The interviewer will take the lead, which you should follow,
both in the direction of the interview and its tone. Bear the
following guidelines in mind:
- Concentrate and listen very carefully to the questions
- Take time to formulate a clear and concise answer. Provide only
factual experiences or qualifications
- Speak confidently and remember to sell yourself
- Do not appear negative by criticising any previous employers or
seem unfocussed by showing a lack of career planning
Example Interview Questions
Q: Tell me about yourself
The interviewer wants to hear a short summary of your
qualifications, career history and skills - in particular what
you will bring to the new role.
Q: Explain your most recent role and what you did on a
day-to-day basis
Describe how you fit into your department and what your
reporting lines were. Talk about whom you interacted with and your
key responsibilities.
Q: What would you enjoy about this role?
Focus on the positive reasons such as a new challenge with
more responsibility. Compare the diverse duties of the role with
your current abilities and interests.
Q: What have been your achievements so far?
Recall recent work successes (i.e. projects you have been
involved in, what were the results, how they impacted on the
business, etc.).
Q: What are your strengths?
A very common question so prepare your answer. Think about
three or four of your main strengths and how they would benefit an
employer. Examples include technical proficiency, flexibility and
positive attitude.
You may also be asked about weaknesses, which are not
necessarily negative as everyone has some. Briefly explain what you
personally do to overcome your particular weakness.
Q: Have you ever come across a difficult situation at
work and how did you handle it?
Make sure it is a work-based problem that did not originate
from you. Keep your answer simple and to the point.
Other Questions to Consider
- How would your friends / colleagues describe you?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- How do you react when your work is critiqued?
- Do you like to work in a team or by yourself?
- What can you bring to this organisation?
- How do you work under pressure?
- How would you cope if you were asked to work late at short
notice?
- When you are not busy, what do you do?
Questions For You To Ask
An interview is the employer's opportunity to find out about you
as much as your chance to see if this is the position for you.
Even if the interviewer has answered most of your questions, have a
few prepared as it shows you are interested and take the
interview seriously.
- How does the department fit into the bigger picture of the
company?
- What are the personalities of the team or Manager?
- Can you tell me about the company culture?
- How long has the interviewer worked for the company? Why do
they think it is a good company work for?
- How does the interviewer feel your skills meet the requirements
of the role?