Job Interview Tips from Fortune 500 CEOs and Top Hiring Execs

Both the interviewer and the candidate should feel fully in the moment to bring out the best dialogue.

This means listening to what is being said instead of thinking about what to say next.

When a candidate is invited to an interview, the hiring manager automatically assumes they meet the basic skillset.

Look the manager in the eye, speak clearly and thoughtfully and bring some energy to the interview to demonstrate that you're a strong contributor and could work effectively with the entire organisation.

Two questions often seem to pop up.

• "What is your biggest weakness?" Answering the typical "I'm too much of a perfectionist" is not going to help you stand out. Instead, identify a weakness that has nothing to do with the job for which you're interviewing.
• "What has been your biggest failure?" Quickly address the failure, then direct the attention to what you've learned from the experience, ensuring you emphasise other positive traits.

• "You have two teleportation devices—where do you place them and why?" is an entertaining question that helps to understand how a candidate thinks logically and imaginatively.
• "If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?" This question examines a candidates ingenuity.
• "How many windows are there in NYC?" tests the ability to problem-solve.

Instead of answering, get them to talk first by asking what the range is for the job.

If the range for the job is $70,000 to $80,000 and you answer lower, they will give you the lower amount. But if you expect more than their range, you can negotiate after you've received an offer.

• Come prepared with questions and ensure you ask them. Failure to do so could cost you the job.
• From when you arrive at your interview to when you leave is potentially part of the interview. Make every moment count.
• Don't panic if you can't answer a question. Interviewers are more interested in seeing how a candidate responds to questions outside their knowledge base.