Interview with an insurance company. Interview at Rosgosstrakh. Have you been interviewed in other places?

Looking for a job is always tedious and difficult process. Therefore, it is very important not only to write a resume correctly and receive an invitation to an interview, but also to pass it correctly. It is not always possible for a person in such a situation to cope with his emotions, which ultimately creates the wrong impression about him. Therefore, it is important to know how to behave during a job interview.

What types of interviews are there?

Many organizations practice hiring employees only based on the results of an interview. For each type of vacancy, the employer can use one of the options for meeting an applicant for the position. There are several types of interviews.

According to the form they are distinguished:

individual interview - only the applicant and the immediate supervisor or personnel specialist are present;
group interview - for a meeting with the employer at vacant position Several employees can come at once. Includes a company presentation describing the main goals and development paths. Each applicant is given the opportunity to tell about himself and prove that he is worthy of getting this job. This stage is aimed at weeding out unsuitable candidates.

biographical, when questions to the applicant relate only to his education and acquired skills;
situational interview with the formulation of a problem-situation that requires a quick solution.

According to the form of organization, the interview can be conducted:

in one stage - involves making a decision on the applicant’s suitability for the vacancy immediately after its completion;
several stages - a meeting is held with several company specialists and only then a verdict is made on hiring or refusal.

There are also different types of interviews:

by competency, when the applicant is asked to describe any situation related to his previous place of work, and based on a detailed story, a conclusion is made about whether he is suitable for the company;
a structured interview procedure is a combination of several factors that influence the receipt of a given vacancy. This takes into account your appearance, the ability to correctly express your thoughts, answer trick questions, etc. In this case, the questions relate to a greater extent to the candidate’s compliance with the requirements for the vacancy;
A situational interview is a simulation of a situation that has not happened to a job applicant, but may happen within the company and require an urgent solution. He will need to not only find a solution, but also present it quite competently, this will help the employer determine the person’s personal potential;
Stress interviews are most often used for applicants for management positions. The goal of such a conversation is to try to take a person out of his comfort zone, to create a certain situation that provokes him to take some kind of response.

After studying the basics, we move on to the main thing - preparing for the interview.

How to go through the stages of a job interview

Preparing and conducting a conversation with an applicant for a vacant position in the company consists of several stages:

Stage 1. Telephone conversation when personnel worker the company calls the contact number of the applicant for the position and asks several questions about the resume. During the conversation, be polite, listen carefully, try to remember the name of the interlocutor and his position. A date and time for the interview is then set. Specify the address where it will take place, if necessary, ask to repeat the information and write it down on a piece of paper. Also ask what documents you will need to take with you.

Stage 2. Preparing for the interview:

When preparing for the meeting, check the company information again. Then model your behavior by asking a friend or relative to lead the conversation by asking questions. You can do this yourself in front of a mirror. Be sure to re-read your resume and be prepared to answer questions about it.
Psychological preparation is the best way get ready for upcoming communication with a potential employer. To prepare properly, here are some practical tips:

imagine that you are at an important meeting, for example, with the president. All attention is focused on you, there are camera flashes and a crowd of journalists around. Your task is to concentrate and ask the president a few questions, as well as tell about yourself and answer his questions;
the second situation is when you mentally imagine yourself as a product that is on the same shelf with others, but wants to be sold and needed. To do this, you need to present yourself correctly (dress, take a pose, answer questions), while simultaneously soberly assessing your strengths and capabilities;

Pay attention to the appearance in which you appear for the interview. It should be neat, clean, business attire, discreet makeup, neat hair and a minimum of accessories.
Think over the route to the meeting place with the employer. Be sure to add extra time for unforeseen situations. Under no circumstances should you be late.
Prepare in advance all the necessary documents regarding the vacancy (resume, passport, educational documents, etc.).

Stage 3. Based on the results of the interview, issues of working conditions, pay and career prospects are discussed with the applicant. Then a final decision is made to hire the applicant.

It will be important to know how the HR specialist evaluates the applicant during the interview.

8 useful tips on how to behave at an interview to get hired

There are several points to consider when approaching a conversation with a potential employer:

Arrive at the appointed place preferably in advance. Turn off your phone first. Upon entry, politely say hello and introduce yourself.
Find the correct seat if you haven't been told where to sit. The most the best option The location is considered to be slightly oblique from the interlocutor.
During the conversation, sit upright, be polite and friendly. Avoid excessive gesticulation, do not cross your arms over your chest, or cross your legs. Answer questions calmly and clearly.
Try not to be nervous. Before the interview, it is recommended to walk a little, breathe calmly, etc.
Keep your head down and avoid direct gaze. This will reveal your anxiety and fear. Focus on one of the other person's eyes or the bridge of their nose when talking about yourself. At the same time, you don’t need to specifically catch his gaze.
Conduct a dialogue, answer questions in detail and clearly. But keep it in moderation. Short and monosyllabic answers force you to clarify details; too verbose applicants irritate you.
Use professional terminology in conversations . But do not overuse them, use only for their intended purpose and in the appropriate context. Moderate (no more than 4 times) and correct use of specific terms will be an advantage for you in the interview.
Show your level of erudition. If you have read well-known books in your specialty or attended seminars, you can mention this. Recruitment managers will note the desire for self-education and the desire to improve their qualifications, which is important for a number of specialties.
Try not to gesticulate. This is especially important for people who have bad habits, for example, drumming on the table with their fingers, rubbing their nose or ears.
Act confident, but avoid overconfidence.

The task of any applicant for a position is to present himself from the most advantageous position so that they call you back. And here not only the business perspective is important, but also the personal one. Therefore, if you want to get a position, you need to competently and clearly answer several questions from the recruiter. We'll talk about them further.

Typical mistakes of job seekers

It is important for an employer to get not just a professional, but also a personality, into their team. Our selection includes typical mistakes that job applicants admit during an interview.

fear and shyness. No matter how scary it is, you need to pull yourself together and cope with your anxiety. A trembling voice and hands, looking down at the floor will harm employment and career;
improvisation and lack of preparation. Think through your answers to possible questions as much as possible. Answer confidently and to the point;
feeling unwell, signs of illness will not only be a test for you, but will also make an unpleasant impression. It’s better to call back and ask to reschedule the interview;
Inappropriate behavior, turning the conversation into an argument or speaking in a raised voice are unacceptable for an interview.

