Get ready for interview by preparing answers to popular questions. You will gain confidence and steady your nerves by developing answers to specific questions. Experience differs between people so you can’t take a model answer and simply learn it. What works best is to understand the reasons why a question is asked and formulate your own reply using expert guidance. Read on for an in-depth review of 15 questions that crop up again and again in interviews, what the recruiter is actually asking of you, followed by guidance on how to answer this.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
This is a common opening question, and is designed to get you talking. The interviewer wants you to talk for no longer than 1-2 minutes. You should practise this and be able to highlight key aspects of your career background relating to this job. You don’t need to go back to very early years. Start with an opening statement to get them used to your voice, describe your current job, some career highlights and details of your education. Include something about you as a person. End with asking the interviewer if they would like you to expand on anything, as it makes for a clear ending.
Why do you want to leave your current job?
The interviewer is looking for any red flags in your answer. Some people find it difficult to cope with a situation at work such as workload or colleagues, for example. Rather than address this they seek a new job, but the problem may appear again.
Your answer should make it clear that you are a strong performer in your current role and are now looking for a new opportunity. Emphasise the opportunities and challenges that this role will provide and avoid any negative comments about your company or any of the people you work with. This will only make you look unprofessional.
You have spent the majority of your career working for just one company. How do you think you will adjust to our company?
The interviewer wants reassurance that you have thought about the differences in culture, environment and business goals. They want reassurance that you will fit in. Think about the culture and work environment at your current employer, and identify key differences and similarities with the new company. Reassure the interviewer that you don't see any differences as a problem. Think and be ready to discuss how you have adapted to new bosses, colleagues and jobs as you have undertaken different roles.
Tell me about your current job?
They want to know the specifics of your job and how it has prepared you for the job you are being interviewed for. Are you motivated to move to this job or are you moving away from a job you dislike? This could be a long answer so choose the three most important elements of your job and provide an example of each. Make sure the examples you share are all relevant to this job you are applying for. Possible examples could focus on problem-solving, customer service and creating action plans. You will want to ensure that all your examples are positive and end with what attracts you to this specific job.
What do you dislike about your job?
They want to make sure that you are not someone who complains too much. You need to come across as someone who remains positive when dealing with things they dislike. They will listen to see if you come across as difficult to work with. Start by highlighting the positive and also explain how you have worked around your dislikes. Your ‘dislike’ should relate to circumstances, such as not having enough resources, rather than to any conflict with others. Avoid any mention of problems with people and ensure you come across as someone who is upbeat and positive.
Are you applying for any other jobs?
This could be a yes or no answer, but the interviewer wants you to expand. They recognise you are likely to be applying for a number of jobs. What they want is reassurance that this is the job you want. You can say that you are realistic and you may not get this job, hence applying for others but be very clear that this is the job you want. Emphasise that you are looking in this particular area, and that your job search is focused on a narrow area. You could hint that other companies are interested and you have other interviews lined up, but you want this job because it is a great match for your skills and background. Remind them of some key strengths.
Where do you want to be in five years time?
The interviewer wants to know if you are likely to stay with the company or see this job as a step towards a move elsewhere. Your answer must be compatible and realistic with what the company can offer you. Include how you want to make a great contribution to this company as you develop experience and expertise. You can emphasise specific goals you would like to achieve such as to lead a major project or to be a mentor to junior staff.
Why do you want to work for us?
They are seeking assurance that you want to work for this company in this job. They want to know you are genuinely interested in the company and the opportunities this job provides. You need to demonstrate that you understand what differentiates this company from its competitors, show that you have done your research and analysis on other companies that work in this area and why you want to work for this firm. Think about what really appeals to you about this job and company and how you can stand out from the other people who are applying for this job. Make your passion and interest in this job clear.
What are your key strengths?
The interviewer wants to know what you consider to be your key strengths in relation to this particular job. Make sure you choose examples that are relevant to this job but also examples that set you apart from other applicants. Think about what other candidates will say and include at least one thing which is likely to be less common but also relevant to this job. It’s useful to have 4-5 strengths available in case the interviewer asks for some further examples. For most jobs you will want to include an example of working well as part of a team.
You seem over-qualified for this position, can you tell me why you are interested in this job?
The interviewer is challenging you. They want to see if you are really interested in this position. They want reassurance that you won’t get bored and leave after just a short period of time. They want to be convinced that this role will allow you room to grow. You must emphasise your interest for this job, and your answer must show how your qualifications and experience bring added value to this role. Be clear to demonstrate your enthusiasm for this role. Play down any idea of this job being a ‘backward step’. If for example this is more hands-on than your previous managerial level job, stress how keen you are to return to grass roots work. If this job will mean a significant drop in salary, emphasise that money is not your key driver, you are more interested in personal career satisfaction and this job will provide this.
Give me an example of when you have taken the initiative
This is a competency-based question and the interviewer is expecting a structured response using STAR. They want a specific example where you describe the Situation, detail the Task, demonstrate the Action you took and explain what the Result was. Have at least one example ready of when you have taken the initiative and be ready to explain using this formula. If you can’t provide an example from work, choose one from your non-work life. The example you share should make it clear how you took the initiative. The interviewer wants a specific example so avoid any generalisations.
Why did you leave your least job after just one year?
Interviewers are concerned about job hoppers - people who don't settle but move from job to job. In a recession many jobs are short-term and so this may not be a negative reflection on you. But the interviewer needs to be convinced. If you have changed jobs more frequently than average be ready to explain the reasons why and, if relevant, explain that this was due to lay-offs or because of short-term contracts. If it is a case of a job not working out, be ready to explain. Perhaps you were taken on to work in one area, such as business strategy, but the work was focused on minute details requiring different skills. It could be that you moved for a promotion but within weeks you realised the company was in difficulty, with your job at risk, hence now looking for a new job.
How would you describe yourself?
The interviewer wants to get an insight into you as a person, what you consider your key personal qualities and characteristics. While this could include business strengths the focus should be more on your personality. Whatever you say you need to be sincere and genuine. You want the interviewer to feel confident that they are getting a sense of your true personality rather than you telling them what you think they want to hear. You could start by being contemplative, as if you haven't prepared but then share your prepared key points. Be sure to include things relevant to the job you have applied for.
Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with another individual and how you resolved it?
Companies are looking for people who can work with a range of people and can deal effectively with conflict. They will make judgements based on your reply. You need to think of a specific example that you can use. Be objective in the way you describe the situation - how did the conflict occur and how was it resolved? Discuss specifically what you did to improve things; perhaps you listened more? Interviewers like people who have learnt from a situation so a great answer here will not only include how the situation was resolved but also how the relationship then improved.
Would you accept this job if you received an offer?
The interviewer wants to know that you will say ‘yes’ if you are offered the job. It’s frustrating and costly to have to re-advertise a job. If this job involves a drop in salary for you they want to be sure you have considered the decision fully. The most important aspect is to avoid any sign of hesitation to show in your words, voice or body language. Stress your enthusiasm for the job. Think carefully about how you would feel about a drop in salary. If you want to be able to think about it before committing yourself you could refer to it being a great job but of course you would want to review the detail before formally accepting an offer.
Written by Denise Taylor, award-winning career psychologist with Amazing People
