What is important for passing an interview. Video examples of how to successfully pass an interview

An interview is one of the most important stages of a job search. Any mistake in an interview could cost you your job. It is important not only to show yourself as a professional, but also to demonstrate communication skills and demonstrate a willingness to work in a team. The recruiter and the employer are not just looking for a specialist capable of performing this or that job. They are looking for a member of the work team. Therefore, it is extremely important to know how to successfully pass an interview.

Practical recommendations for passing a job interview

Let's start preparing

You should prepare for the interview at home, immediately after the recruiter calls. What can you do?

Studying information about the company

Be sure to go to the company's website and research information about it if you haven't done so before submitting your resume. Look at what the company does, how many years it has been on the market, remember it competitive advantages. Be sure to write down and remember the names of the managers, this may come in handy during the interview. You need to study this information not for the sake of idle interest. If during the interview you demonstrate your awareness of the company's work, this will show the recruiter that you care where you work and that you are focused on a career in this company.

Preparing clothes for an interview

This point is worth paying attention to special attention, because, as you know, people are greeted by their clothes.

Of course, the style of clothing preferred at an interview is greatly influenced by the company's field of activity and the position for which you are applying. And yet there are generally accepted rules: clean clothes, closed shoes, a minimum of accessories, neat hair and manicure, a bag or briefcase - only in business style.

Also in most industries, the following clothing items will be unacceptable: jeans, T-shirts and shorts, sportswear, printed tights and leggings.

If in doubt making the right choice, give preference to proven classics: a suit, sheath dress, jumper and trousers.

Collecting documents

It is better to have with you for the interview:

  1. Passport
  2. Printout of your resume in two copies
  3. Printed text of the vacancy (if you have questions about the vacancy, write them on the same sheet)
  4. Work book (or copy)
  5. Education documents (or copies)
  6. Portfolio (if available)
  7. Recommendations (written - if available, or a list of people willing to provide you verbal recommendations, indicating position and contacts)
  8. Other documents, if they were requested by the recruiter during the invitation to an interview
  9. Also be sure to bring a pen and notepad with you.

Rehearsing the presentation

In most cases, during an interview, a candidate for a position is asked to tell about himself. So that this request does not take you by surprise, it is better to prepare in advance for such a self-presentation and carefully rehearse it at home. Write a story about yourself in two versions: three and five minutes.

Be sure to include in your presentation:

  • Your awareness of the company and the vacancy you are interested in (you have already studied this information, right?)
  • Your willingness to perform assigned tasks at a professional level
  • Your previous work experience that will help you in this position
  • Your knowledge and skills required for this vacancy
  • Your achievements in previous jobs

It is also important to indicate the reason why you are currently looking for a job and explain why exactly you were attracted to the proposed vacancy.

However, remember, your presentation should not simply duplicate your resume. Use it as an opportunity to make the right impression on an employer or recruiter. Don't make your story a joke, don't stoop to criticize previous bosses and employees, and focus only on what is relevant to the job. Asking to tell about yourself in this case does not mean at all that you need to indulge in lengthy discussions about your children, animals, hobbies and political views.

We are preparing answers to common questions

There is a certain list of questions that come up in one way or another in most interviews. Therefore, in order to pass the interview correctly, it is important to be prepared for such “uncomfortable” questions in advance. Read more about this below.

On the day of the interview

So, day X has arrived. We are making final preparations.

Let's get ourselves in order

Let us remind you once again: clean clothes, neat hair, perfect manicure. No strong odors: choose a neutral perfume, stop smoking the night before the interview.

Specifying the route

Make sure you know exactly where you need to go and how to get there. If you live in big city, plan your route taking into account traffic jams. Make sure to arrive at the designated location 10-15 minutes before the start of the interview. This will give you the opportunity to get yourself in order before entering the recruiter’s office, calm down, and get into the right frame of mind.

Before entering the office

Make sure you hide all unnecessary items and accessories: headphones, cigarettes, sunglasses. Put away the gum. Turn off mobile phone. Prepare the necessary documents so that if necessary, you can easily provide them without rummaging through your bag for ten minutes.

Passing an interview

Choosing a style of behavior

Undoubtedly, your behavior plays one of the main roles in answering the question “how to conduct an interview correctly.” You can be a specialist high class, but if you show yourself to be a boorish upstart, you may be left without the job you want. Excessive modesty can also work against you: if you mumble something indistinctly in response to the recruiter’s questions, he may never know that you could ideally perform the job in the proposed position. So, how should you behave:

  1. Calmness and politeness are your main assistants.
  2. Don't be afraid to look your interlocutor in the eyes. This is always attractive and also demonstrates your self-confidence.
  3. Don't make a fuss. Don't knock on the table, don't fiddle with your clothes, don't rock in your chair.
  4. Address the recruiter by name.
  5. Speak clearly and distinctly, try to match the pace of the recruiter’s speech.
  6. Do not interrupt under any circumstances.
  7. Answer the questions asked in detail. Monosyllabic “yes”, “no” and even more so “I don’t know” are definitely not your option today.
  8. When asking questions about a vacancy, first of all inquire about the content of your possible responsibilities, and only then about the conditions and remuneration.
  9. Don't refuse to get tested or fill out a questionnaire if asked.

