I have been job hunting recently, and I notice that there are some questions which employers always ask, but I think I have problems answering those below, and need some advice. The questions are ‘what are your weaknesses?’ and ‘why should you be selected for the job?’

YOU should always be prepared for an interview and anticipating some of the questions you could be asked and thinking about the possible answers are ways in which you can be prepared.

In answering questions, you should try to be as honest as possible and not give the answer you think the employer wants to hear. These questions, when answered accurately, helps the employer to select the best person for the job. It also helps the interviewee as he or she will be placed in the job which best correlates with his/her interest, abilities and values.

I suggest that in answering the question “what are some of your weaknesses?” you focus on what refers to the working environment and related areas. Employers would prefer to know that your weaknesses are related to areas such as paying a lot of attention to your work, thus spending more time than expected on assigned duties rather than you trying to complete before time while not meeting the requirements of the job.

It is always good to show some ‘good’ for the organisation although it is a weakness.

As for the question “Why should we select you for the job”, employers want to find out some of your skills and competencies, as well as some of your interests. They want to find out how best these will match the requirements of the job. You should therefore know the position for which you are being employed and the qualification, skills and competencies required and how these match with your offerings.

Know also the nature of the job. For example, if your job requires you to travel locally and regionally, you should be one who likes travelling, and is flexible and adaptable to others in varying workplace settings. Also, employers want to find out your level of self confidence. Do you really believe that you can do the job? You must therefore be convincing in your responses and show a high level of interest. Tell them about your belief in the mission, goals and values of the organisation and how, by becoming a part of their workforce, you and the organisation will benefit. They do not want to hear the negatives, such as the fact that you have been job hunting for more than a year and you are owing a vast amount of students’ loan.

Throughout an interview, irrespective of the question, try to be positive and communicate effectively. Remember to answer the question you are asked and that the key to a positive interview outcome is being prepared.