Conclusion. By following a few rules and recommendations during the interview, the applicant can get the coveted job. But it should be remembered that any refusal should not become a reason for despondency. Perhaps this is not your place of work and a better offer awaits you in the future.

In its pure form, such interviews are rare. But the principle by which a candidate is assessed in each specific case will help you figure out what and why to tell the employer.

What they will definitely ask

Anyone looking for a job has faced standard questions. It is easy to prepare answers to them in advance - and for the employer this is the main disadvantage, because many candidates are disingenuous in order to please the interviewer. However, these questions often continue to be used. We talked about such issues in more detail, below we list some brief tips.

"Tell us about yourself". There are no secrets here: tell us in chronological order how you chose educational institution and learned what work experience you gained after and what personal qualities help you develop. Present your experience as a professional story, logical, coherent and short, no longer than three minutes. It’s easy to rehearse at home just in case.
“Name your strengths and weaknesses”. Remember the job description. What qualities will help you do this job, and which, on the contrary, will hinder you? The Internet is replete with advice on how to answer this question. Recruiters usually laugh that all applicants, judging by the answers, are terrible workaholics and perfectionists. Try going against the norm and actually name a couple of your own weak points. Of course, not those that are incompatible with this job (and if there are, then this job is simply not suitable for you). You will be surprised, but often this is exactly what is expected. The ability to evaluate yourself objectively and name your “growth zones” speaks of maturity. Just don’t confuse admitting certain weaknesses with listing all your sins.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?” The employer does not expect a reliable answer and will not check in five years. He is interested in something else: what your desires are focused on and what your ambitions are. If your goal is a leadership position, and the company is looking for a person to fill a vacancy without career growth, then for the employer this may be a sign that you will not last long in one place. Or vice versa - they are looking for a very active and in a good way ambitious, who will build a division from scratch, in which at first you will have to work alone, but you would be satisfied with just a calm, stable job.
“Why should we hire you for this position?” Summarize what has been said, describe the ideal candidate for the position and find the commonality between this portrait and your qualities: “If I understand correctly, you are looking for an attentive and responsible secretary. At my last job, I was the only assistant who never received a fine from accounting for errors in documents. I seem to be perfect for you."

Experienced HR specialists, over years of practice, have developed their own collection of unique questions that, in their opinion, help to reveal a candidate well. Don't be surprised if you are asked about something that is not directly related to the job - the interviewer is simply trying to better understand your motivation and other things that are important for this job.

Projective interview

To better understand a candidate's personality type and behavioral patterns, employers ask projective questions: they ask the candidate to express opinions about people and situations with which he has no connection. The candidate does not need to talk about himself, so he begins to act more freely. But since a person judges events and other people from the point of view of his experience, the interviewer draws useful conclusions from his story.

Projective questions sound like this:

“Why do people make a career?” The employer is trying to find out about the candidate’s motives, to understand why career growth is or is not important to him.
“Describe the typical causes of conflict in a team.” From the answer to this question, you can learn about the negative experience of the candidate, his ideas about the team that is comfortable and uncomfortable for him.
“Which client can become a problem for the company?” This is also a question about negative experiences, about conflicts that the employee may have again in the future.
“Why do some people succeed in life while others fail?” The answer to the question will tell you how the candidate imagines success: what are its reasons, how to repeat it.

You can bring the interviewer back from hypothetical situations to reality: “I can’t speak for everyone, but I personally think...”

Behavioral interview

Successes and failures at work depend not only on the person himself. The results are influenced by many factors: from available technical means to the criteria for assessing work in a particular organization. There are often cases when a successful professional from one company was lured to another, but he was unable to repeat his success in the new place.

To avoid such situations, employers examine the person's behavior in the previous job - and evaluate whether the person can become successful in their company. The behavioral interview has a strict structure and scoring criteria. The interview candidate is asked to talk about specific problems and tasks that he solved.

Typically, a behavioral interview is structured according to the following scheme:

What problem did you need to solve?
What resources did you have at your disposal?
What solution path did you choose?
What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Evaluate the result.

Think in advance about what own successes or failures I would like to tell a potential employer. If possible, collect facts and figures before the interview that will help tell the story.

Case interview

Case is problematic situation which the candidate is asked to solve. In such a problem, the employer includes a question that is important to him. For example, a company is looking for an absolutely honest person for a position in the financial department and tests this quality with the help of cases. During an interview at this company, a candidate will be given a task that can be solved in several obvious ways, one of which is to cheat and tell a lie. They are also trying to test the level of empathy of those whose future work involves a lot of communication with clients.

Typically, the employer describes a hypothetical situation and asks the candidate to tell how he would get out of this situation. For example:

You have a limited budget for holding a mass event. What will you save on so that the quality of the event is minimally affected?
There have been a number of negative publications about your company in the media. You know that everything written is true, but the manager wants a refutation. Describe an algorithm of actions to solve this problem.

It is very difficult to understand what exactly the employer wants to find out using a case. It’s better not to guess, but to honestly tell how you think the problem can be solved.

Assessment center (personnel assessment center)

Another complex method assessments - assessment center - includes several blocks at once: tests, business games, group discussions and individual presentation of the candidate. This is very effective method assessment, which at the same time takes a lot of time and is rarely used by a limited number of employers (not every company can afford to organize such an assessment system), and not for any positions (mainly for assessing middle managers).

Get ready to do a little self-presentation, take a test, possibly participate in business games, solve problems in a team and present your solutions.

In this case, the employer evaluates the candidate according to many parameters at once: he sees how he communicates, solves problems, what roles he plays in the team and how he builds relationships. That's why best advice to prepare for such an interview - get enough sleep, come to it in good shape and in a working mood.

Group interview

This method is used to quickly fill a “bulk” position or several vacancies at once: for example, select several call center operators or several sales consultants. The employer manages to get to know all the candidates in a short time and ask them the same questions. Be polite and act natural - this is enough to make a good impression.

Questions to test your wits

Sometimes an interview question is perplexing. For example:

“Why are sewer manholes round?”
“What would you do if you were shrunk to the size of a coin and found yourself in a mixer that would start working in a few minutes?”
“How many yellow cars are there in the Czech Republic?”