We answer “uncomfortable” questions

As we have already written, there is a certain list of questions that may partially or completely come up during interviews. To successfully pass an interview, it is better to be prepared in advance to answer them.

“Why did you quit your previous job?”
In this case, you should not lie, much less criticize your previous place of work, employees and superiors. Talk about any negative experience as a lesson for yourself.

“Why do you want to work for us?”
Here it is best to demonstrate your awareness of the company’s activities and prospects, and emphasize why exactly it interests you. Focus on professional opportunities, not salary. And even more so, you shouldn’t answer that you don’t care where you work.

« What salary do you want to receive and why do you think you are worth that much?»
Before answering this question, be sure to clarify the list of your upcoming job responsibilities. If it coincides with your tasks at your previous job, indicate the salary level is not lower than the previous one. Emphasize once again your skills and abilities for which you want to receive such a salary. In a conversation in this case, it is most advantageous to use active constructions: “I can/can.”

« Why should we hire you?»
Think in advance about what abilities you can offer an employer, and be prepared to demonstrate them in a test task or simulated work situation.

« List your strengths and weaknesses»
Name three to five of yours strengths. The list of shortcomings may be more modest. When naming your weaknesses, be sure to clarify that you know about these shortcomings of yours and are constantly working on them.

Preparing questions for the recruiter

An interview is not only an opportunity to show yourself, but also your chance to clarify all the features of a possible job, so to speak, on the shore. And you definitely shouldn’t miss this chance. Be sure to ask the recruiter:

  • Why and how long has the vacancy you are interested in been open: if there is a high turnover of personnel or they cannot find a specialist for a long time, this may be an alarm bell
  • How will your performance be assessed in this position?
  • What career prospects will you have?

Testing and questionnaires

Recruiters often ask applicants to take a test or fill out a questionnaire. It is important here, firstly, not to refuse such an opportunity, otherwise it may be regarded as disrespect. And secondly, do not try to “guess” the correct answer, but choose exactly what you yourself consider to be correct. Since most tests include a so-called “lie scale,” any attempts to cheat may be detected and work against you.

At the end of the interview

When your conversation with the recruiter has ended, be sure to clarify how long it will take to make a decision on your candidacy and when you can wait feedback. Also find out when you can contact the recruiter yourself if necessary.

And finally...

Summing up how to conduct an interview correctly, I would like to mention a few more typical mistakes that applicants admit during the interview:

  1. You should not come to the interview accompanied by friends, children, parents, etc.
  2. You cannot lie about your achievements, previous salary, position, etc.
  3. It is unacceptable to make critical remarks about the recruiter's company. Even if you notice obvious disadvantages in the structure of the company’s “working body,” keep these comments to yourself. You can return to them after you have already filled the vacancy you are interested in.
  4. Let us remind you once again: you should not criticize previous management and employees.
  5. In response to a recruiter’s question, you should not refer him to your resume. Even if you are asked a question, the answer to which you have already described in your resume, take the trouble to give it verbally.
  6. Don't talk too much. Answer in detail, but to the point.
  7. A big mistake would be to demand that they take you directly to the head of the company, bypassing the recruiter. The procedure for hiring employees is established internal politics company, and it’s not for you to change it.
  8. It’s best to ask questions about vacations and sick leave last. After all, you don’t get a job just to immediately go on vacation or get sick? Undoubtedly, social package is important, but first of all you should still be interested in job responsibilities.
  9. Don’t withdraw into yourself, don’t slip into monosyllabic answers, don’t miss the opportunity to show yourself with the best side. Even if you are an inveterate introvert, today, during the interview, show the maximum of your sociability. After all, you essentially only have one chance.

Let us remind you that main goal Our resource is to teach you how to quickly and effortlessly find an interesting and well-paid job.

In the previous article “” we examined in detail all the features and rules for drawing up this document.

How to pass an interview successfully

When applying for a job, every person experiences a certain amount of stress, regardless of how many interviews they have already had in their life, one or dozens.

The potential assessment of one's own skills, abilities, what can I say, and appearance by other people turns out to be an extremely stressful situation.

Nevertheless, there are quite simple rules that will help you cope with the interview and get the desired position.


Applicants who have information about a potential employer have an advantage

The first thing you need to do after receiving an invitation is to carefully study the information about the company as a whole and about the department in which the vacancy is open.

