I’d like to ask you a question. If you were a fruit, what would you be?

A pineapple? Tough and spiky on the outside, sweet on the inside? Or how about an orange, with all of your components perfectly  compartmentalised? Or a pear, the apple’s quieter, more dignified cousin?

If this line of questioning sounds ridiculous, then you might be surprised to know that hiring managers and selection panels are asking questions just like this. (If you’re curious, the correct answer was reportedly “a grape, because I work just as well by myself as I do in a team.”)

Whether you’re face-to-face, on the phone or using modern technology to do the job, interviews are one of life’s inevitable phenomena that can cause sweaty palms and mumbled words.  But there are ways to make it less painful. And they don’t have to involve obscure metaphors or the imagined threat of an imminent zombie apocalypse.

Earlier this year, employer ratings site Glassdoor conducted a study to determine the top 50 most common interview questions.  Taking a moment to prepare thoughtful answers will pay dividends in the long run, with less umms, ahhs and frantic pauses.  Here are our top tips for interrogative success.

1. Do your research.

Every business is different, as is each job. If there are details about the job that you can learn prior to actually being interviewed, do the research and get a huge head-start on preparing answers to show you are a great fit.

1. Start simple

“Tell me a bit about yourself,” is a nice, broad, non-confrontational opener that is very commonly used.  Mumbling through the very first question gets you off on the wrong foot from the very start, so have an answer for this.

1. Expect familiar interview questions, but in unfamiliar ways.

Knowing how you view your strengths and weaknesses is really helpful. But don’t expect the question to be asked outright; because seasoned interviewers don’t want a rehearsed response.  Prepare for a question such as “What criticism have you received from a manager before?” and have a story with details about how you addressed that concern.                                               

1. Be prepared with your own questions.

Interviewers are disappointed if you don’t bring an intelligent interview question or two of your own to the table – so  make sure you’re prepared! Some good starters include:   “Where do you see this role going in 12 month’s time?” or “What does my being successful in this role look like for you?”

Good luck – you’ll be apples.

Want more tips like this? Your career consultant at Fusion can help. Book a free 30 minute appointment today.  www.careerfusion.co.nz