There is no correct answer to these questions. The employer just wants to know exactly how the candidate will reason. This is important for positions in which new solutions must be proposed, rather than performing routine operations according to instructions. Take a break and think about your answer. Here it is important to simply speculate on the topic - say, compare the number of inhabitants of the Czech Republic with the total number of cars and the popularity of yellow, and the like: it all depends on your imagination and sense of humor. The main thing is not to get lost and express your assumptions, even if no one knows the exact number of yellow cars in the Czech Republic.

Focus on your answers, not the employer's thoughts.

It is impossible to predict the employer's questions and train of thought. Maybe he tests your knowledge of the automotive industry with a question about yellow cars in the Czech Republic, and gives case studies to check how coherently you express your thoughts. It's better to focus on your answers and do your best to get interesting work.

And most importantly, try to be sincere. Let's say you successfully pretend to be a completely different person in your desire to get this job. And then it turns out that this job (neither its functionality, nor the peculiarities of the internal culture in the company) really suits you at all. Was it worth cheating?

And remember - you are also evaluating the employer. Ask questions that are important to you. Not only about the salary and work schedule, but ask more about the functionality itself, about how and what the company works, what the special features are, and why the vacancy opened. For some reason, many people think that this can scare them away. On the contrary: recruiters and managers who conduct interviews often complain that candidates don’t ask much and nod to everything. In fact, your questions show your interest and serious approach to choosing a job - and this in itself is an advantage.

Good luck with your interview!

A worthy conclusion to the first stage of a long and difficult job search process will be an invitation to an interview.

How to pass an interview? How to behave? What to say at an interview? All these questions are of great concern to applicants for workplace, and knowing the answers to them is one of the conditions for your employment. Before answering these questions, let’s first consider what an interview with an employer is.

A job interview is about finding out the applicant's experience., as well as his personal qualities, i.e. getting to know him.

An interview is a conversation between equal people, each of whom has his own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common.

Even if you already have extensive job search experience, remember that It is necessary to prepare in advance for each new job interview.

As a rule, the most qualified specialists, who quite reasonably lay claim to the most Good work. Often, on the other hand, the lower the specialist’s bar, the less prepared he is for the interview. Therefore, whenever you receive an invitation for an interview, use the tips below:

A job interview should be viewed as a negotiation about a potential collaboration.

When building a partnership with a manager during an interview, it is important to:

firstly, present yourself as a mature and formed personality, aware of your value and individuality (which increases your chances of success),
secondly, it’s easier to accept a refusal, because in this case it will be the result of a difference of views, which cannot in any way diminish your dignity.

It will be easier for you to succeed in an interview if you:

persistent
stress-resistant
friendly
charming
neat
punctual
responsible
flexible (able to quickly adapt to the situation)
are proactive

Behavior at an interview

When you come to the office, try to be polite and patient with everyone.
Conscientiously fill out all questionnaires and forms that are offered to you.
Introduce yourself at the beginning of the interview. Ask what the name of the interlocutor is.
Keep eye contact.
Listen carefully to questions without interrupting the other person.
If you are not sure that you understood the question well, do not hesitate to clarify ("Did I understand correctly that...").
Avoid verbosity, answer to the point.
Be objective and truthful, but don't be too revealing.
Faced with the need to give negative information about yourself, do not deny facts that are true, but be sure to try to balance them with positive information about yourself.
Behave with dignity, try not to give the impression of a loser or a distressed person; however, refrain from being provocative.
If you are offered the opportunity to ask questions, be sure to ask, but don’t get carried away (2-3 questions).
When asking questions, first of all be interested in the content of the work and the conditions for its successful completion.
Avoid asking questions about pay at the first stage of the interview.
Be sure to clarify how you will find out about the result of the interview, try to negotiate the right to call yourself.
When concluding your interview, remember the usual rules of politeness.
For many questions, you won’t have to prepare for an interview all over again each time. But on some points, each new employer needs to be approached taking into account its specifics; in order not to miss these features, time and effort are needed to prepare for the interview. However, remember that, first of all, the employer is interested in qualified specialists and professionals. Try to demonstrate your relevant qualities during the conversation.

And some more tips on how to pass a job interview:

Before the interview, think about how you will dress. Appearance and demeanor are very important and practically determine the first impression.
If you are going for an interview at a financial institution, choose a conservative business attire.

If you are going for an interview in construction organization or a design firm, you can afford to dress in a more relaxed style.

You can try to find out in advance whether the company has a business style or a more casual style of clothing, but in any case, it is better to dress more formally for the interview.

If showing up to work in jeans is considered normal at this company, you can afford it when you start working, but you shouldn’t show up to an interview in a sweater and jeans.

In any case, you should look neat and tidy.

It is best for a woman to wear a formal suit or a fairly conservative dress for an interview, without going to extremes when choosing skirt length, colors and jewelry. Avoid wearing harsh perfume or cologne.
Make sure in advance that you know how to get to the company building and where to leave the car. Leave the house early.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. This will show that you respect the interviewer and value his time. If you are still late, try to call back and warn about the delay.
Remember that when choosing from several equally qualified candidates, your ability to make a favorable impression during the interview will play a decisive role.
Get a good night's sleep before going to the interview. Sleep-deprived people never make a good impression. Try to go to bed at your usual time, no earlier or later.
Don't drink a lot of fluids. You may not be able to find a toilet in an unfamiliar organization and will feel bad during the interview.
If you are introduced to someone, make every effort to correctly hear and remember that person's name. If you can immediately address your interlocutor by name, it will make a favorable impression. Asking again will reveal excessive nervousness.
It is important to find out the duration of the interview and stick to the agreed time. This will help to correctly distribute the time between answers and questions, and determine the degree of detail of the answers.
Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet in the office. Don't forget to smile when entering the interviewer's office.
Don't forget how important body language is. Your handshake is no less important: your hand should be dry and warm; The handshake should be firm, but not too strong. Watch your posture, try to look into the eyes. However, do not take anything to extremes.
Be sure to bring with you to the interview as many documents as possible confirming your qualifications, education and additional knowledge.
If you are asked to fill out any forms, it is best to take them with you and return them to the shortest possible time. When working with them at home, practice on a rough draft. Remember that everything matters: literacy, blots, handwriting, and clarity of wording.
Don’t forget, when ending the conversation, to agree on when and how you will learn about the results, and thank the interviewer.

