Technical skills vs soft skills.  What are hiring managers really looking for? Are they only concerned about the technical skills you have gained through work or education, or do they also care about the attributes you can bring to the organization? Of course, technical skills are always important.  An employer wants to know that you are going … [Read more...]

Will every interview be the same?  Can you expect the same questions at every interview to which you are invited?  The quick answer is, no!  Not every interview is going to be structured the same way.  You won't be asked the same questions at each interview; you may be at a formal interview or a casual interview; or you could be before one person … [Read more...]

Are the little things important in an interview? Can they make a big difference to the overall impression that the hiring manager gets about you? Sometimes the little things may not seem important, and on their own, probably won't make a big difference in the outcome of the interview, but combined, they might be the difference between you getting … [Read more...]

How do you answer the interview question, "Do you have any questions for us?"  Well, that is certainly an innocent enough question, isn't it.  But when that is the last question you are asked in an interview, it's not so simple. So there you sit, wondering what you are going to say now.  You thought you prepared yourself for every possible … [Read more...]

Answering interview questions - do you know what to say?  There are many different types of interviews to which you may be invited, from an informal “get to know you and learn about the job” type of interview, to a more formal, structured interview. Regardless of the type, there are certain parameters which should be followed. Answer each … [Read more...]

Preparing for a conventional interview - how hard is it?  What can you do to ensure you are ready for this type of interview? Is it harder or easier than preparing for a competency based behavioural interview?  I have talked a lot in the past about behavioural based interviews, but what about the conventional interview?  Let's take a look at the … [Read more...]

What do Hiring Managers really look for in an interview? Are they just looking for skills and experience, or is there something more? There is no mistaking that you must be qualified for a position to be considered. However, is that the only thing that's important? What about those non-tangible traits? Do you think it's important for the … [Read more...]