I recently blundered on (well actually I made two blunders, but please don't ask me about it lol ) this question:-
"How do you prioritse your time?"
I did have an answer which was using Four Four Time software not only to record time spent but to log things that needed to be done. This way, I was generally looking in one place for time recording and reminding myself. However, I've spent thirty years unpreparing for interviews and drew a blank.
being interviewed for a contract job is not the same as being interviewed for a permie role (so no what sort of fish would you be type questions).
You will encounter two types of interviewer.
The first will want to test you to the nth degree on your technical knowledge to verify the contents of your CV.
The second type will believe what is in your CV but you would be out the building the moment that something in your CV does not tally with your productivity in the role (so much easier to get rid of contractors).
Interview questions of the second type of interviewer will tend to concentrate on your prior experience and how you would handle certain situations such as being left in charge of the ofice, supervising a junior, important document to be filed but the systems been down, there are a couple of hours work remaining on it and its now just before time to go home.
Beware the freindly banter. Do not assume that such is not part of the interview process (mind, if you've dealt much with HMRC inspectors you will be used to that trick).
My key criteria when interviewing candidates for a role is deciding, regardless as to whether it would be me, could I sit opposit this person for the next six months of my life. Freindly, approachable and well presented score as many brownie points as technical competence.
Never under any circumstances slag off a former employer or reveal information about a former site that you should not.
I was once on your side of the desk and the interviewer started attacking my former managers drinking problem.
I defended the managers work and track record.
Another interviewee that I worked with concurred with the interviewer and sought to win favour by agreeing with whatever rubbish they were coming out with.
I was offered the job, he was not. (but I refused the job as I found their interview style unprofessional).
In the interview look the interviewer in the eyes, don't figit, if opportunity for a joke occurs use it but don't force a humorous situation.
All the above aside, just be yourself and I'm sure that you will be fine.
kind regards,
Shaun.
__________________
Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
being interviewed for a contract job is not the same as being interviewed for a permie role (so no what sort of fish would you be type questions).
You will encounter two types of interviewer.
The first will want to test you to the nth degree on your technical knowledge to verify the contents of your CV.
The second type will believe what is in your CV but you would be out the building the moment that something in your CV does not tally with your productivity in the role (so much easier to get rid of contractors).
Interview questions of the second type of interviewer will tend to concentrate on your prior experience and how you would handle certain situations such as being left in charge of the ofice, supervising a junior, important document to be filed but the systems been down, there are a couple of hours work remaining on it and its now just before time to go home.
Beware the freindly banter. Do not assume that such is not part of the interview process (mind, if you've dealt much with HMRC inspectors you will be used to that trick).
My key criteria when interviewing candidates for a role is deciding, regardless as to whether it would be me, could I sit opposit this person for the next six months of my life. Freindly, approachable and well presented score as many brownie points as technical competence.
Never under any circumstances slag off a former employer or reveal information about a former site that you should not.
I was once on your side of the desk and the interviewer started attacking my former managers drinking problem.
I defended the managers work and track record.
Another interviewee that I worked with concurred with the interviewer and sought to win favour by agreeing with whatever rubbish they were coming out with.
I was offered the job, he was not. (but I refused the job as I found their interview style unprofessional).
In the interview look the interviewer in the eyes, don't figit, if opportunity for a joke occurs use it but don't force a humorous situation.
All the above aside, just be yourself and I'm sure that you will be fine.
