Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions
that you can almost guarantee will crop up. Here’s a list of the most common questions and a
guide to the kind of answers your interviewer wants to hear.
Tell me about yourself – This is usually the opening question and, as first impressions are key,
one of the most important. Keep your answer to under five minutes, beginning with an overview
of your highest qualification then running through the jobs you’ve held so far in your career.
You can follow the same structure of your CV, giving examples of achievements and the skills
you’ve picked up along the way. Don’t go into too much detail – your interviewer will probably
take notes and ask you to expand on any areas where they’d like more information.
If you’re interviewing for your first job since leaving education, focus on the areas of your
studies you most enjoyed and how that has led to you wanting this particular role.
What are your strengths? – Pick the three biggest attributes that you think will get you the job
and give examples of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. They could be
tangible skills, such as proficiency in a particular computer language, or intangible skills such
as good man-management.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the job description. There is usually a section
listing candidate requirements, which should give you an idea of what they are looking for.
What are your weaknesses? – The dreaded question, which is best handled by picking
something that you have made positive steps to redress. For example, if your IT ability is not at
the level it could be, state it as a weakness but tell the interviewer about training courses or
time spent outside work hours you have used to improve your skills.
Your initiative could actually be perceived as a strength. On no accounts say “I don’t have any
weaknesses”, your interviewer won’t believe you, or “I have a tendency to work too hard”, which
is seen as avoiding the question.
Why should we hire you? or What can you do for us that other candidates can’t? – What makes
you special and where do your major strengths lie?
You should be able to find out what they are looking for from the job description. “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills and the ability to build long-term customer relationships” is a good opening sentence, which can then lead to a more specific example of something you have done so far in your career.
State your biggest achievement and the benefit is made to the business, then finish with “Given
the opportunity, I could bring this success to your company”
What are your goals? or Where do you see yourself in five years time? – It’s best to talk about
both short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job you’d eventually like to do and
the various steps you will need to get there, relating this in some way back to the position
you’re interviewing for.
Show the employer you have ambition, and that you have the determination to make the most
of every job you have to get where you want.
Why do you want to work here? – The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates
you’ve given this some thought. If you’ve prepared for the interview properly, you should have a
good inside knowledge of the company’s values, mission statement, development plans, and
products.
Use this information to describe how your goals and ambition matches their company ethos
and how you would relish the opportunity to work for them. Never utter the phrase “I just need a
job.”
What are three positive things your last boss would say about you? – This is a great time to
brag about yourself through someone else’s words. Try to include one thing that shows your
ability to do the job, one thing that shows your commitment to the work, and one thing that
shows you are a good person to have in a team.
For example, “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he
can always rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor.”
What salary are you seeking? – You can prepare for this by knowing the value of someone with
your skills. Try not to give any specific numbers in the heat of the moment – it could put you in
a poor position when negotiating later on.
Your interviewer will understand if you don’t want to discuss this until you are offered the job. If
they have provided a guideline salary with the job description, you could mention this and say
it’s around the same area you’re looking for.
If you were an animal, which one would you want to be? – Interviewers use this type of
psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer ‘a bunny’, you will make a
soft, passive impression. If you answer ‘a lion’, you will be seen as aggressive.
What type of personality will it take to get the job done? –You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of ve
questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.