It is necessary to study all possible sources - the official website, reviews of the company’s work, probably articles that mention the name of the company (about large organizations like Sberbank, Leroy Merlin or MTS, you will find a lot of information on the Internet, but with regards to small companies, you will have to work a little)

This is how a picture is formed, in which there should be a clear vision of what the company does and what reputation it has.

And, most importantly, you need to answer the question, do you see yourself taking this position, what will you do, what knowledge and skills will help you perform your duties, what unique skills are you endowed with to do it better than others.

During first-level interviews (with the HR department), they are very fond of asking “Why did you choose our company?”

The answer should be prepared in advance; if you include a couple of bright, but not hackneyed facts about the company, you can definitely get a good plus.


Be sure to study your own resume in advance

With a 99.9% probability, the first question that will be asked is tell us about yourself. And this is your finest hour.

Inexorable statistics say that the impression of the applicant is formed in the first 3 minutes.

If you managed to use them, maximizing the interest of the interviewer, then we can say that your fate is sealed, then he will unconsciously either help with his statements, or, conversely, drown you.

Therefore, before the interview, you need to take your own resume and carefully study it.

Next, you need to draw up a plan in which you enter data about the place of work and the functionality performed, placing special emphasis on successes and achievements. Ideally, for each place of work, write down the following points: completed, organized, designed. It is better to avoid the banal: worked, participated.

Naturally, the employer is interested in your professional experience, any interesting life facts, not related to work, do not need to be included in the story about yourself.

Based on the plan, tell about yourself in front of the mirror or practice in front of your family. The story should be clear, concise, informative, but not drawn out.

Ideally, 2-3 minutes of structured monologue. A story about yourself should be “tasty”; the goal of the story is to interest the interlocutor and present yourself favorably.

You should finish the story about yourself with information about the reasons for looking for a new job.

Interview questions and answers


be prepared and success will definitely come

It is also worth preparing in advance typical answers that you will probably have to use during a dialogue with the employer:

1. Reasons for leaving your last job?

No matter what the situation is last place, in no case should you voice negativity (bad relationships with colleagues, low wages, boss is a tyrant). Such reasons provoke people to think of you as a narrow-minded person.

A more acceptable answer would be information about the thirst for development, the search for new horizons, the desire to try oneself in a new role.

2. Strengths and weaknesses

Oddly enough, you can often hear unintelligible muttering in response to this.

WITH strong qualities you should be careful, not all of them may be useful in a potential position; choose 2-3 that can uniquely distinguish you from other applicants.

Deny existence weaknesses also a wrong move. You should think in advance about how you can advantageously present your shortcomings; to do this, it is recommended to turn them into advantages. For example, unsociability is not a disadvantage for an accountant or analyst, just as for a manager the willingness to take on several tasks at a time.

In addition, the employer is not looking for specific shortcomings; by doing this, he is trying to determine your self-esteem and readiness for self-criticism.

3. Why should we hire you?

When answering such questions, it is important to focus the answer on skills and abilities that other applicants do not have, as well as on the willingness to develop, introduce innovations into work, and interact with colleagues.

4. Where will you be in 3/5/10 years?

Again, the employer is not waiting for the exact title of the position (although it can be named if you know what you are talking about), but wants to see the direction of development and the person’s ability to plan and set long-term goals.

You should also be prepared for uncomfortable, or as they are called, stressful questions. Their goal is to see a person’s live reaction. Can be used as a “push” pain points, for example, flaws in appearance (“If you know that you look fuller in trousers, why did you wear them to the interview?”). You should react to such attacks calmly and preferably with humor.

Also, if you are applying for a “selling” position, you may be asked to “sell a pen” - this is a typical test used by HR personnel to assess the selling ability of a future employee.


According to statistics, HR officers value significantly more those candidates who show interest during interviews

Think in advance about what you want to know from a potential employer. Don’t hesitate to ask about salaries, fines, bonuses, benefits and relationships in the team. Be sure to ask your manager what skills and personal qualities are important to fill the position.

Remember that you also evaluate the conditions offered to you and have the right to fully satisfy your curiosity.

Applicants who do not ask anything at all are considered lacking initiative.

How to dress


Don’t forget that “you meet people by their clothes”"

It is advisable to think through before the interview appearance- wardrobe, makeup, hairstyle.

All of these elements are directly related to the position you are applying for. If the vacancy involves working with clients, then we definitely choose classic style, a minimal set of accessories, nice and neat makeup, low heels.

For places that are closed from client eyes, there is often no dress code, but it is advisable to clarify this information in advance. Absence official style does not imply wrinkled clothes or unwashed hair at all.

They will be superfluous bright decorations, rings, piercing.

You will never have the opportunity to make a first impression again.

How to behave


Strictly follow the rules of conduct

On the day of the interview, you need to arrive at the place of your future work in advance. Remember that a late applicant receives a fat minus even before the meeting.

