Common interview questions

An interview is a sales situation. You are selling yourself to the company and they should be selling themselves to you too. Whilst you need to prepare answers for the questions they might ask you, you should also consider what questions you want to ask them.

Answering interview questions

Some standard interview questions are:

• Why do you want to work for us?
• Why do you want this job?
• What do you know about our company?
• Why did you choose your profession?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• What do you like/dislike about your current job role?
• Why are you looking for a new position?
• What has been your greatest achievement to date?
• How would you describe yourself?
• How would your friends or colleagues describe you?
• What are your future aspirations?
• What can you offer to your new team/company?

When responding to questions, focus on your achievements and try and stay positive. If you do not understand a question, ask them to explain the question further. If you still do not know the answer, tell them you do not know and explain how you might go about finding the answer out.

Take your time before you answer. Try not to talk too much but equally do not reply with one-word answers such as yes or no.

Asking questions at your interview

Here are some questions you might like to ask the interviewer:

• What are the company's future plans?
• What is the likely career development pathway in the next few years?
• What possible training could I receive in this role?
• How would you describe the culture of this company?

Prepare your own questions in advance but make sure you use them in the context of the interview and take into account information that the interviewer has already provided.

Ask questions and show a real interest in the position and the company, based on the information you previously received about them. Aim for questions that indicate an interest in their line of work or products and your enthusiasm and interest in the role itself, rather than holiday entitlement, pensions or other specific staff benefits. Ensure that you leave with enough information to make an informed decision on whether or not you wish to proceed.

 

For more advice and useful resources on navigating the recruitment process click here.

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