Potential Interview Questions
Although it can safely be said that no two interviews are the same, there are areas that a recruiter will always focus on to draw the best comparison between competing candidates. As “typical” questions, you can safely assume that some, if not all, of the following will feature at some point during the interview. Before you arrive, make sure to plan ahead and prepare answers to these frequently asked questions.
Why do you want this job? Why do you want to work here?
Stress the aspects of the role which have encouraged you to apply, focusing on the issues that matter. Avoid referring to things such as better pay, shorter hours etc. Avoid referring to the negative aspects of your current or most recent role.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Although the job advert will provide a good basis for your answer, use your knowledge of the role and the industry to understand what will help you succeed in the role.
You might want to refer to the personality traits you have that will add value to the technical aspects of the role. Leadership, communication and interpersonal skills will always stand you in good stead.
What do you know about us?
This is your chance to show the employer you are serious about your application. Your interview preparation will have given you a great foundation on which to talk about their products/services, sales figures, news, big wins etc.
Talking about any challenges the company faces will also provide further brownie points and increase the likelihood of you standing out from the crowd.
Why should we employ you?
Your aim when answering this question is to show how well you fit the requirements of the job.
Refer to your previous experience and achievements; show how they are relevant to the company and/or role in question and highlight where you can add value.
Why did you join your previous company? Why are you looking to leave now?
Always be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a company. Avoid saying anything negative about your present or most recent employer. If you are willing to criticise them, this does not bode well for the future and the recruiting company might wonder what you will say about them when you leave.
To say you are looking for a new challenge is always a good way to approach this question. Explain the challenges you faced in your previous role, how you successfully managed them and how these qualities will add value in your new role.
What will you bring to the role/company?
The key to getting the most from this question is to try and anticipate what your future objectives would be if you were to get the job. Your answers should then focus on how you would satisfy these objectives.
Try to also focus on the particular requirements of the role. Look at similar roles inside and outside the company and use this information to show how you will be able to hit the ground running and add immediate value.
Where do you want to be in 2/5/10 years time?
For most people and most roles this question refers to the type of situation they’d like to be in over the specified period. This question therefore provides the opportunity to reinforce your experience and expertise and further make your case.
Employers will best respond if they can see where you will make a positive contribution.
What were your key achievements in your last role?
Rather than waffling about everything you have ever been proud of during your career, make sure to focus on one or two achievements that are specifically linked to the role you are applying for.
Either position yourself as the driver of these initiatives or as the person who was able to affect change.
Make sure the examples you use delivered tangible results and you have the figures to support them. The examples should show significant organisational benefits, whether it be making/saving money, increasing efficiency, improving quality etc.
What are your strengths?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in any interview and you should expect to be faced with both this and the question that follows.
The aim of this question is to convey your level of self-awareness as well as showing you can identify the particular strengths associated with the role.
Avoid merely telling them how great you are and prepare two or three strengths that are particularly relevant to the requirements of the role and/or company.
You should also look to analyse why you are strong in these areas and how you can make a difference.
What are your weaknesses?
This has the potential to be a really tough question if you’ve not carefully considered how to answer it.
A strong answer starts by saying you are not actually weak in any area but then lists areas for improvement that could be interpreted as strengths, for example not giving up on something when you strongly believe in it.
This question will inevitably prompt follow-up questions, enabling you to show how you are working on managing your weaknesses.
Tell me about a big challenge or difficulty you faced and how you dealt with it?
This question offers the opportunity to show you can achieve results in the face of adversity and that you are professional regardless of the challenges you are faced with.
It also allows the interviewer to explore your definition of difficult and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving.
Again, this will provide you with an opportunity to show how you can shine and will reinforce your ability to negotiate and navigate choppy waters.
Make sure you are not overly critical about your former/current colleagues/company, and again focus on where you were key to the resolution.