  1. Take a printed resume with you to make it easier for you to talk about yourself, and a pen to take notes.
  2. Try to relax. Remember that not only you are being evaluated, but also you and the company. No one obliges you to work under unacceptable conditions, be confident in your words.
  3. Smile. Let the conversation take the form of a friendly conversation, the topic of which is you and your professional activities.
  4. Avoid closed poses and do not cross your arms or legs. It’s good when the body is slightly tilted towards the interlocutor, the palms are open, looking up. Look into the person's eyes; if there are two interviewers, then move your gaze from one to the other, but not too often; you should not wander your eyes over the ceiling or table.
  5. Answer to the point, without fluff or beating around the bush. If you can’t find the answer right away, take a couple of seconds to formulate a competent and structured answer.

And most importantly, be in good mood and your dream job will be yours! If you are invited to a meeting, it means the company is interested in your abilities.

Your main task is to impress and convince the employer that you are the most suitable candidate for the vacant position.

If you are applying for leadership position?

In principle, all requirements remain the same. But if you are applying for a leadership position, then you should show a harmonious combination of politeness and tact, as well as show the firmness and determination of a leader - after all, these are the qualities that are primarily important for a future boss.

A typical interview consists of several steps. First, the potential employer studies, most likely will contact you by phone, ask general questions in areas of interest.

If after the first meeting your candidacy made a positive impression, then you will be invited to an in-person interview with a specialist who conducts professional testing.

Be sure to watch Maria Kravchuk’s video, in which she simply and accessible language talks about going through a job interview

Its task is to determine the level of your qualifications and assess your compliance with the requirements.

After this, you will have a conversation with the head of the company or HR department. If everything goes well, then discussions will follow regarding the availability and conditions, form and level of payment, social package, etc.

It is worth remembering that during the interview you also have the right to clarify points of interest, because this is, in fact, a dialogue between the employer and the future employee.

This is the best time to find out in detail the points that interest you: career prospects, workplace arrangement, etc.



Also, showing interest will have a positive impact on the employer's assessment of you.

Interviews are usually conducted by experienced HR professionals, so best advice for you it will be to be sincere and remain yourself.

By Skype

If you have a conversation via Skype, there are some things to consider:

  • ensure silence: remove pets and children in advance, turn off the sound on the phone and the intercom - nothing should distract you
  • choose a suitable background: plain light wallpaper is better. It is unlikely that you will make an impression when applying for a job at a serious bank if you conduct a conversation against the backdrop of a Marilyn Manson poster.
  • Dress appropriately
  • Adjust the camera position

With security service

One of the stages of employment may be an interview with a security specialist or even a polygraph test (for example, if you are joining the internal affairs bodies). Here it is important to cope with stress - be calm, consistent and honest - after all, basically all SB officers are former employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who have retired, and they understand very well when they are trying to deceive them.

What to do if you have to take an interview in English?

Actually, this is a separate topic! If you know the language perfectly, then there should be no problems with this, but if you are not confident in yourself, then we offer several recommendations for passing an interview in English (for example, when applying for a job in the USA):

  1. Take the list of questions from this article in Russian and translate them
  2. Analyze different options their wording and write them down in order
  3. Enter them in Google translator and click on the microphone icon, so you can listen to them with good pronunciation and get used to these phrases
  4. It is also worth pre-composing example answers and memorizing them.
  5. When speaking, pronounce everything naturally so that it does not sound like you are reciting a poem.

Main reasons for refusal

The main reasons for refusal include:

  1. Inappropriate (vulgar, sloppy) appearance.
  2. Trying to demonstrate your superiority in everything
  3. Poor diction
  4. Lack of plans, goals, uncertainty.
  5. A large number of requirements and conditions
  6. Failure to comply with business etiquette
  7. Showing apathy, disinterest, lack of enthusiasm
  8. Stealth, aggressiveness.

I hope we were able to clearly talk about how to successfully pass a job interview and what you should never do. In the next article we will talk about the next steps - writing and passing in a new place.


A job interview is a meeting between the employer and the applicant, based on the results of which a decision is made to hire a new employee. How about applying for a job? It is important to follow a number of simple rules.

The first “meeting” with the employer takes place over the telephone, when the issue of scheduling an interview is decided. The first opinion about the applicant is formed at this moment. Over the phone, you should clarify the full title of the position and ask basic questions about future work. Find out right away whether this job is right for you, and discuss those nuances that may suppress your interest in the job. This will help save both your time and the employer's time. Unpromising meetings are rarely beneficial.

Write down the full name of the company, contact phone number, name of the interlocutor. Also check who will be conducting the interview. It is very good if, when you meet in person, you address him by his first and patronymic names. Don't forget to check the address of the office or other meeting place.

Immediately after the telephone conversation, begin thorough preparation for the meeting. Prepare your clothes, think over questions for the employer, read information on how to properly pass an interview.

