Like socks with sandals some things are better avoided, and this goes for a poor interview technique too. In this blog post we share questions most commonly asked by companies in job interviews and some tips for ensuring your interview style is sleek, sophisticated and bang on trend for securing your new role.

• “How will your skills and experience help you in this role?” Your interviewer will be keen to assess how you are you going to add value to the business you are interviewing for.  It can be hard to boast about your skills so assuming you are applying for a role that is similar to what you are now doing, why not  think about how your current manger and co-workers would describe you. If you’ve had a recent performance review, what were the positives said. Using examples of achievements or difficult obstacle’s you have overcome in your most recent role are great tool’s to use to help you answer this question. 

• If you are looking for an entry level role, maybe taking a step up, or perhaps a change in direction – do you understand what the role you’re going for involves? Your interviewer will be keen to identify your motives for applying for the role in question. Prior to your interview, take some time to research the business and get an understanding of how your role will fit into the company’s objectives or what they are known for i.e. exceptional customer service, high levels of visual merchandise. Recent news articles, the company’s website,  social media platforms as well as visiting two or three stores are all good places to start. Not only will this impress the employer, but it will also help you understand if the role is right for you and something you will enjoy and succeed in.

• Employers are keen to assess how efficiently you work and how well you work under pressure. Make sure to be able to explain how you best plan your day for success, how you prioritise and maximise your time in a day. Providing examples of how you do this in your current role will allow the employer to identify if you can cope with the pace of their organisation.

• What do you enjoy most about your current role? When you are asked this in an interview your future employer is trying to get a better understanding of what motivates you in the workplace. Perhaps it’s dealing with customer’s, merchandising, working in a team or the problem-solving aspects of your role that you enjoy. Make sure to have a few clear ideas of the parts of your role that you love.  If you are leaving your role, because frankly you feel there is nothing you love about it anymore, or are not happy with the person you report to, be careful not to come across negatively or disrespectfully towards your current organisation or supervisor.

Have you been asked anything in an interview lately that took you by surprise? Or would you like to know more on how you can be best prepared for your interview? If so we’d love to help reach out to us at info@tshr.com.au