Candidates - take a little more control of the interview

Many Employers use job descriptions during the interview process to determine whether the candidate they are interviewing is the right "fit" for the job. This process can be fraught with problems for you as the candidate, the key to your success is to find a way to turn it to your advantage and sell your skills and knowledge against what they really need.

A statement that can be used fairly early on in the interview process goes something like this: " As well as answering your questions you have prepared, would it be possible for me ask a few questions early on to determine how my skills and experience can bring value to your role?

Questions you should be asking are?

1. Could you explain why this job is available?
2. What are some of the challenges that the person will be facing in this role?
3. What is the most important one thing that the person you hire needs to achieve in the first 6 months?
4. How does this job fit into the overall Company strategy?

Once you have the answers to these questions (note: the interviewer may not be able to answer all these questions) you can then give compelling reasons using the answers the employer gave, with specific examples of your key skills and experience as to why you are the perfect fit for their job.

This technique allows you to take a little more control of the interview situation rather than simply responding to their interview questions and hoping that your experience fits with what they are looking for.