02.10.09
Interview Advice for Weakness Questions
If you have an upcoming job interview for a relatively technical job, then one job interview strategy you may want to look at using is the present to and tell tactic
The basis of this technique lies in the finding that job interview panels are more smitten by candidate showing them what they have done - which thereby presents the possession and use of the essential and desirable skills - than by merely informing the job interview panel that “I am a good team leader” and “I am have good time management skills”, etc
You have to be ready to display your work, if you are able to engineer the opportunity. Be prepared to show off what you have done in order to convey the notion that you do indeed possess the skill set that they seek. To make this happen, your two tasks are:
1. Set up the Play
2. Display Your Deeds
To introduce the invitation, there are a series of words that you could consider using were the opportunity to arise:
- If you’re interested I could demonstrate to you…
- If you wanted to know more, I have the (report) with me right here…
- If it would be appropriate, you could have a look at…
- I have a written precis of the project here, if you wanted to see it…
- If it would help…
You also need to be able to display your work at the interview. In order to do this, pick out one or two projects that you could use for this tactic. Choose the projects that
- you have written evidence for
- that display the most appropriate skill set for the post that you are applying for
- with the greatest liklihood of use in a job job interview
Be ready to reply to the questions that will naturally come from the interview panel, when they read this report for the first time. Remember, that the points that they raise when they meet your work “cold” are probably going to be different to those that you expect. You might want to ask a family member to go over your work and suggest what a “first timer” might ask you.
You may also want to consider leaving a copy of this work with them to review at their leisure. Ensure that it is well presented and looks professional. It will help them remember you when they are going through their post interview discussion of the various candidates
If you need more help with interview techniques, especially ST interview go to this website