When the interview is completed:

You were asked to wait for an answer, promising to call. If the wait, in your opinion, is too long, do not hesitate to contact the company yourself. You may be rejected (if you know this, you can focus your search efforts on other properties). Or perhaps your call will allow the head of the company to solve the problem of choosing from many candidates in your favor.
If you are still rejected, do not despair, because:
- employers are people too and, like all normal people, they can make mistakes;
- an interview, even if unsuccessful, is a coin in the treasury of your experience;
- Well, who told you that this missed chance was your only one?

Appearance

You are going to your first meeting with an employer. According to the job description, everything suits you. Therefore, you prepare for the interview especially carefully: make amendments to your resume, mentally think through the answers to possible, including tricky, questions, and study the Russian-English phrasebook at night. Finally, you need to think about your appearance so that the employer has a favorable first impression of you.

Personal and corporate style

The style of clothing largely depends on the position and institution in which you are going to work.

The closer your profession is to creativity, the fewer rules there are. A creative person needs to emphasize his individuality and, probably, it would not be very correct to give him advice - his creativity should prompt him.
For representatives of conservative professions best option- fashionable classic. This means looking fashionable, but not provocative.

Accordingly, if you are going to work in a bank, you do not need to have a nose ring. And to work in night club you don't show up buttoned up in a sharp, classic suit.

There is one win-win option. If you have not been to this institution before and are not familiar with its procedures, before deciding what to wear, take a walk in front of your future place of work and observe what people wear there. Try to appear in the same style during the interview.

Hairstyle

The quality of a haircut is immediately visible, especially on short hair, so before getting a job you should go to a salon where the haircut is not the cheapest.

A business woman can stop at a haircut, because the longer the hair, the more time and money it takes to care for it. Ungroomed long hair is the worst thing you can imagine.
Today it is fashionable to dye your hair in several colors. Let these be non-contrasting colors that smoothly flow into one another and create the feeling of one, but very beautiful and deep color. The haircut should look almost unstyled.
Longer hair is in fashion for men compared to last season.

Costume

Opt for the clothes in which you feel organic. This will give you confidence when talking to an employer, and you can fully focus on your business skills.
The length of the skirt is a matter of figure and preference, however, when going to a serious organization, it is better to choose classic version The length of the skirt for a business suit is mid-knee.
Pants should be rather wide.
Jewelry and gold are acceptable, so you can safely complement your outfit with a large bracelet, ring and earrings. However, it is worth balancing your appearance and the amount of jewelry with official salary, which you are applying for.
Even in hot weather, ladies should abandon their neckline and cover their shoulders.
A business suit implies closed shoes, that is, shoes, not sandals. It is unlikely that you will suffer from the heat, since decent places have air conditioning everywhere. Shoes, unlike a suit, can be of a bolder and more fashionable design, not necessarily classic.
When going for an interview, it is better to avoid certain colors in clothing. Red can make your interlocutor feel aggressive, while brown can make you feel unsure of yourself.
The color of clothing should be selected depending on the color of the hair and eyes, as well as the season. In summer, light colors: cream, light green, blue, beige. In winter, you can stay in beige or change into a darker suit. The combination of black and white is in fashion.
You shouldn't dress too colorfully - you risk appearing frivolous.

Some advice for men:

Avoid provocative tie colors. This detail in a business suit should be in the same tone as boots and socks.
Black shoes are not worn with light-colored trousers, and vice versa.
Many men do not attach importance to manicure, and in vain. If during a conversation you decide to smoke a cigarette, then your unkempt hands will immediately catch the eye of your interlocutor. By the way, when you first meet an employer, do not advertise your bad habit. Firstly, many organizations do not smoke, and secondly, a healthy lifestyle is in fashion.

Makeup and perfume

Cosmetics should be in natural tones. And here it is appropriate to recall a principle that has long been abandoned, but is applicable when applying for a job: color matching of nail polish and lipstick.
The perfume should be quite discreet; you should not use evening scents.

And finally, the most important thing during the interview- your self-confidence. You consider yourself a professional who deserves this place, right? So let it be read on your face, and success will not be long in coming.

Interview questions, which answers are better?

Interview questions: what's behind them?

Prepare carefully for an interview with an employer. Sometimes it resembles preparation for secret work. The job search is almost complete, and all that remains is to make the final push towards the desired goal. Before a meeting with an employer, manuals are studied, speculative dialogues are built, and answers to not yet asked questions are rehearsed.

An interview in its genre is least reminiscent of an exam, where for each question there is a single correct answer that the examiner knows for sure. An interview is a conversation between equal people, each of whom has his own position that has the right to exist, and a certain range of interests that can become common. And success at an interview does not depend on the ability to calculate the correct answers, but on the ability to be an interesting interlocutor.

Therefore, when asked how to answer questions at an interview, you can briefly answer - honestly. Often people are interested not only in what you say, but also in how you say it. Behind every question there is more than just a desire to find out something about you, but also your ability to conduct a dialogue, to be open to your interlocutor.

What is behind the employer's questions?

So, let's look at some frequently asked interview questions.

Tell us about your failures

Some people fall into a slight stupor after such a proposal. Some try to convince their interlocutor that his whole life is pure luck, others try to laugh it off by remembering his last marriage or the country in which he was destined to be born. But for the employer, rather, it is important not just to list the situations in which you failed, but to understand what you evaluate as a failure, whether you are able to talk about it, and how you overcome difficulties. None of us is immune from failures; everyone, including the person sitting opposite you, has had their ups and downs. And the value of life experience lies not in the number of years you have worked in a position, but in life experience, the ability to “get up” after failures, move forward after mistakes made, the reasonableness of decisions made and the ability not to step on the same rake. Only a person who is able to admit and draw conclusions from his mistakes knows how to move forward.

List your strengths and weaknesses

Another question that becomes a stumbling block for many. Guides for job seekers suggest presenting your weaknesses as a continuation of your strengths, for example, telling your employer how you can’t quit what you started, and leaving work on time is simply beyond your strength.

