Cook Islands Jobs

Got a big job interview coming up? Been wondering what you should focus your prep on? Below are the top 10 interview questions asked worldwide.

The interviewers are there to find out more about you, and hopefully to offer you a job so remember to relax, sell your skills and refer to the job description wherever you can. Generally they will stick a variation of the below questions so study up and be ready to impress!

1. What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths but don't go overboard. No one appreciates the old line "I'm too (insert quality here) for my own good". Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."

2. Why should we hire you?
This is where you can summarise your achievements- focus on specific roles or areas that are relevant to the role.

3. Why do you want to work here?
This is where you can flatter the ego of the boss if she or he is in the room. "I've always admired the ethics of this company..." , "I've heard this is a great team to work in..." or focus on your specific skills/interests that would fit here "I'm passionate about... and this is the perfect place to launch my career"

4. What Are Your Goals?
You can come prepared with a short,medium and long term goal which will show forward thinking and great planning skills.

5. Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
NEVER state a negative here, even if the employer may know the real reason e.g. relationship breakdown. Focus on what a new role can offer you that your old one didn't e.g. "I wanted to focus on X area and develop my skills in that area further and there wasn't an opportunity to do that at my past role" or "I would like to be a little more challenged / take on more of a leadership role than I had before."

6. 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."

7. 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. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

8. 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 great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."

9. What Salary Are You Seeking?
Jobs advertised on our site are required to list a salary band. Have a look at what band the position is in and do some research on similar roles in other organisations. You should always go in prepared with a figure. Be prepared for some negotiation so asking a for a slightly higher figure than what you're happy with is fairly standard. 5-10% is acceptable.

10. 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 bunny," 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?