Answering questions

Interview Skills with Nomalanga Ndlovu
The year 2017 was a very exciting year for me. I received an opportunity to attend an interview that had the potential of changing my life. I remember arriving 45 minutes early and going through many security checks, deep down being grateful for arriving early. Arriving early gives you time to deal with any nerves you might be having before entering into the interview room.

At 2pm my name was called up and I was nervous, I wanted that position and so did 300 other candidates. It was my duty at that moment to impress the panel and ensure that I was on top of my game when responding to all questions.

The panel requested me to tell them about myself. This is a classic question that will be asked 99 percent of the time.

It sets the tone for the interview and also gives you the opportunity to charm the panel and take control of the interview. Always remember that the panel wants to get to know you and this is truly your moment to shine.

Tell us about yourself
This is an open-ended question and it is called a personality question. When answering this question you have to talk about qualities and skills that will reinforce the qualifications and competence you have for the job. Never ramble about where you were born and childhood memories unless there is significant connection to the qualities that you want to highlight. Every attribute you make of yourself must demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate that they must choose. Self-awareness is a very important component when responding to personality questions. A self-aware person always carries a certain degree of leadership. If you can lead yourself, you can definitely lead those who will be following you.

The recruiter is always looking for a match between the job and personality that you have. Certain jobs require outgoing and interactive people, with this in mind your answer must always focus on the attributes that are relevant to the professional environment.

The second question I received was on my strengths and weaknesses. I used to think that exposing weaknesses to a panel was a negative thing to do, however I have learnt it’s not. The recruiters when asking this question is looking for a match between these qualities and the ideal candidate to fit the job. Use caution when describing your weakness and back it up with the actions you are taking to develop in that area.

Everyone has a weakness and hiding is not necessarily the ideal approach to take, ownership on the other hand in my opinion is the best approach and working on that area to become better is the definition of leading yourself to becoming your best. Avoid mentioning a weakness that puts into question your ability to excel in the job which you are applying for.

The next question as we move from weaknesses is your strengths. Choose a strength that reinforces the qualities and skills the interviewer will value. If possible elaborate with reference to achievements in the past. Your strengths should always align to the benefits that they will bring to the company. Avoid mentioning strengths that are not relevant to the abilities of you excelling in the job.

Take the opportunity to use this question to underscore your winning attributes and qualifications for the job. It’s important to be ready to justify your personality and what dynamic you will bring into the organisation’s already existing culture.

Next week we will continue to breakdown a few other personality questions and share sample responses to help you prepare your own.