If you answer this question as written, you certainly demonstrate a good knowledge of the literature on this issue, a good memory and, at the same time, absolute inflexibility, the inability to “creatively” process the material you read. Don’t forget that HR managers also read books, and if they seem to you like narrow-minded people who can “swallow” any information, you are mistaken. Behind this question lies not so much a desire to really learn about your positive and negative qualities, but rather the ability to be open, the ability to respond to awkward questions, self confidence. Don’t give away cliches, each of us has quite a lot of shortcomings that “have the right to life” - some lose their ability to work under the gaze of ill-wishers, some cannot stand routine work, and most of us have difficulty getting up in the morning to get to work on time. Think about what is truly unique to you and don’t be afraid to be frank. After all, only a self-confident person can talk about his shortcomings without fear for his reputation.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

The question, rather, is not about career achievements, but about the ability to see prospects, understand how one can move towards the intended goal, internal motives, the ability to plan one’s own life and see intermediate results. Depending on what you say, it is not difficult to understand how objectively you view yourself as a professional, whether you are interested in the profession itself or are you more interested in career growth, how accurately you relate your own development and promotion.

Personal life

For some reason, all questions affecting this area also cause great confusion. What is better - to be married or not, to be with children or childless, what family status has advantages? You can discuss this as long as you like, but you have the family status that you have, and you are unlikely to change it depending on the wishes of the employer. In most cases, these questions are not intended to penetrate the secrets of your personal life, but rather to understand the limit to which you are able to talk about yourself with a stranger. How open you are and how you maintain the boundaries of your “I”, are you sufficiently independent and self-sufficient, do you talk about what worries you, or try to avoid discussing personal topics. And if you prefer not to talk about your private life, how delicately can you do this.

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Possible questions

The most common questions you should prepare to answer.

Obviously, no one can predict in advance all the questions that might be asked in an interview. The theoretical exception is structured interviews, where all candidates are asked the same pre-prepared list of questions. But this type of interview is rarely used. However, in practice, you can make a list of 15-20 questions, many of which, in one form or another, are asked at almost every interview. Let's consider a number of such questions.

Tell us a little about yourself

This is a great chance to present yourself in the best light, especially if you have prepared in advance. Knowingly or unknowingly, the employer is looking for a worker who CAN do the job, i.e. has the appropriate qualifications, experience, etc., and WANTS to do it.

The employer must see interested employee and understand what explains this interest.
The employer is looking for someone who is manageable, i.e. feels his responsibility, demonstrates submission to discipline, receptivity to criticism, knows how to listen and understand what he is told.

You should prepare and practice a story about yourself that will show that you have the listed required qualities, which are especially important from the point of view of employers. If you are applying for a specific position or job that you know, your story should be structured with this in mind. When talking about yourself, reduce formal biographical information and do not get carried away with details. The most important thing is to mention your practical experience, your knowledge and skills that can be useful to the employer, as well as your attitude to work and interest.

I take responsibility for the assigned work, I am easy to learn, and I am disciplined.
I can and want to do this work because it interests me.

What questions do you have?

This question can be asked right at the beginning of the conversation, and only preliminary preparation will help you navigate correctly. It is advisable to prepare a list of questions in advance so that during the interview, taking into account the context of the conversation, you can offer them to the employer.

You should not ask more than three differently directed questions, unless the current situation forces you to do so.

Why did you choose this job (organization)?

Give serious reasons: the desire to apply your qualifications and work experience where they can give the greatest return, opportunities for growth, the attractiveness of working in a strong team, etc.

The following answers to the question are possible:

I see prospects for my development in your company.
I want my knowledge to be applied, and I want to gain the experience of a professional.
I want to do interesting things in your team.

Have you received other job offers?

If you have received it, then say so directly. Knowing that someone else is willing to hire you will only improve your chances. Of course, it should be added that this work interests you more.

Have you been interviewed in other places?

As a rule, you can honestly say yes, but take your time to say where exactly.

Will your personal life interfere with this job, which involves traveling and long working hours?

This question is asked more often to women. To such an attempt to circumvent the law, answer firmly: “No, it won’t hurt.”

What are your strengths?

Emphasize first of all those qualities that are useful for this job.

What are your weaknesses?

Under no circumstances should you answer this question directly and honestly. It should be turned so as to shift the emphasis, mentioning the shortcomings, talk about the advantages that overcompensate for them.

Why do you want this job? Why should we hire you?

This is the best question to "sell" yourself. But you should carefully prepare for it in advance.

Why did you leave your previous job?

You shouldn't talk about conflicts, even if they existed. Never criticize your former boss or employer. If the interviewer knows that you had a conflict, do not go into detail, explain that it was a unique case associated with special circumstances and highlight the positive things that were in your previous job: experience, skills, professional connections, etc. .

Why did you decide to change jobs?

This question is often asked to those who are working at the time of the interview. It is difficult to answer this question well. We can say that the organization has exhausted the real opportunities for your professional and job growth, and you would not want to stop there.

How do you imagine your position in three (five) years?

It’s better to answer in a more streamlined way: I would like to work in the same organization, but in a more responsible job.

What is your work experience?

The following answers to the question are possible:

My first work experience was gained in a school brigade.
In practice (list where and in what capacity you completed it).

What salary are you expecting?

At the beginning of the conversation, it is better to try to evade the answer by saying that you do not consider it necessary to discuss salary in the first place. If the interviewer insists, then name an amount that is attractive to you and meets the expectations, capabilities and standards of the organization. If you do not have such information, then do not underestimate the amount you quote, but indicate your readiness to discuss this issue separately after familiarizing yourself in detail with the content and conditions of the work.

The following answers to the question are possible:

I believe that the payment will not be below the average at your enterprise.
Salary according to staffing table Your company will suit me.
I hope for a reasonable salary level commensurate with the amount of work.

What else would you like to know?

Never say you don't have questions. Try to ask a question that would speak in favor of your hiring. For example, ask to clarify something important for work that was not sufficiently covered in the previous conversation. Think about such questions in advance. But don’t try to ask all these questions during an interview if you are not asked to do so. Don't forget to thank the employer for the information provided.

What changes would you make if you took this job?

