T IS GENERICIT DOESNT HIGHTLIGHT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTNO DIEFINITE DATE OF WORK EXPERIENCEGIVEN TO THE WRONG PERSONIT FOCUS ON EDUCATION NOT ON WORK EXPERIENCETO MANY PERSONAL DETAILS

REASONS WHY PEOPLE ARE HIREDThey are related to the bossThey have good connectionThey are competent for the jobThere is an immediate need for the position (Even if not competent)They impressed the interviewerOutstanding CV/Resume

The primary purpose of the job interview is to assess the candidate's suitability for the job

It's an opportunity for you to market yourself and let your future employer see the benefits you could bring to the role.

ThePeter Principle- "In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence"....

ThePeter Principleis the idea that in business, people are promoted into jobs with duties they cannot fulfill. In other words, you keep getting promoted till eventually you find yourself in a job that's beyond you."

Your interview starts before you walk into an employers door..

ARRIVING TOO EARLY AND ARRIVING LATE

UNPREPARED FOR THE INTERVIEW

NOT SHOWING ENTHUSIASM

NOT RESEARCHING FOR THE COMPANY DETAILS

EXAGERATING THE WORK EXPERIENCES

SOUNDING TOO REHEARSED

OVER-SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION

ANNOYING THE HUMAN RESOURCE

BUNGLING THE SALARY NEGOTIATION

THRASHING THE OLD BOSS

DRESSING WRONG

CANNOT ARTICULATE STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

TREATING RECEPTIONIST RUDELY

The Three-Step Process for Answering Interview QuestionsUnderstand what is really being asked. Answer the question briefly in a non-damaging way.Answer the real question by presenting your related skills.

Important Questions to Answer in Your ResearchWho is the employer and what does it do?Who is its main competition?What has the organization accomplished in the last three years?What is the job description and salary range for the job Im interested in?What skills and training does the job require?How can I contribute to the organization?

The Ten Most Frequently Asked Interview QuestionsWhy dont you tell me about yourself?Why should I hire you?What are your major strengths?What are your major weaknesses?What sort of pay do you expect to receive?How does your previous experience relate to the job we have here?

The Ten Questions (Cont.)What are your plans for the future?What will your former employers say about you?Why are you looking for this sort of position, and why here?Why dont you tell me about your personal situation?

TOUGH & TRICKY JOB INTERVIEWQUESTIONS

Why should I hire you? I believe that I meet the requirements listed in your job description and I feel that I would really excel in this role as I particularly enjoy working in the field of safety (or safety officer). In my previous role I was responsible for (conducting risk assessment, implementation of the safe system of work...)give examples of how you can prove your value).It would be good to show enthusiasm for the role and to sound confident in your answers. If you cannot convince yourself that you would be perfect for the role it will be even more challenging to convince someone else.

What is your biggest weakness? I am aware that my presentation skills, are not up to advanced level but this is something that Im working on by teaching myself in my spare time. Ive been doing some research on public speaking and am getting better now especially that I am given the opportunity to talk in public.Avoid being a perfectionist or saying things like, I have no weaknesses that I know of. This only makes you come across as arrogant and overconfident.

Tell me about yourself?

This is the opportunity to tell the interviewer your competence. "I'm an experienced safety practitioner with extensive knowledge and skills in conducting accident and incident investigation, well-versed in making risk assessment and conversant in the local HSE policies and international labor standards. As a safety officer, I have a reputation of being close to workers because of the way I look after their welfare by creating a hazard-free workplace. For the past 10 years, I implemented and reviewed HSE plans, monitored compliance with Occupational health standards including welfare arrangements. I recently passed the NEBOSH IGC Exam and attended more than 25 safety trainings including IOSH Managing Safely

"What is your greatest strength?" This is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on your top three or four. Some examples are: Expertise in conducting risk assessment, Outstanding presentation skills which are useful in conducting toolbox talks and induction rites and Strong inter-personal skills which allow you to implement the HSE policies in a multi-cultural environment. For example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management. But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects and deadlines."

Don't try to say you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the qualifications of the other applicants. Instead, emphasize several reasons why you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in oil and gas and good exposure in the manufacturing sector too. I received an award by being instrumental in the implementation of the 5s Housekeeping which resulted in having a safe and well-organized workplace cutting the accident rate by 25%. "Why are you the best person for this job?"

How long do you plan to stay in this role, If I offer you the JOB?

I approach every new job with a long-term plan. I would like to think that I can make a positive contribution to the company for the foreseeable future.

What kind of salary are you seeking for? I would expect a salary, which reflects the experience and qualifications that I bring to the role. What range do you have in mind? I need more information about the job and the responsibilities involved before we can begin to discuss salary. Can you give me an idea of the range budgeted for this position?

