Job interview advice please - strengths and weaknesses

[wangle99]

My Mum was made redundant on Christmas Eve last year and has been applying for jobs since then, got an interview coming up in a week and she has been advised by the job centre of various things she may well be asked in an interview.

What kind of things can you say for 'what are your strengths and weaknesses'? I haven't been for a job interview for many years and we just don't have a clue!

Any advice greatfully received!!

Thank you.

Depends on job, but strengths should include communication skills and being an organised person I think. Give examples.

Weaknesses is trickier, my stock answer at the mo(am looking for a job) is that before having children I would take work home with me, physically and going round in my head. Now I've had children I think I could overcome that by taking a job which would allow me to focus on work when I'm there, and focus on my family when I'm at home. That wouldn't work so well with someone of your mum's age, but she could try to modify it slightly.

Sorry should have said what job was!

It's for a sales assistant in a well known shop that sells kitchen equipment and other household bits.

this is a good site for some general preparation and help - good luck! interview questions

OK I advise people through my joba bout intervews and the best advice I can give is to prepare (write down to learn, but don't take in) a list of occassions that your mum did something at work that had measurable results.

eg when I was at joe bloggs co, I did XYZ, which mean that ABC was better than before.

So if it were me I would say

When I was at XXX sold an advertsing campaign to ABC which meant in increase in revenue of 7% over teh year.

What you want to demonstrate is an occassion that showed the difference your mum actually made (IYKWIM) You want to ensure it has a 'value' attched to it. that can be financial, or emotional (better customer service) or something.

Also make sure your mum uses her age/experience of kitchen products to her advantage. If she is a keen cook, make sure she says so. If she loves gadgets make sure she says that.

Imagine being a cutomer in a shop that sells kitchen stuff if yo are being served by someone who actually looks and sounds like they use this stuff it really helps. You are more likely to trust their advice