Advice
Practice Interview Questions & Answers
Practice is the best way to prepare for an interview.
- So, tell us about yourself
This is usually the first question at an interview opener. It is not a question to over analyse because it is used as an ice breaker to get the conversation flowing, to introduce yourself and speak about background. The interviewer just wants you to talk for just a couple of minutes about why you would be good at this job too. Do NOT spend more than a few minutes talking.
Start with an opening statement, describe your current job, some career highlights and details of your education, and include something about you as a person. If you have no work experience then talk about what you did at school, or a club you’re a member of.
You can ask the interviewer if they would like you to explain anything or speak further about anything you mentioned.
2.How would you describe yourself?
This is where the interviewer wants to get an idea about you. You can choose to mention your career strengths or to talk about your personality. Remember to be honest.
You want the interviewer to feel confident that they are seeing your true personality rather than telling them what you think they want to hear.
3.Where do you want to be in five years time?
The interviewer wants to know if you will stay with the company for the long run. Nobody wants to hire someone who will leave after a couple of months.
Although you want to show ambition, your answer must be realistic. You can talk about specific goals you would like to achieve (both short and long term) to emphasize your objectives.
4.What are your strengths?
The interviewer wants to know what your key strengths are in relation to this particular job. You should look at the job description to ensure that you choose examples that are relevant to the job (have 4-5 strengths available in case the interviewer asks) but also mention things that make you unique from other applicants.
5.You seem over-qualified for this job, can you tell me why you are interested?
The interviewer is challenging you! They want reassurance that you won’t get bored and leave. You must show them your interest in this job, by demonstrating your enthusiasm.
Are you more interested in personal career satisfaction and this job will provide that.
6. Why do you want THIS job?
You need to be honest; speak about the positives of the job ad and the company. What drew you to it?
7. What did you dislike about your last job?
Avoid negativity regardless of how bad things were. Why you moan about past employers the interviewer may this is this how you will speak about them one day. Instead, talk about the frustrations of your last role that THIS job could better meet your expectations. E.g. ‘I have learnt a lot and grown as a person but I disliked that there was no opportunity for promotion and I want to take the next step with my career.’
8. Why do you want to leave your current job?
Again avoid negativity; they want to make sure that you’re not a troublemaker but a team player. After all, some people find it difficult to cope with a situation at work and think that a new job is the answer.
Your answer should make it clear that you’re a strong performer in your current role and are now looking for a NEW OPPORTUNITY. Emphasise the opportunities and challenges that this role will provide.
9. How do you think you will fit into our company?
Have you have thought about the culture, environment and business goals that this company has? The interviewer wants to know that you will fit in.
Think about the culture and work environment at your current employer, and identify key differences and similarities with the new company. Reassure the interviewer that you don't see any differences as a problem.
10.Tell me about your current job?
They want to know about your job and how it has prepared you for the job you are being interviewed for. Are you motivated to move to this job or are you moving away from a job you dislike? Make sure the examples you share are all relevant to the job you are applying for. Possible examples could focus on the competences of the potential new role.
11.What do you dislike about your job?
Are you positive? Do you complain a lot? This question is usually asked to find out these things. You need to come across as positive even when dealing with things you dislike.
12.Why did you leave your last job after just one year?
Interviewers are concerned about job hoppers - people who don't settle but move from job to job. The interviewer needs to be convinced that you are not a flight risk if you have changed jobs more frequently than average. If it is a case of a job not working out, be ready to explain.
13. How do you respond to criticism?
Talk about how you welcome constructive criticism because it helps you to learn and get better at the job and reduces the chances of repeating the same mistake.
14. What are you most proud of in your working life?
Go to the interview prepared with a few examples of your successes and, if possible, use examples to back it up. E.g. ‘I worked really hard to set up a new project team and was congratulated and recognized with an award. The new team saved brought significant revenue to my former company.’
15. What are your weaknesses?
Don’t ever give a negative answer; the key point to remember when answering this question is to make negatives somewhat positive. e.g. ‘I sometimes beat myself up when I make mistakes but I make sure I learn from them and never repeat the same mistake again’.
16.How do you respond to stress and pressure?
An employer wants to know what you will actually be like in a busy place and how reliable and calm you will be when things go wrong. Give examples of times when you have met difficult deadlines or handled tricky people.
17.Why you?
This is often a closing question and gives you the chance to stand out… Talk about your experience and skills but also about your personality – your attitude and interests and why you’re uniquely suited to the job.
18. Are you applying for any other jobs?
This could be a yes or no answer, but if you answer yes the interviewer will want you to explain. They know that you’re likely to be applying for a number of jobs, what they want to hear is that this is the job you really want. You could hint that other companies are interested and you have other interviews lined up, but you want this job because it's a great match for your skills and background.
19.Why do you want to work for us?
They are seeking assurance that you want to work for this company in this job. They want to know you are genuinely interested in the company and the opportunities this job provides. You need to demonstrate that you understand what makes this company different from its competitors - show that you have done some research.
20. Would you accept this job if you received an offer?
The interviewer wants to know that you will say ‘yes’ if you are offered the job. The most important aspect is to avoid any sign of hesitation in your words, voice or body language. Stress your enthusiasm for the job and say yes with a smile.