Farrs Rules of Salary NegotiationNever talk money until after an employer decides he or she wants you.Know in advance the probable salary range.Always bracket your stated salary range to begin within the employers probable salary range and end a bit above what you expect to settle for.Never say no to a job offer either before it is made or within 24 hours afterward.

Why would you like to work for me ?I feel that my background in the field of safety will be an asset to the firm and will enable me to succeed in this role. The positive safety culture of your company motivated me to put my bid for the job especially that you are sending people to trainings and seminars. I would like to work in a company where employees are given the opportunity to advance their career and based on my research, your company gives that benefit to employees.

How long would it take before you could contribute to this company ?

I'd need to get a better idea of the full responsibilities associated with this job, along with an idea of the complexities of each. Once I have the full grasp , you can easily notice that I am an asset to your company.

How would your subordinates describe you?

I think they would describe me as being a tough but fair boss who is easy to approach, open to suggestions, and driven to achieving success.My staff follow me out of respect and not out of fear.

What type of a work environment are you seeking? I'm looking for a challenging working environment in which my abilities will be regularly tested. It's important to me that I work in an environment where teamwork is fostered and I can learn and share with those around me. I have always believed and also experienced that helping each other is a good way of working and often gives the best team performance for the company.

Do you feel overqualified for this job? I don't think there's such a thing as being over-qualified for a job. Every position brings with it a new environment, new people and new challenges. I feel that the skills I would bring to a new job can only help me to do a better job, and would in no way hinder the challenges I would face.

Do you feel under qualified for this job? I don't think I'm under qualified to the extent that I will be unable to do the job expected of me. Every job requires some degree of training and I am fully prepared to learn whatever is necessary so I can succeed at my job. Of course I have a wide range of skills that I could bring with me to this position.

Do you like to work as part of a team or alone. Why? I work very well when I'm part of a team, I value the ability to bounce ideas off other people and also provide my input, whenever it's wanted. Of course I'm more than capable of working alone whenever I'm required to do so too.

What motivates you? I need very little motivation in work or any other aspect of my life. I have a strong natural drive and I take great pride in my work. I want to be successful at everything I do and I will not settle for second best. That is all the motivation I need.

How do you handle stress? I'm not the type of person that becomes stressed very easily. However, if in an extreme circumstance I did start to become stressed, I would look to the cause of it and attempt to identify a solution. I would certainly not be afraid to look to others for their input and assistance. In a working environment I think stress comes around from pressurized situations. In such cases the best solution is often one of situation management until the crisis abates.

How do you handle pressure? I'm the type of person who genuinely revels when under pressure. I enjoy the challenge and the adrenalin rush when the chips are down and a big effort is required. Through good management and work practices I try to avoid a situation becoming pressurized, however when I am under pressure I'm always confident that I can complete the job successfully.

How do you respond to criticism? I respond very well to criticism, especially if it's constructive. Accepting constructive criticism and advice from colleagues is one of the best ways to learn. I'd like to think that I learn quickly from any advice that I'm given.

Are you willing to travel? Yes, I enjoy traveling a lot. I realize there's a big difference between traveling for leisure purposes and on business, nonetheless I would be very interested in visiting other cities/countries/offices and would look upon it as a learning experience.

Do you expect to work regular hours? Would working irregular hours cause a problem? I don't have a problem working overtime. I understand that in today's competitive marketplace there is a need for flexibility in regard to working hours. In today's modern working environment most jobs require flexibility with respect to your working hours. By expressing your willingness to work irregular hours or do overtime you will impress upon the interviewer your eagerness to succeed and contribute to the firm.

Final TipsKnow yourselfKnow the employerTurn negatives into positivesDont forget to follow upRemember, no matter what questions interviewers ask, the underlying question is always, Why should I hire you?LASTLY, always sound you are an expert in your field by being able to use terms, jargon without thinking further. Master SAFETY terms

Difference between an ACCIDENT and INCIDENTDifference between a TOOLBOX TALK and INDUCTIONDifference between a HAZARD and RISKWhat is Risk Assessment ? What are the 5 Steps in risk assessment?What is a SAFETY CULTURE ?What is Fire, Types of Fire and the corresponding fire extinguishers, Fire Triangle/Tetrahedron.What is a method statement, safe system of work, hot work permit, Importance of Housekeeping in a workplace.H.S.E. What is Health? Safety ? Environment ?What is First Aid? Purpose of First Aid ?Why do we need to report and accident ?Common Heat Related IllnessesWhat are the hazards of the following ( with control measures): EXCAVATION, CONFINED SPACE, DEMOLITION, WORKING AT HEIGHTS , LIFTING OPERATIONKnow local legislation that affects the implementation of policies

Things to do when the Interview is overSend a thank-you noteCall and see if they have made a decision