So, you have resolved all the initial issues over the phone. Get ready necessary documents: Write a resume and autobiography. Even if the employer did not require this, it is better to have it all on hand. In addition, prepare your passport, education diploma (or diplomas), existing certificates, IDs and other similar things. If one of the certifications is not relevant to the position you are seeking to fill at a given company, leave it at home.

Study well the activities of the company where you are going for an interview. When thinking about how to successfully pass an interview, remember that you must show the employer your interest in the job. Study the company’s website, find out everything about its activities and history. Even if you can’t apply this knowledge, it will certainly be useful to you in the future.

Those who arrive on time know how to conduct an interview correctly. If you are late, most likely you will have to say goodbye to your job. Plan your route for the interview in advance. It’s better to arrive early and wait in the corridor, taking off your excitement there and wiping the anxious sweat from your face. Along the way, think again about how you'll answer frequently asked questions, and prepare your own questions as well. The main thing is that the answers are truthful. It is not advisable to embellish the facts or invent something in order to present yourself in a more favorable light. Again, talk to the interlocutor in such a way that he understands that you are really interested in his company and working in it. You need to answer questions very carefully about previous jobs, about your shortcomings and advantages, failures and achievements.

Every person wants to work in a prestigious position in a stable company. But to achieve this goal you need to try. First, write your resume correctly, and then successfully pass the interview. Overcoming the second barrier can be especially difficult. taking into account modern business trends? What are the requirements of HR managers and company owners today? How to pass an interview correctly in terms of long-term employment prospects? We will try to answer all these questions today.

Interview: getting ready

Before thinking about how a job interview works, a candidate must go through several stages of preparation for an interview with an HR manager. Approximately in this order.

1. Create an individual profile of suitability for the position held

It is assumed that the candidate called for an interview has indicated in his resume only general information regarding his professional qualifications.

Already during a direct interview with a representative of the employing company, a person will have to show what advantages he has in comparison with other applicants. Therefore, the candidate should analyze his experience, competence, skills and highlight among them those that are likely to seem convincing to the manager during the interview as providing the best fit for the vacancy. Some HR specialists advise taking your resume (the exact sample that was sent to the employer and determined the candidate’s choice) and highlighting the key skills from it.

2. “Rehearse” the questions.

HR experts admit that most of the time during an interview is usually spent exchanging standard remarks. The questions asked by the manager are generally of the same type and boil down to the following points (and similar ones):

- “What are your strengths”?

- “Will you cope in this position”?

- “Will you be able to make friends with the team”?

- “How do you motivate yourself at work”?

3. "Reconnaissance."

HR specialists recommend that candidates preparing for an interview not be lazy and find as many more information about the employer. This most important factor on how to successfully pass an interview. Finding the information you need is very easy using the Internet (especially social networks). You can even find personal profiles of employees, management, and management. Having information about the company and the people who work there can be a great help in building a dialogue with the person conducting the interview. He will be pleasantly surprised by the candidate’s knowledge of the employing company.

Interview: let's go

How to pass an interview in practical terms? Directly going to an interview includes a number of nuances that experienced HR specialists recommend taking into account. Let's list them.

Greeted by clothes

Very often, an HR manager selects candidates who have almost the same level of professionalism and qualifications. From a rational point of view, it doesn’t matter who you choose for the vacancy. At this moment, as experts note, the emotional component comes into play. How the candidate will be able to present himself not only from a professional point of view, but also as a person. One of the most important elements of such positioning is clothing. HR specialists recommend that candidates going for an interview adhere to very simple rule- dress as if you were about to be selected for a vacancy at a higher level.

Respect those who value time

Punctuality is extremely important. It’s great if you manage to arrive at the employer’s office 20-25 minutes earlier than the agreed upon date. But you don’t need to go in right away; you can take a walk or drink coffee at a nearby restaurant. It is best to enter the office just 10 minutes before the start of the interview.

How to pass an interview if you are late? Got stuck in a traffic jam and your alarm didn't go off? HR specialists strongly recommend keeping on hand the contact number of the manager who will conduct the interview. If the situation is such that the candidate is late, you need to immediately call and warn the person. It's better than being at least 5 minutes late.

Respect those who prepared

As we said above, the manager will be very happy if during the conversation he manages to find out that the candidate has allocated time for the search necessary information about the company. Cause positive emotions employee of the company will be that the candidate for the vacancy is a responsible person.

But it may well turn out that during the interview the nuance associated with informing about the employer will not be touched upon. How then will the candidate show the manager that he has prepared for the interview? It’s very simple - bring with you printouts of the vacancy itself (for example, from the website), as well as your resume. Be sure to have a pen and notepad. The level of the position does not matter at all. Therefore, even if a person has to think about how to pass an interview for the head of a company, the above procedure is important.

Interview: let's talk

We move on to the stage concerning the direct presence of the candidate at the interview. What do experienced HR specialists advise?

