Interview Advice

former_student

I was recently asked by an assistant manager if I would be interested in applying for a team leader position. I was quite surprised as I did not expect to be approached for such as position, nor was I aware such a position existed. He told me my performance and statistics within my existing position were good and that with my academic background I would be a strong candidate. If there is a genuine chance of getting this position then I am hoping to get an interview, however this is an area I always falter at.

What sort of questions should I be prepared for? Two that I think are going to be asked if I do get an interview are what do you dislike about your current position? (Should I say nothing for this question?). Secondly what is my greatest weakness?

Has anyone any suggestions for such an interview and how should I deal with difficult questions?

Lokolo

I wouldn't say nothing but I would give decent reasons. You could say for instance, not enough authority or something, give a decent reason lol I think saying nothing means you would be quite happy to stay where you are...

Greatest weakness - they want you to be honest, to show that not every body's perfect and that you are there to try and improve your weakness. I can't think of any examples at 2.16am sorry lol.

Generally be honest, don't danm lie about it otherwise they will not be happy when you get the job, and always give an answer, even if you hesitate. They don't expect you to know the answer to everything (unless its the meaning of life, and in that case, the answer is 42).

Hope this helps, good luck!

Blacksheep1979

The greatest weakness question is neither here nor there unless you say something like 'I'm a perfectionist' or 'I'm an alcoholic' etc. They'll more be after things like when you've used your initiative/led a team/dealt with difficult situation with collegue/customer etc.

What sort of work is it? What sort of company, is it public facing ?

celyn90

What sort of questions should I be prepared for? Two that I think are going to be asked if I do get an interview are what do you dislike about your current position? (Should I say nothing for this question?). You have been very happy in your current role and have been grateful for the opportunities it has given you, However you now feel it is time to move on to a different role where you think you can apply the skillls you have learn in a more challenging setting. You believe the new postion could potentailly provide you with the opportunity to further develop the (insert skills) as part of your continuing professional development and give you the opportunity to do (insert something new role gives but old one doesn't).

Secondly what is my greatest weakness? This is a harder one. Normally the stock answer is "I'm a perfectionist" - but interviwers are used to hearing this. Last job I applied for I got this question and I said that I could be a bit stubborn at times, but I didn't see it as a weakness because it meant I didn't give up easily when confronted with difficult circumstances. So think of a weakness and turn it into a strength.

Best of luck with your interview -let us know how you get on cel x

cupid_s

Before my last interview I read '101 great answers to the toughest interview questions' by ron fry - twice

It has some really good tips and tells you what definately not to say, as well as good ideas of how to answer generic questions.

About the questions you mentioned - make sure to say you really like your current job but want more responsibility and feel a more supervisory role within the company would provide this. apparently employers like the responsiblity word.

What is your main weakness? Do you lack patience? Or procrastinate? Are you a little disorganised? If so say you used to do x or sometimes feel tempted to but then list all the ways you make sure you don't anymore (make plans to be better organised etc, setting mini-deadlines to make sure you don't put off important tasks)

Above all be enthusiastic. And confident. They have asked you to apply for this job so they know you can do it well, as do you. Make sure you let them know that - without appearing cocky.

And the best of luck