The question is often asked to applicants for managerial and administrative positions. You should show your familiarity with such situations and the ability to take initiative, but do not overdo it, showing a willingness to leave no stone unturned. Also beware of suggesting changes if you have not had the opportunity to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the state of affairs.

These are the most typical interview questions asked of candidates. Sometimes, you may encounter unexpected and seemingly harmless questions. For example: “What did you do today?” Think about how you can benefit from answering this question. However, the problem is also how you actually spend your time and what lifestyle will increase your chances of getting a job.

Who does the employer need?

If you are applying for a position on the hierarchical ladder, then be prepared for what will be required of you:

knowledge, experience, skills;
education (preferably specialized);
work experience (preferably in your specialty or related fields);
versatility (eg financial director with knowledge of accounting);
specific things that improved the condition;
computer literacy;
ability to learn quickly;
communication skills;
initiative;
systematic;
ability to predict and analyze;
discipline
decency;
self-control;
persistence in problem solving;
desire for professional growth.

charm, pleasantness in communication;
ability to work in a team;
fast adaptation;
enthusiasm;
endurance in extreme situations;
stress resistance;
reliability.

helpfulness;
friendliness;
caring;
tact;
sense of humor.

Key interview points to consider in advance

A person is still greeted by his clothes, so appearance plays an important role. No one will demand that you wear Armani suits, but you should look neat and businesslike. This does not mean at all that you should change your style - first of all, you should feel comfortable, but try to choose clothes that best suit the occasion. Hair and hands should have a well-groomed appearance; makeup is very important for ladies. The property of the human psyche is such that the first impression has a decisive influence on subsequent attitudes.

You must arrive at the meeting exactly at the appointed time. Lateness is unacceptable. If you are delayed for objective reasons, call and try to reschedule the appointment. If circumstances are such that you can arrive earlier than the appointed time, call again and find out if the employer can accommodate you.

During the interview process, the employer sets the direction of the conversation, so give clear answers to the questions posed. Stingy “yes”, “no”, “didn’t have”, “wasn’t a member” are unlikely to serve you well, but you shouldn’t go into lengthy explanations either. Your comments should be brief but meaningful.

Resist the temptation to exaggerate your merits or exorbitantly embellish your professional experience. Provide only information that is factual. Otherwise, you can only harm yourself. Firstly, the veracity of your answers can be easily verified during the interview, not to mention the fact that the employer can directly contact your previous management; secondly, they may take your word for it, but give you a small practical test.

Give a constructive analysis of your previous activities. Don't be afraid to talk about your weaknesses. Naturally, you shouldn’t focus on them, but you shouldn’t avoid this topic either. By admitting and analyzing your mistakes, you only earn yourself extra points - only those who do nothing do not make mistakes.

Any employer tries to find out the reasons for leaving previous jobs. It's safer to tell the truth again. Refrain from reproaches against the former leadership - the bosses have their own solidarity. If you were completely sick of your previous job, and you want to curse this whole sharashka office unbearably, resort to the help of the same constructive criticism. So, at least, you will declare yourself as a thinking and analyzing person.

When the employer has received all the information he is interested in about you, it is your turn to ask questions. In almost all Western recommendations on job search technology, you will find advice to obtain as much information as possible about the company before the interview. In our country, unfortunately, this is not always possible, but the Internet makes the task much easier - the number of corporate websites is growing by leaps and bounds. However, at the interview there is no shame, but it is simply necessary to ask to talk about the organization in which you may have to work, about the place that you can occupy in it, the prospects of your professional growth. It is quite correct to be interested in your level of income, without, however, bringing this topic to the fore.

At the end of the interview, the Employer will most likely inform you that they will consider your candidacy and will contact you. In the West, where the culture of relations in the labor market has long been formed, the candidate is notified of the decision made, regardless of whether it is positive or negative. In our still largely uncivilized country, you are unlikely to be disturbed if your candidacy turns out to be unsuitable, so ask the employer to clarify whether he will contact you in any case, or only if the decision is positive. Agree on how long you can expect a response, ask if you can call yourself and find out the result.

Time to think belongs not only to the employer, but also to you. You also make your choice. Among other things, it is useful to decide for yourself what this company will be for you in the light of your future career - a career ladder, or just a step in it, i.e. Are you going to develop and grow professionally within the organization or are you just looking at it as an opportunity to reach a higher level? professional level. From decision taken It largely depends on how you build relationships with the new management and team.

How to increase self-confidence, develop and develop self-esteem

All of us know that a person who exudes confidence in himself and his actions easily makes contacts, more often solves his problems positively, moves up the career ladder faster, realizes himself more fully and, as a result, is happier. Therefore, it is necessary and very important to develop self-confidence. In order to gain confidence, we offer 12 steps that will help you change your self-esteem and teach you to be confident in various life situations.

Step 1. Decide what is valuable to you, what you believe in, what you would like to see your life like. Analyze your plans and evaluate them from the point of view of today, so that you can take advantage of this when you notice certain shifts.

Step 2. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. Try to analyze your past from time to time, but don't let it take over you. Make room for small but pleasant memories. The bad past will live in your memory until you eradicate it yourself.

Step 3. Feelings of guilt and shame will not help you achieve success. Don't let them take over you.

Step 4. Look within yourself for the reasons for your failures. When you blame the state, circumstances, other people for your troubles and misfortunes, you refuse the role of master of your own life. Successful man takes an active life position and changes himself. And in any case, he will find an opportunity to stay firmly on his feet under the blow of certain circumstances.

Step 5. Don't forget that each event can be assessed differently. Thanks to this way of looking at things, you will be patient with people and calmly respond to attitudes that previously seemed biased to you.

Step 6. Never talk bad about yourself. And especially avoid attributing negative traits to yourself: “stupid”, “incapable”, “unhappy”. This can develop an unwanted stable stereotype in the subconscious.

Step 7 Your actions can be assessed in different ways. If someone constructively criticizes your actions, use it to your advantage, but don't allow others to criticize you as an individual.

Step 8 Remember that sometimes failure is success. Thanks to defeat, you can conclude that, firstly, you set yourself erroneous goals that were not worth the effort, and secondly, you managed to avoid further, possibly even greater troubles.

