Interview 1

Applicant A bit of cinema, a bit of reading, you know … I don’t really have very much free time, really. In my current job I quite often have to work on Saturdays and Sundays, or late at night when the computers can be turned off – we sometimes can’t do much during the day because everyone’s using their machines.

Interviewer OK, great. Perhaps we can turn to this job now. First of all, why do you want to work for us?

Applicant I think because yours in the biggest company in the field. I’m really interested in modern communications, and the biggest company should offer the biggest opportunities.

Interviewer And what are your strengths and weaknesses?

Applicant Weaknesses? I haven’t got any! And strengths? Ambition. I really want to do well, and I’m flexible and reliable.

Interviewer Why do you think you’d be good at this job?

Applicant Oh, um, why would I be good? I don’t know really … I just think I’d be good at it, I mean, I know a lot about systems support, and this seems to be the perfect job for me.

Interviewer Where do you want to be in five years’ time?

Applicant I want to progress within the organization – I’d like more responsibility, and more money too, if possible!

Interviewer Speaking of money, could I ask you a few details about your current salary and extras?

Applicant Yes, sure. Well, I’m earning 19,000 at the moment, but then I get some overtime on top of that, so I suppose altogether it comes to more like twenty-two. And I’m a member of the company pension scheme which is good for the future …