First impression - one of a kind

Some experts subscribe to the theory that the subconscious “yes” or “no” of the person conducting the interview appears in the first few seconds of communication with the candidate. That’s why it’s especially important to impress the manager at the very beginning of the meeting. Or at least not scared away. HR specialists advise - if the candidate has not taken expensive courses conducted by world experts oratory, then it is better to ensure the neutrality of the first impression. There is no need to try to be overly eloquent or emotional.

There must be a dialogue

Experts advise candidates to transform the question-and-answer procedure into a full-fledged dialogue at the first opportunity. There is no need to be shy about asking additional questions to the person conducting the interview. You can comment on the manager’s sayings, and it’s very good if what the candidate says is relevant. The ability to maintain a dialogue is especially important for specialists who have to communicate a lot with clients. How to pass an interview to become a consultant or, say, a call center specialist without knowing how to build a constructive dialogue? Problematic.

It would be great if in advance, at the stage of preparing for the interview, you can work out the questions that will be asked to the representative of the employing company.

What other useful tips can we bring candidates based on the recommendations of HR experts? How to conduct an interview correctly from the point of view of conversation psychology?

1. It is necessary to maintain a balance between shyness and self-confidence. If the first one prevails in the candidate’s communication style, this may indicate that he is not confident in sufficient level of your professionalism. If it’s the second, then, oddly enough, it’s about the same thing. Because in this case, the manager may consider that the candidate wants to hide his incompetence with his pomp and eloquence.

2. You should not often refer to previous work experience, especially in a negative way. The mistake many candidates make is that they criticize their past employers. They say the reason for dismissal is arbitrariness and bad attitude. In the eyes of the employer, such a candidate will not appear as the most desirable employee. There is another mistake. A person praises his employer excessively and brags about his successes. In such cases, the manager may, quite reasonably, ask the question: “Why did you leave such a good job then?” Apparently, there were good reasons for this - character traits or, as an option, systematic violations of discipline. Both may predetermine the choice of another candidate.

3. Arrogance and pathos - a firm no. This is another sine qua non of how to ace an interview. Finding a job is primarily in the candidate’s interests. There is competition for almost any job.

This means that the employer has someone to choose from. Many candidates come to interviews confident that they are exceptional, and this, according to experts, is a mistake. Arrogance, an attempt to place oneself in some way above the current employee of the company who is conducting the interview is not best way pass the competitive selection.

Industry specifics of labor relations: getting a job in a bank

Let's move from theory to practical nuances related to interviews and employment. Let's consider an industry that is characterized by high dynamics of new and diverse vacancies - banking. New branches and offices of credit and financial organizations are opening in more, specialists are needed everywhere.

How are interviews conducted at Sberbank, VTB and other banking institutions? How can a financial specialist increase his chances of getting hired for his desired position? HR experts advise paying attention to the following nuances.

1. Adaptation to the specifics of the segment should be carried out already at the stage of compiling the resume mailing. It is recommended to create personal profiles on specialized websites.

These resources are studied every day by HR specialists of the largest banks. When creating a resume, it is recommended to describe your skills in as much detail as possible. Sometimes higher value for the bank the candidate has possession of some specific computer program than, say, general work experience. Or, for example, knowledge of a certain law regulating financial activities.

2. Before thinking about how to pass an interview at a bank, candidates should pay attention to one interesting feature of hiring staff in financial institutions. HR managers working in banks like to test candidates for professional ethics.

They may, for example, ask the following question: “Tell me about your experience of working with large money transfers"If a candidate begins to talk about how he participated in international financial transfers with the participation of such and such a company, then the manager is almost one hundred percent likely to complete the interview. The reason for this is the bank secrecy law. Following its principles is a key aspect of the competence of any bank employee.

3. Interviews with candidates at financial institutions are usually carried out in several stages. First, as a rule, the head of the department communicates with the person, then the deputy head of the bank, and then the manager directly. The candidate must be prepared to undergo a multi-stage selection process.

Candidates should know all these nuances. This will help you understand how to pass an interview at a bank.

Industry specifics of labor relations: getting a job as a sales manager

An example of another area where there is a high dynamics of recruitment is sales. This segment is one of the leading ones for the Russian economy. One of the most in-demand professions today is sales manager. How to interview for this position?

1. It is impossible to teach a person the art of selling.

Before thinking about how to pass a manager interview, a candidate should pay attention to a critical detail. Most HR experts specializing in retail work agree that it takes a very long time to find real “sales people.”

A person may sincerely desire to learn this art, but may not have the internal, genetic predisposition to successfully conclude deals in practice. Hence the first rule. If you don't know how to sell, don't go for an interview.

2. Effectiveness is the key criterion.

For HR managers hiring sales managers, the candidate's achievements are extremely important. How many deals he closed during such and such a period, what product was sold and at what price. And also how the achieved indicators compare with the indicators of other managers (or with the industry average). One of the conditions for how to properly pass an interview is the ability to prove to the representative of the employing company your worth in terms of achieving tangible results.

