Interview questions may vary but in essence they are all trying to establish the following:
1. Your skills and experience to do the job
2. Your enthusiasm and interest for the job
3. Whether you will fit in
If you can answer these questions, using real-life examples to illustrate your points, then you should be able to answer most of the questions that arise including the following frequently asked questions.
Tell me about yourself?
This question or something similar usually starts every interview.
Your answer should be confidently delivered, well-practised and should last between 3 to 5 minutes long. It should also do the following:
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Focus on specific areas which are most relevant to the job in question
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Include some achievements that are impressive e.g. improvements you have made/challenges overcome
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Convey your enthusiasm and eagerness for the job
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Avoid irrelevant or personal information such as your children or unrelated jobs
What are your key strengths/skills?
Focus on what you know they are looking for, even if it has been a smaller part of what you have been doing to date. The job advert or person specification form will give you the information you need about their requirements.
What are your weaknesses?
Choose a weakness that: Doesn't matter for the job e.g. languages for a UK firm. Is a positive e.g. "I like to make things happen and get frustrated if too long is spent sitting around discussing it without action"
Used to be a weakness but which you have improved upon e.g. presentations
Why did you leave your last job?
Your answer should be positive and enthusiastic (upbeat) even if you know the circumstances were difficult. If In the case that you left your last job due to redundancy, then talk about how the company had to restructure rather than focus on your individual circumstance as this will depersonalise it. What you should never do is criticise a previous employer no matter how tempting it may be.
Why do you want this job?
Your answer should reinforce why you are such a good fit for the job and then convey your enthusiasm for the role e.g.
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Good match between your skills and their requirements
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Interested in the job sector/evolving market/product
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Company's excellent recognition and reputation, exciting challenge etc.
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Do not say that you just need a job (even if it's true) , or you need the job because it's local.
Tell me about a difficult situation or scenario at work and how you dealt with it
They are testing how you cope under pressure as well as your problem-solving and communication skills. Good examples are where you:
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Improved a difficult situation or assisted in resolving it
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Were resilient in adverse conditions
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Showed cool-headedness and emotional intelligence
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Avoid any examples which still feel sensitive, as in a high-pressure interview situation those old emotions can easily resurface and throw you off balance.
Tell me about an achievement that you are proud of?
Choose work-related examples that shows a tangible benefit to the business. Personal achievements should only be included if they are very impressive or prestigous. More experienced candidates looking for higher level roles eg Sales Director Jobs should focus on closely related areas, for example driving an increase in sales or building a successful sales team.
What are your career goals?
They are checking if you are likely to stay and if so, for how long. Reassure the employer that the role you are applying for fits your career plan and your longer term commitment to the company.
What are your expectations of salary?
At the job offer stage salary negotiations are best handled, so do try to avoid this at interview if you can. If you are cornered and forced to name a price then give a realistic but wide salary range and say that you feel that salary won't be an issue if you decide to work together, you are happy to negotiate.
What do you know about our organisation?
You need to know the following:
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Company structure, finances, products and services, key staff
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Customers and competitors
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Market trends and challenges
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