organization?
• What new projects are being developed in the organization?
• Is the organization based domestically or has partners or branches abroad?
• What are the prospects for the industry to which the organization belongs?

Self-presentation

You and the employer: 10 rules for success

Rule 1. Collect all the documents you may need in advance. Record with written recommendations, telephone numbers. Don’t forget also your diploma, certificate of completion of courses (if you have one), passport, work book and resume, preferably in two copies. Carefully sort all the papers into files, this will be eloquent evidence of your diligence and thrift.

Rule 2. Write your presentation speech on a piece of paper and rehearse it in front of the mirror. Think in advance about what and how you will say.

Rule 3. Don't try to make a good impression with just your appearance. Be natural, a strict business look is most acceptable. Remember, first impressions are very important.

Rule 4. Relax. Nervousness is immediately noticeable, but moreover, it inspires the employer with an unpleasant thought: “Why is this person so worried? Does he want to hide something? Or is he not confident in his abilities? " It’s good to get a good night’s sleep and set yourself up for success. It is better not to take any medications if you do not want to look sleepy and lethargic.

Rule 5. Don't be afraid of rejection. Prepare mentally for any outcome of the interview.

Rule 6. Behave naturally and kindly, don’t be tight. You should not wear a mask that you invented for this case. The most important thing is constant politeness. Try to listen more than you tell, excessive talkativeness will only do harm.

Rule 7. Don't try to show your superiority. Of course, you need to demonstrate your competence, but nothing more.

Rule 8. Avoid ingratiation and flattery - this immediately becomes noticeable and few people like it. Be moderately free and independent (but don’t overdo it!), don’t fuss or be timid. Then the employer will treat you with the same respect as you treat yourself.

Rule 9. Don't speak badly about anyone or try to denigrate anyone. former management, work colleagues, competitors. It won't make you shine. Even your weaknesses can be used for good (For example: slowness allows you not to miss details and do the work carefully).

Rule 10. Do not agree to the proposed terms right away. It’s better to say: “I’ll think about it.” A stranger who is ready for anything looks more like a dropout or an adventurer.