The key to acing that job interview is to start strong. The interview process begins way before anyone calls you in. The basics matter – a good night’s rest, proper hygiene, looking presentable (or looking appropriate for the job being applied for), knowing what the company does, and getting there early (five to 10 minutes is adequate).
Upon arrival, your phone must be in silent mode. Be courteous and calm. At this point, you may want to start small talk with anyone but you don’t want to be flustered and under-prepared.
“I stepped out in for a ciggie break outside our tower.
Heard someone complaining brashly on the phone about how early his interview had to be,
and ranting how this wasn’t exactly his idea of a good job. To my amusement, dude turned up as my next interview candidate. You could guess how it went.” – Alicia, HR Associate
Your best bet is to always remain polite and friendly with everyone – from greeting the (sometimes cranky) receptionist, to the people you shared the elevator with, to your co-interviewees… These are all “touchpoints” your potential employer and future colleagues can connect. From the get-go, make sure you soak in good vibes and that people see you in a positive light.
Now that we got that out of the way…
The next step is to ace the actual interview. Here are some crucial questions that can spell the difference between IN and OUT.
- Tell me something about yourself
This is a common interview question that can unnerve anyone from the start. They aren’t asking about your favorite hobbies, health issues, or extra-curricular activities. Since it’s open-ended, interviewees tend to go overboard with information that isn’t relevant to the job being applied for.
To ace this, answer with details about yourself that are directly relevant to the job. Demonstrate that you are a good fit. Focus on strengths and abilities, while highlighting your personality to break the ice.
“I’ve always been a people person. People I work with tell me that I’m easy to get along with. I’m into solving problems and riddles. And I find it very rewarding being able to help others.”
- Why do you want to work for our company? For this BPO?
You’d be surprised at how some interviewees don’t even know what the company they’re applying for does. Customize your answer. There is no excuse not to do a quick Google search. Know what services the company offers. And go further by knowing a few industry-specific terms (inbound versus outbound calls, for instance).
A good reply would go like this: “I noticed that your company is looking to scale. I feel that my skills particularly suit your company culture. I also love working with a team to achieve a common goal.”
- What do you think is your greatest weakness?
NEVER say anything that could weed you out of the pool. For instance, saying that you are “slow to adapt” could very well kick you out of the shortlist. Don’t go for the “I’m a perfectionist” route either. Instead, mention a real weakness that could contribute positively.
“I tend to give too much attention to detail. But I also see this as a strength because I’m meticulous when it comes to facts and numbers.”
You may also mention skills that you want to develop.
“I’m not as knowledgeable as I’d like to be when it comes to Search Engine Optimization techniques – so I’m currently taking online courses to strengthen this skill.”
- What didn’t you like about your current (or previous) job?
Even if your superior was the boss from hell, never vent. Neither should you be brutally honest about how awful of a place it was. Instead, emphasize the positive.
“My previous/current job is ok but there aren’t enough opportunities to bring my career to the next level. Or bring something up that isn’t related… perhaps, this is nearer your place of residence (which means that punctuality is less of an issue) or that you want to be part of a progressive workplace with a great culture.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
In other words, the interviewer wants to know if you intend to say for the long-term.
They all understand that no one knows for sure exactly where they’ll be in 1 year (let alone 5!). But the best answer is to say that you “…hope to be well-established enough in the organization, to be someone who is helping the company accomplish their objectives.”
Keep in mind that there is always more to an interview than simply giving the right answers. Many companies prioritize attitude and adaptability more than skills. Motivated individuals with a growth mindset are far more powerful than proficient but obnoxious employees.
Ready to ace that interview? Best of luck!
Come and be part of the NEARSOL family!
NEARSOL is a US-based BPO and service company that offers clients custom-design solutions. It relaunched and expanded its brand in 2011 and has since gained a strong presence in the Latin American regions, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, winning numerous awards for quality and service along the way. Most recent of which is its Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition.
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