3. Narrow specialization generates profit.

Most HR specialists believe that a position such as “sales manager” cannot be universal for all segments. It’s one thing to sell, for example, furniture, another thing to sell cars. Although a person may be genetically predisposed to this species activities, specialization is no less important. Therefore, it is recommended that, as a matter of priority, you apply for a vacancy in the segment in which you have had experience of effective work.

How to successfully pass an interview in companies operating in areas new to the candidate? Experts recommend placing emphasis on reducing ambitions - in terms of salary, in terms of working conditions. Then the employer will see that the person really wants to get comfortable in an unusual segment, is ready to accept a deterioration in comfort, and is highly likely to give the candidate a chance to try himself in a new position.

Today we have studied some aspects of the specifics of the procedure for interviewing candidates for vacancies in modern Russian business. We looked at the main nuances that characterize how interviews are conducted at Sberbank and other financial institutions. We studied the specifics of selecting suitable candidates for the position of sales manager. Of course, there are much more criteria for how to properly pass an interview than we have had time to consider. But the information in our article will allow candidates to take at least a few steps forward towards finding the job they want.

An article about how to successfully pass interviews and answer questions from a potential employer.

  1. Obtaining relevant knowledge and education
  2. Search possible options work
  3. Interview
  4. Hiring for the desired position

If there are usually no problems with the first two points, then at the interview you should prove yourself to the maximum. Sometimes, having good education, a person can sit without work for months because he simply does not know how to communicate and present himself correctly.

As a result, during the interview they directly show him the door or tell him on duty: “We’ll call you back.” This situation can arise with any unprepared person. To avoid it, you need to prepare in advance.

What do they ask at an interview? Questions when applying for a job

The employer is primarily interested in your professional qualities, your education and work experience. Few people are interested in your personal life, household chores and the breed of your dog, even if it is the rarest. Speak clearly and to the point, avoiding unnecessary “water” in the text. It is very important to behave correctly:

  • Be extremely polite and correct
  • Don't argue again. Don't sort things out. Your job is to get that job.
  • Maintain eye contact and posture
  • Correct “evasion” of a question is also an answer
  • Sometimes you can ask the employer a question. But this right is not given to everyone, but only to people who understand human psychology well and know how to “catch” the right moment.

You may hear questions about your previous job, relationships with future colleagues, and desired salary. Also, you may be asked about what you know about the employing company.

Here important point: Before you go anywhere to get a job, try to find out as much as possible about the company. Even if the information is negative, come up with something that could pass for the truth.

How to answer awkward questions at an interview?

Awkward questions are every potential employer's favorite part. It is by this that they determine hidden sides potential employee that he did not mention in his resume.

  • One of the most inconvenient is the question asking you to tell about yourself. People begin to get nervous and most often talk about their hobbies, views on the world order, and relatives. To avoid embarrassment, say 3-4 sentences in general outline about your qualities and a few words about hobbies
  • Women are often asked about their personal life and whether it will interfere with work. After all, there is a certain danger that a woman may go on maternity leave or sick leave. Answer firmly that it won’t hurt
  • The next question is about achievements. Don't talk about first place in the intra-school long jump competition. This is unlikely to apply to yours. current work. Talk about how you have grown professionally. Restrained, natural
  • It may sound strange, but some employers are genuinely interested in your zodiac sign. And if they don't like him, they'll show you the door. It's stupid, but it happens. Don't lie when answering this question. If you are refused, thank them and silently leave the office. A serious company will never be interested in such things

How to successfully interview for a leadership position?



Job interview.
  • You should prepare in advance for an interview for a managerial position. You should leave behind the impression of a knowledgeable and confident person in yourself and your actions. Choose a suitable suit, be sure to ensure that the tie matches the shoes
  • Although this is no longer relevant now everyday life, But business etiquette dictates its own rules. If you are a woman, do not dress vulgarly or very brightly. Choose discreet colors in clothes, makeup, manicure
  • You should look confident and calm. Show emotion in situations where it is appropriate. Gesture, but not too actively. This indicates excessive emotionality. Always let me finish the sentence, don't interrupt
  • It is important for you, more than anyone else, to show your best side. Try to demonstrate as many qualities as possible that a leader should have. Your potential employer should understand from the interview with you that you are a reliable person. Employers do not tolerate criticism of themselves at the interview stage. This also needs to be taken into account

Interview questions for a management position

Employers like to ask future managers these questions:

