INTERVIEW TIPS

The key to a successful interview is being PREPARED

How to answer interview questions: 

1. Tell me about yourself?
This will generally be the first question you will get asked in an interview. The interviewer is looking to get a sense of what you are like as a person and get an overview of your experience and work history. Keep it short and to the point.

2. What are your weaknesses?
The biggest mistake you can make with this question is to say that you don’t have any weaknesses.

3. Why should we choose you for this job?
This is a difficult question, the best way to handle your answer is to briefly reiterate the fit between your qualifications and the requirements of the position. Make a point to speak of your ability and willingness to learn quickly and demonstrate that you are personable and likeable.

4. What are your hobbies outside of work?
If you are part of a sports team or community group, mention it as shows that you can work in a team or enjoy helping others. Cycling, watching football or trying out new recipes are all good enough answers.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
This is one of the most typical interview questions, so it is important that you have thought about your answer. For this question, the interviewer is looking for an answer that shows you have goals and are ambitious.

6. Why are you leaving your current position?
The worst thing you can do when faced with this question is to speak in a negative manner about your current employer or colleagues. This will make you appear unprofessional. 

7. What are your main strengths?
For this question, focus on 3 key strengths that make you best suited for the role. Give examples from previous experiences for each strength.

8. Why do you want to work here?
This question gives you the perfect opportunity to show that you have thoroughly researched the company. This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the role, what would be required of you and what you believe you can do for the company.

9. What motivates you?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question as everyone’s answer will be different.  However, saying that money is your only motivator will be worrisome for the potential employer. 

10. Do you prefer working by yourself or working in a team?
This question is a tricky one as both are hugely important. Show that you are aware of the benefits of both and that you understand the key is that you can do both.

11. What are your salary expectations?
Usually, you will have an idea as to the salary being offered so suggest a range of pay you would be happy with, but do not name a specific amount.

12. Tell me about an achievement you are proud of?
This question is commonly asked so you need to make sure that you have an answer ready. Generally, the potential employer is looking for a work-related answer that you can speak about in detail. Explain what the situation was, the challenges you faced, how you dealt with it and the outcome.

13. What do you know about the company?
Always do your research, you must display an understanding and awareness of what the company does. It doesn’t matter how competent and qualified you are for the role, arriving for an interview unprepared will diminish your chances of getting the job. 

14. What do you consider to be your biggest failure?
The key to this question is to see it as a positive, an opportunity to discuss your personal growth. The biggest mistake you can make with your answer is to say that you have not had any failures.

15. How do you deal with pressure at work?
Give an example of when you were faced with a difficult situation and how you kept a cool head.  The interviewer will be looking for you to demonstrate that you are able to work well under pressure and stay focused on the task at hand.

16. Why is there a gap in your work history?
As awkward as it may be if you have a significant gap in your work history you need to have an answer prepared as the interviewer will ask you about it. Ensure that you discuss your reasons in a positive manner.

ALWAYS FOLLOW-UP WITH A THANK YOU EMAIL AFTER YOUR INTERVIEW!