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Interview questions you may be asked
Before attending an interview you should think about your responses to the following questions. Your answers may depend on the job or company in question, so you should go through your responses just before each interview.
Why do you want this job?
Think carefully about this question. Stress the positive aspects which have attracted you to applying for this position. Do not mention the negative aspects of your current job or the job in question.
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
The job specification I sent you 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 team player, leadership ability, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, analytical skills, etc.
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. These would not endear you to a prospective employer.
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, news, customers, etc. This shows that you are interested in the company and have done some research.
You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed?
Try to show your qualities that will enable you to be successful in this position.
Why should we employ you?
This is your chance to shine. Explain your achievements in your previous roles, which are relevant to this position and the experience that you have gained, which can be used in this role.
What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?
Explain why you are interested in the job and ask questions about what you possibly dislike. Stay positive about it.
Why did you choose a career in
?
Be positive about your reasons. If you have changed careers make a logical argument as to why you did so.
career - this should come from your experience and achievements, stress the transferable skills you have, such as leadership ability, etc.
How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for? What are the differences?
The interviewer is trying to see how well you would fit in to the position you are applying for. So you should stress the similarities rather than the differences. When it comes to discussing the differences it will help your case if you can show that either you have done something similar in the past or that you can quickly pick up the new skills.
What do you think of the last company you worked for?
You should stress ONLY the positive aspects of your last company. Tell them about the training you received or the work related experience you gained.
How long have you been looking for a new job?
If you have been unemployed for a long time this may be a rather tricky question to answer. But be honest. If you have been away on holiday or done some voluntary work you could mention this.
Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?
Remember why you applied for this role! You can explain what you like about small, medium or large companies, and put a focus on the type of company you are applying to for this role.
What are you looking for in a new job?
Explain your reasons for moving, and think about why you applied to this job and think what interests you in it.
What would your ideal job be?
Explain the similar aspects with this role to your ideal job, and you can think of the main reasons why you are interested in it.
An ideal job might include things like challenging work, team work, nice colleagues, good career prospects, good team atmosphere, opportunity to learn new skills, etc.
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 tell them.
How would you describe yourself? / How would others describe you?
Pick your best attributes and achievements from your career.
How could you improve yourself?
Do not mention anything negative about yourself - the interviewer is looking for a chink in your armour.
Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?
If you progressed faster than normal you should say so. If growth was not as good as expected then be careful how you phrase this.
How do you handle criticism?
You should explain the positive aspects of criticism, and think of an experience you had where it was useful to get criticism in work.
Are you accepted into a team quickly?
Hopefully you can answer "Yes" to this question.
Can you act on your own initiative?
Think of an example where you have had to do something on your own initiative in work.
What motivates you?
List your motivations such as: career growth, opportunity to learn new skills, good co-workers, etc.
Can you work under pressure?
Think of when you have had to work under pressure and how you reacted to it. You could also ask how much pressure the job involves.
How many hours are you prepared to work?
You should be prepared to work the necessary hours to get the job done on time.
What are your career goals?
Link in all your goals and the ones that are relevant to the company who is interviewing you.
What interests do you have outside work?
Your hobbies and interests can tell an employer a lot about you, including whether you are sociable or solitary, and whether you can take on 'leadership' roles. So you should think about which interests relate to this job and the company.
Are you prepared to relocate?
If you are, say so. If its maybe, then you have to explain that it could depend on location, salary, etc...
What did you earn in your last job? What level of salary are you looking for now?
This should generally be discussed at the end of an interview or when all the job elements have been clarified.
You have to be honest and also remember the salary discussed when we spoke to you about the role. The company also knows more or less what you would be looking for. You have to be careful with this, as if you were on a higher salary you need to explain why you are interested in less, but also if you were at a low salary, they will wonder if you have the capacities required. The salary should more or less reflect your career level.
What will your referees say about you?
You should hope for good references.
Other general questions
1.How would you feel spending your day on the phone? Give positive aspects
2.What computer skills do you have? Be honest
3.How would you deal with a difficult customer over the telephone? Think of previous experience that would relate and explain it.
4.What qualities do you think are required for this position?
5.What are your strengths/weaknesses? Think of 2 of each
6.Why would you want a position like this? List your goals and interests
7.What can you bring to the company? Relevant experience and detail your attitude and personality
8.Talk me through your work experience to date? Remember your CV, dont read it
9.How does this work experience relate to this position? List similar experience
10.What are the attributes of a strong customer service person in your eyes? Think customer service
11.School/University, what were your favourite subjects?
12.How would you describe yourself?
13.How do you handle pressure or stress in the work environment? List example of past experience
14.Do you like working in a team environment or do you prefer working alone? Think about your experience in a team environment but also your autonomy and describe
15.Where do you see yourself in 2 years time? Be realistic about it. Remember that companies want you to be with them long term Difficult questions
If you cannot answer a question you might be honest and say that you dont really know.
Questions you may want to ask an interviewer
The interview is a two-way process. The company interviewing you will want to find out whether you are suitable for the position and you will want to find out if the company and position are right for you. You should therefore ensure that you have enough information to make up your mind whether you want the job. For example:
* What will be my responsibilities?
* Who will I report to?
* Who are your customers?
* What training do you provide?
* What is the next step?
Factors that can cost you the interview/job
1. Being unprepared for the interview.
2. Being late or not presentable for the interview
3. Not showing your motivation for the role and company
4. Saying unfavourable things about previous employers. 5. Not being able to communicate clearly and effectively.
6. Not getting across your suitability for the role and relevant experience
7. Being aggressive or acting in a superior way. 8. Making excuses for failings.
9. Poor/ limp handshake.
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