  1. “Tell me about ways to improve the efficiency of the department you led in your last position.” - Even if you are a so-so leader, do not rush to declare it. Think about situations in which you took initiative successfully and usefully. Tell us about them
  2. “What methods of motivating employees do you actively use?” — This question should be answered very thoughtfully. Don't rush to talk about salary increases. There are other equally effective ways
  3. “Tell me about your worst mistake at work. What lesson did you learn from it?” - Do not deny the presence of this error. Then the employer will immediately decide that you are lying and you will not see the desired position. If there was some huge disaster in your career, don't mention it. Tell us about serious problem and how you deftly overcame it
  4. Question about finances and your desired wages. Don't give a specific number. Let them know that you are ready to work for the fee offered to you by the company
  5. The answer to the question about improving professional skills is given above in the article

Interview questions for the head of the sales department

The main list of possible questions asked during an interview is given in the article above. However, there is a chance that the employer will want to actually verify your sales skills. He may ask the following questions:

  1. “Try to sell me this pen right now.” — A rather banal question, but it is the one that will fully reveal the candidate’s sales skills. Turn on your creative thinking in this matter
  2. “You have come across a very dissatisfied and scandalous client, calm him down and sell something.” - This task is much more difficult. Even every fourth person cannot cope with it. As a rule, the role of a capricious client is played by the employer himself, so the candidate for the position of sales manager will have to act very carefully and smoothly. The client must be immediately reassured and spoken to as politely as possible. Listening to your polite, calm tone, the buyer will switch to it himself
  3. “You are very overworked. There are a lot of orders, the employees can’t keep up. Everyone wants to go home, no one wants to stay at work late. How do you motivate your subordinates to work? — Say what has worked effectively based on the experience of previous years

Interview questions for a sales manager


The sales manager is a lower rank than the head of the sales department. The requirements for it are lower than for the latter. Most likely, the employer will not ask you to simulate the situation, but will ask the following questions, in addition to the basic ones:

  1. “Rate your level of sales knowledge on a scale of 1 to 10.” — Tell it like it is, but sometimes you can raise the bar a little. But only if your sales skills are not very high.
  2. “Name the main qualities that a sales manager should have.” - Your logic will be needed here. It is better to prepare for such a question in advance. Remember your best qualities and the qualities you lack to become a successful salesperson. Name them
  3. “Why should I (the employer) hire you?” — One of the most provocative questions. Talk about sales and your successes in this area. Prove yourself

    Interview questions for an administrator

The administrator must be able to talk with people and resolve controversial situations that arise. His main qualities are sociability and the ability to quickly find the right solution.

An employer has the right to ask you about communication skills. He is not interested in any sales, because the main thing for you is consultation on service issues and monitoring the activities of employees.

Interview questions for employers

Oddly enough, it is possible and even necessary to ask questions to a potential employer. The main thing is to understand at what point you need to do this. Above in the article there are several options for similar questions.

Do not ask the employer about his personal life, do not invade his personal space. Nobody will like it. You may have questions about career growth, work schedule, vacation, weekends. A question about bonuses and a direct question about salary would not be correct.

Job interview test

Pre-employment testing is carried out by employers quite often. Especially in cases where the company is interested in hiring the most suitable employee for the position, and not a person from the street.

There are two types of tests:

Tests to test your professional knowledge contain questions directly about your profession and related areas. To prepare for such a test, think about what you do poorly or not at all at work. Read books or articles on the Internet about this. A seminar or detailed video well.

The General Knowledge Test is very similar to a regular school test. You are required to have knowledge of school subjects and a broad outlook. Of course, the employer will not ask you to solve the most difficult problems from the Unified State Exam, but the level of your knowledge should be appropriate for the position you want to get.

To successfully pass interviews, meet the following requirements:

  • Act a little reserved, but not constrained
  • Never cross your legs or cross your arms over your chest.
  • Talk to your employer as equals
  • Tell us about your best qualities as a specialist
  • If the employer's question seems too personal to you, change the topic if possible or ask a counter question
  • Watch your speech. Pronunciation must be correct
  • Your clothing sets the overall tone of the conversation and creates a certain impression about you. Take your clothing choices seriously

Reviews:

Marina, 31 years old, Ufa

I was interviewed at a reputable company for the position of accountant. It was difficult, I was constantly bombarded tricky questions. The only thing that helped was the innate feeling of the interlocutor and the suit, oddly enough. I was wearing a strict pencil skirt that day white, the jacket was more or less strictly cut, also white. Blouse blue color. Makeup is natural. Throughout the interview, my future employer carefully assessed me and my image. Judging by the fact that I was hired immediately after the interview, she liked everything.

Irina, 24 years old, Moscow

It was difficult for me to find a job in Moscow, but I was used to fighting to the end. My self-confidence helped me get the position of office manager with a large company. I answered questions briskly and didn’t pour water.” I’ve been shy since childhood, but at that moment fear paralyzed me so much that I stopped being afraid altogether. But then, after the interview, I broke out in cold sweat. She showed herself to be confident and had to live up to this opinion about herself in a new place. Now there is no trace of shyness left.

How to successfully pass interviews: video