Interview Technique
If the interviewer favours "behavioural questions" then you will be asked questions where you would have to be very specific and anecdotal in your answers. Examples of these types of questions are: Tell me about the time when you were able to deal with a peer who wasn't pulling their weight? or Give me an example of a time when you were given an impossible deadline and you pushed it back on your supervisor/manager.
Usually towards the end of an interview you are given a chance to ask the interviewer some questions. You should have a list of 5-10 technical and 5-10 non-technical questions ready. If you can't memorise them, have them in your folder and refer to them.
Some sample questions:
- Could you tell me about the growth plans and goals for the company/ department/division?
- What needs to be accomplished in this position in the next 6-12 months?
- What skills are important to be successful in this position?
- Why did you join this company?
- What types of systems do you use throughout the company/department/division?
- Why is the position available?
- What made the previous persons in this position successful/unsuccessful?
- To where have successful people in this position advanced?
- What criteria will my supervisor use for my performance evaluation and how frequently, and in what manner, will my supervisor and I meet?
- What particular things about my background, experience and style interest you?
- What experience, training, attributes, operating style, accomplishments and personality factors should the "ideal" candidate for the job have?
- Is there anything in my background or experience to prevent you from considering me as a viable candidate?
- What is the time frame for making a decision on this position?