Step 9 Your positive attitude towards life is the key to good health and inner balance, high spiritual health. How you see this world depends only on you. Life is too short to waste it on depression.

Step 10 Give yourself the opportunity to relax from time to time, listen to your thoughts, do what you like, sometimes be alone with yourself. This way you can understand yourself better. These moments provide an opportunity to accumulate energy in order to take a decisive or significant step forward.

Step 11 Choose several serious goals for yourself, on the way to which you need to achieve smaller, intermediate ones. Consider soberly what means you will need to achieve these intermediate goals. Don't leave any of yours unattended successful step and don't forget to encourage and praise yourself.

Step 12 Be confident. And remember these words: You are not a passive object on which troubles fall, not a blade of grass that tremblingly waits to be stepped on. You are the top of the evolutionary pyramid, a unique personality, an active creator of your life, you lead events! You are the arbiter of your own destiny!

Reasons why they don't get a job

pathetic appearance;
know-it-all mannerisms;
lack of a career plan and clear goals;
lack of sincerity and balance;
lack of interest and enthusiasm;
lack of tact;
lack of politeness;
indecision;
little knowledge in the specialty;
lack of determination;
inability to express oneself: weak voice, poor diction;
reluctance to start from the bottom: expecting too much too quickly;
unkind reviews about previous employers;
desire for self-justification, evasiveness, reference to unfavorable factors;
intolerance with highly developed prejudices;
narrowness of interests;
inability to value time;
poor management of one's own affairs;
lack of interest in social life;
lack of understanding of the value of experience;
inability to take criticism;
obsession with money;
expressed reluctance to learn;
the desire to simply settle in;
unsuccessful family life;
poor relationship with parents;
reluctance to look your interlocutor in the eye;
sloppiness;
cynicism;
being late for an interview without good reason;
no questions about work to a potential employer;
uncertainty of answers to questions;
low moral level.

Rules of conduct during an interview

When greeting a company representative, do not shake hands first.
Do not sit down until you are asked to do so.
Listen carefully. Follow the direction of the conversation that the interviewer sets.
Before answering a question, try to understand why it was asked, how to highlight your strengths in your answer, and what not to talk about.
When discussing previous jobs, do not criticize your former boss or colleagues.
Do not start discussing your personal or financial problems unless you are specifically asked about it.
You can name a salary that will satisfy you, but not before you are asked about it.
When ending the interview, thank the interviewee for their attention.

Preparing for an interview

Try to provide yourself with information about the organization you want to work for.
Carry copies of all necessary documents, professional resume, copies of education certificates.
Get ready to give the names and phone numbers of people recommending you, having previously agreed with them.
Find out exactly the location of the organization and the route so as not to be late.
Make sure you have enough time and don't get stressed if the interview goes on for a long time.
Stick to it business style in clothes.
Make a list of expected questions and prepare possible answers.
Prepare specifically to discuss the issue of wages.
Practice your answers to the most likely questions well, doing this in the form of a game interview rehearsal.
Be sure to prepare the questions you will ask if you are offered this opportunity.

When preparing for an interview, it is very important to do some background research. It is necessary to collect as much information as possible about the company where you are going for an interview and about the people you will meet.

Useful information can be obtained in many ways. If we are talking about a large enterprise, get to know its products or services. Many organizations distribute their brochures and brochures. Try to find articles in newspapers or magazines about this organization.

You can talk to a person who works or has worked in this organization. You can learn a lot of useful things from him, but you should take into account the subjective nature of such stories. Perhaps a consultant from the agency you contacted can answer some of your questions.

What you need to know about the organization you are going to for an interview:

What products or services does the organization offer?
Where and to whom are products and services sold?
How many years has the organization been in existence?
How have the organization's mission changed since its inception?
Is the leadership team stable or does it change frequently?
What is the legal status of the organization?
Have there been attempts to take over the organization by other companies?
Did the organization make a profit last year? Over the past three years?
Have there been any staff reductions in the last three years? Why?
Is the organization part of any larger association?
Does the press pay much attention to organization? Why?
What is the press response about the organization?
What is the attitude towards employees in this organization?
What new projects are being developed in the organization?
Is the organization based domestically or has partners or branches abroad?
What are the prospects for the industry to which the organization belongs?

Self-presentation

You and the employer: 10 rules for success

Rule 1. Collect all the documents you may need in advance. Recording from written recommendations, telephones. Don’t forget also your diploma, certificate of completion of courses (if you have one), passport, work book and resume, preferably in two copies. Carefully sort all the papers into files, this will be eloquent evidence of your diligence and thrift.

Rule 2. Write your presentation speech on a piece of paper and rehearse it in front of the mirror. Think in advance about what and how you will say.

Rule 3. Don't try to make a favorable impression with just your appearance. Be natural, a strict business look is most acceptable. Remember, first impressions are very important.

Rule 4. Relax. Nervousness is immediately noticeable, but moreover, it inspires the employer with an unpleasant thought: “Why is this person so worried? Does he want to hide something? Or is he not confident in his abilities? " It’s good to get a good night’s sleep and set yourself up for success. It is better not to take any medications if you do not want to look sleepy and lethargic.

Rule 5. Don't be afraid of rejection. Prepare mentally for any outcome of the interview.

Rule 6. Behave naturally and kindly, don’t be tight. You should not wear a mask that you invented for this occasion. The most important thing is constant politeness. Try to listen more than you tell, excessive talkativeness will only do harm.

Rule 7. Don't try to show your superiority. Of course, you need to demonstrate your competence, but nothing more.

Rule 8. Avoid ingratiation and flattery - this immediately becomes noticeable and few people like it. Be moderately free and independent (but don’t overdo it!), don’t fuss or be timid. Then the employer will treat you with the same respect as you treat yourself.

Rule 9. Don't speak badly about anyone or try to denigrate anyone. former management, work colleagues, competitors. It won't make you shine. Even your weaknesses can be used for good (For example: slowness allows you not to miss details and do the work carefully).

Rule 10. Do not agree to the proposed terms right away. It’s better to say: “I’ll think about it.” A stranger who is ready for anything looks more like a dropout or an adventurer.

