You have been invited to attend an interview for a new job or promotion! What can you expect? Almost certainly you have been interviewed before but this one might be different. Interviewers can adopt one or more of several styles and you may have to confront different interviewing groups who are looking for different information. The interview process could be brief, or spread over several days. You may be interviewed at the head office of the organisation in your country, and additionally by field staff from the District where you hope to be destined. If you live far away you may be offered a telephone interview, or increasingly a video interview.
The success of an interview depends upon the match between you and the interviewers. The outcome is influenced by some unknowns (the psychology of the people and the ‘chemistry’ between them), luck (common interests), and known factors (the organisation ethos and needs, and your experience and qualifications). So, control the aspects within your power.
To be sure that you can make the change into a higher post, some interviewers may ask
harder questions:
What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Minimise your weakness and emphasise your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effectivepresenter."
Why Should We Hire You?
"With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your organisation. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team"
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out CVs just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key organisations whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about the work, and this organisation is high on my list of choices"
When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me and I can relate it to social work"
What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarise concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong personal relationships especially in cross-cultural situations"
What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a fine way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best engineer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humour"
If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a rabbit," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?
Moving from one post to another with more responsibility could transport you into a whole new world of management, financial control, report and proposal writing, or dealing with refugees, conflict and human rights abuses. Your preparation may need to include reading about any of these issues, or at least discussing them with someone who already has those responsibilities. Management needs to be learned: it is not a function that just comes automatically, so prepare well.