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Interview Questions You May Be Asked
Before attending an interview
you should think about the best responses to some typical interview
questions. Your answers may depend on the job or company in question,
so you should go through your responses just before each interview.
Here are just a few typical questions for you to practice responding
to them in the best possible way - |
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Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects,
which have attracted you to apply for this position and do not mention
the negative aspects of your current job or the job in question.
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What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you
should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These
may include leadership ability, communication skills, interpersonal
skills, problem solving, analytical skills, etc.
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What can you contribute?
Tell them about your achievements in your previous position(s), which
are relevant to the new position you are applying for. This is your
chance to shine.
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Tell me about yourself
Your CV introduction is a helpful start.
Focus on your positive points and keep this to a brief couple
of minutes. You should give a brief outline of where you are from
and where you want to be going.
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Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join their company,
but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours.
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What do you know about this company?
This is your chance to impress the interviewer with your knowledge
of their company. Give them a run down of their products/services,
sales figures, news, company figures, customers, etc.
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What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company
cannot offer?
Again do not mention money. Stress opportunities for personal growth,
new challenges, etc.
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Why should we employ you?
The answer to this question will be based on your previous experience
and achievements, which relate to the company. You could add that
you think there is a good fit between you and the job, and do ask
the interviewer for their opinion.
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How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my job?
Depending on the position you are applying for you may want to sound
fairly ambitious, but do not look too arrogant and as if you are after
the interviewer's position.
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What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
Likes: stress things such as a new challenge or the opportunity to
bring fresh experience to the company. Dislikes: Imply there is nothing
to dislike about the job, which is why you are so interested. Try
to pick at least three likes and just one minor dislike.
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Why did you choose a career in ...?
If you have changed careers you should have a logical argument as
to why you did so. Be positive about your reasons.
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Why are you changing careers?
Only if you are making a radical change in your career will this question
be asked. Always stress the positive aspects of the change rather
than the negative aspects of your previous career, as you do not want
to come across as someone who is moving just because you hate your
old career. Say why you think you will be good in the new career -
using your experience and achievements, stress the transferable skills
you have, such as leadership ability, etc.
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What do you think of the last company you worked for?
You should stress the positive aspects of your last company saying
that they were a good company to work for. Tell them about the training
you received or the work related experience you gained.
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Why did you join your previous company? Why are you leaving
now?
Always be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a company.
Be very careful that you do not say anything negative about your present
employer. If you do, the new company will wonder what you will say
about them when you leave. You might want to stress that you are looking
for a new challenge and that you feel that the company who is interviewing
you fits the bill!
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Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?
If the company interviewing you is a small to medium sized company
say that you enjoy a close atmosphere with a good team spirit. At
a large company, say that you enjoy the stability of working for a
large and established company. Remember where you are!
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What are you looking for in a new job?
Make sure your answer fits in with the company who is interviewing
you. A suitable reply would be that you are looking for a new job
where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones.
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Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
If you are, say so, but do not give too many details away. If you
do not have any other job offers at the moment just say that you have
a few offers.
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What did you do on a day to day basis?
Stress the positive things you did, including your achievements. Even
if some or much of it was paperwork, you can still show your interest
in the way it was tackled.
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Did you increase sales or profits in your last job?
This question is only relevant for senior managers or sales people.
If you have increased sales and/or profit then do not be afraid to
emphasise this point. If you have not increased sales say why not,
e.g. general downturn in the market, etc. It might then be a good
idea to mention an achievement in a previous job if your performance
was better there.
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What interests do you have outside work?
Your hobbies and interests can tell an employer a lot about you. Think
about which interests will paint the right picture of you given the
position you are discussing and include whether you are sociable or
solitary, and whether you can take on 'leadership' roles.
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Are you prepared to relocate?
If you are, say so. If you do not want to move then you do not have
to accept the job - try and come across as someone who is positive.
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Are you willing to travel?
Again if you are, say so. You want to sound positive, so find out
how much travelling is involved before you turn down the job.
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What did you earn in your last job?
You have to be very careful when answering this question because once
an interviewer knows your current salary they will try and fix your
salary based on this figure. This may be satisfactory if you only
want a modest rise in salary and your current salary is in line with
their salary range, but, what if your current salary is substantially
lower than the rate for the job, or if you want a salary rise? In
these cases you would be best advised to say that you do not really
want to prejudice yourself by being too high or too low. Ask if you
can discuss this later after the responsibilities for the job have
been discussed; you may also want to ask them what the range for the
job is (if you do not already know).
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What level of salary are you looking for now?
Again be very careful when you answer this question - you do not want
to appear to be greedy. If you are applying for a specific vacancy
you could ask them what the salary range is. Once they have answered
you could say I think my experience would place me at the top end
of your range. If they ask you this question fairly early on in the
interview you could delay answering by saying It is hard to discuss
salary without first knowing a little bit more about the job and the
responsibilities.
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What will your referees say about you?
Say that you expect excellent references.
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Fantasy questions
These may be very difficult to answer. Such questions might include:
If you could invent something, what would it be? You should give the
answer, which in your opinion will give you the best chance of getting
the job.
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