I was once interviewed for a job on my birthday.  As the interview went on the questions were getting harder and harder.  In total exasperation I jumped to me feet, banged the table and shrieked that it was my birthday and that it was unfair to be asking me all these difficult questions!! The interviewers roared laughing but carried on asking the difficult questions……moral? Be prepared for the difficult questions and do not offer excuses.

Would you say you are underqualified or overqualified for this job?

The answer you give should reflect that you are both.  You are underqualified but willing to learn and your overqualification brings a maturity, understanding and confidence to the job.

What are your strengths?

This is not the time to brag about drinking seven pints and still being capable of discussing the finer points of Ulysses.

List your strengths and relate them to the position you are interviewing for.

What are your weaknesses?

Weaknesses can sometimes be strengths so list your weaknesses, relate them to the position and turn them into positive strengths.

Oh by the way I was offered that job on my birthday and accepted! Always be yourself at interview.

To those readers doing interviews today or sometime soon..GOOD LUCK! KNOCK ‘EM DEAD!!

Enter the room with confidence!

The interviewer wants to meet you, wants to talk to you and you are there to sell yourself, promote yourself and talk about your favorite subject – YOU!

There are a couple of rules and guidelines:

1.  Offer a firm handshake

2. Remember their names

3. Wait to be invited to sit down

4. Maintain good eye contact – sincere but not staring

5. Be professional and confident

6.  Be enthusiatic and friendly

7.  If offered a glass of water – take it.  It will staedy the nerves

8.  Remember to breathe!!

9.  Never say anything that is not on your CV and cannot be substantiated

10.  When invited to ask questions ask questions that show you have thought about the job and the company

Good suggested examples:    Why does the vacancy exist? How many reps in the company?  How many reps in my team?  What is the exact territory?

Above all ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!  You are there to talk about YOU - your favorite topic of conversation!

Good Luck!