Discussion decided to write this post.
I graduated from the Department of Statistics and Econometrics. When I was studying, I decided that I would apply statistics in insurance. I wrote a thesis on insurance topics, coursework, etc.
Naturally, I decided to work for an insurance company. I got a job in a fairly large company, with losses in property, with the hope of moving to the actuarial department. After a year and a half, I buried this dream, because this company does actuarial calculations only in Moscow.
Suddenly, a vacancy appeared on a headhunter called “actuary in the VHI department.” Region - St. Petersburg. Just what I needed, I thought!
I sent my resume. A day passed, two, three... I read it, but “there was no response,” and I started calling the HR department. I called there about 7-8 times over the course of a week and a half. They never connected me to the HR department!!!
Realizing that such vacancies in St. Petersburg do not appear more often than once every two years, I decided to come to the HR department
She has arrived. Standing at the door of the HR department, I say: “Hello! I saw such and such a vacancy on the site, I want to work in this position. The madam from the HR department, with the attitude of “there are many of you, I am alone,” answered: “Ahhh... This vacancy has already been closed.” I turn around. I'm very sad. For for three years I slept with an econometrics textbook under my pillow, not in order to then tinker with judicial practice. Now I turned around and heard: “Do you have any experience in insurance?” I, happy that a year and a half of my life was not wasted, joyfully answer that I not only worked for a year and a half in a large company, but also graduated from the Department of Statistics and Econometrics, and now I’m finishing my master’s degree in the Department of Insurance. Madame picks up the phone, dials the number and asks: “Hello, Manya? Is such and such a vacancy already closed?... Ah-ah, not closed, is it another one that is closed?” In general, she took me to the head of the department, who was looking for an employee. The head of the department needed a person who:
1) using statistical methods, will be able to take into account seasonality;
2) knows the basic insurance formulas (loss ratio of the insured amount/premium, frequency of losses, etc.);
3) owns Excel, capable of building a pivot table, and using the “VLOOKUP” function for its intended purpose.
I successfully completed all the tasks. We did not agree on the salary, which was not only lower than mine at that time, but also below the average for St. Petersburg; the head of the department could not agree on such a salary with her manager. As far as I know, no one was hired for this vacancy.
Actually, this is a post about how a person with specialized education It can be difficult to find a job: in general, I am a completely ready specialist, but getting to an interview is a big problem. Apparently, they never read my resume on the website.
By the way, I got to the previous company (the one where I worked at a loss) only after 3 months of “siege”. In addition, during 2.5 years of work, 9 people were hired into my department, of which 6 people were brought in by the head of the department (and not by the HR department). Of these 6 people, 6 had specialized insurance education (higher or secondary).
It's funny, isn't it?

The interview is in full swing, and you have already managed to talk about your education, achievements and explain why you would like to work in this company. What should you add to consolidate your success and make the right career decision? It's important to ask the right questions about your future job. Moreover, their sequence (which question to ask first, and which one is better not to rush) also matters.

Question one: about the content of the work
Of course, during the interview you probably already discussed what your responsibilities would be. In addition, this is usually described in the vacancy announcement. Therefore, in your question you need to clarify what remains unclear in the functionality.

For example, you apply for the position of PR manager in an existing public relations department. Clarify exactly what your role will be in establishing PR communications. What is more important for a specialist hired to join a team - to be a competent and creative writer of texts or a talented organizer?

Another example is an interview for a sales assistant position in a perfume store. You have already discussed that your responsibilities will include consulting clients, working the cash register and displaying goods. Specify exactly how it is customary to advise buyers in trading floor- wait for their questions or provide information about the store’s assortment yourself?

Questions about functionality must be asked, even if everything seems clear and understandable to you: this will emphasize your high motivation and show the recruiter that you are responsible and responsible for him. professional person.

Question two: about tasks
Be sure to ask about your strategic goals future work. What does your future employer expect from you, say, over an annual period? What are the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of your work?

For example, an applicant for a sales manager position may ask what the sales plan is for the next year. A candidate for the position of HR inspector - ask about the expected growth in the number of personnel and, therefore, the volume of work.

By doing this, you will show that you know how to think strategically and plan your activities. In addition, a clear understanding of your tasks in the company is a real career driver. You can always independently evaluate your work, using the performance criteria agreed upon during the interview.

Question three: how to quickly join the team
Be sure to ask what your first days of work will be like. Is there any induction or training planned? Will you have a mentor you can turn to for any question? What are the criteria by which success will be assessed? probationary period?

This question is especially important if the work will be somewhat new to you. For example, if you previously worked at small company, and now they have come to an international corporation. Or if you were doing PR in the retail sector, and now - in restaurant business.

Question four: why did this vacancy appear?
The answer to this question may give you food for thought. If the vacancy is new, then you will have to draw up a work schedule yourself and discuss the responsibilities in detail, as well as strategic goals with the supervisor and HR manager. You will also have to think about the means to achieve these goals - after all, the vacancy is new, and this work has not been carried out before you.

If the position has been with the company for a long time, pay attention to the reasons for the previous employee leaving. Of course, they can be very different - a specialist found a more interesting job, failed to cope with his responsibilities, went on maternity leave, or was even fired for unethical behavior...

It’s not a fact that the hiring manager will give you reliable information on such a sensitive issue, but it’s still worth asking and thinking about. If five people left a position you're interested in in a year, it's worth looking Additional information about the company and the atmosphere in the team.

Question five: salary, vacation, lunch...
There is no need to rush with these questions - ask them at the very end of your meeting, having discussed all the responsibilities, tasks and work plan. The main thing is to adequately assess your own value in the labor market and not overestimate the importance of a lunch break in your career.

We wish you not only to ask the right questions at the interview, but also to hear answers that suit you.

What types of interviews are there?

How to go through the stages of a job interview

8 useful tips on how to behave at an interview to get hired

Popular interview questions and answers

Typical mistakes of job seekers

What they will definitely ask

Projective interview

Behavioral interview

Case interview

Assessment center (personnel assessment center)

Group interview

Questions to test your wits

Focus on your answers, not the employer's thoughts.

Appearance

Interview questions, which answers are better?

Possible questions

Who does the employer need?

Key interview points to consider in advance

How to increase self-confidence, develop and develop self-esteem

Reasons why they don't get a job

Rules of conduct during an interview

Preparing for an interview

Self-presentation