Prepare to be quizzed
Interviews are made up of a series of questions where you get the chance to explain your experience, strengths, motivations and weaknesses. Many interviewers will use a core group of questions aimed at getting you to do exactly that.
Take time to look through this list of questions that are typically asked. Give some thought to the answer you would give, relative to yourself and your experience, and incorporate our suggestions on how your response could be phrased.
Top Ten Typical Questions
1. Tell me about yourself.
– Be brief and concise, presenting a synopsis of what your current role is, the skills that make you good at it and what would make you be of interest to the interviewer.
2. Why do you want to work for us?
– Show you want to be part of this type of company, underlining what it is about both the company and role that attracts you. Combine these with your beliefs on how you can make a definite contribution to the role and to specific company goals.
3. What could you bring to us/the role that we would benefit from?
– Relate past experiences that represent success in working for your previous employer and highlight your track record of providing creative, workable solutions. Select a couple of positive personality traits to underline the contribution you will make (e.g. ‘thorough’, ‘diligent’, ‘dynamic’).
4. What do you find most attractive about this position? Have you any concerns about the role?
– List a couple of attractive factors such as the responsibility the post offers and the opportunity to work with experienced people/teams.
– Do not voice concerns but do ask questions if you need clarification on something. Always leave the interviewer with a positive impression and if there are any concerns they can be addressed with your consultant.
5. Please give me your understanding of the position for which you are being interviewed
– Make sure you have a good understanding of the role you are going for and any specific skills or experience required to do the job. Link these to your expertise.
6. What do you enjoy about what you do/the field you work in?
– Your chance to explain what motivates you! Focus on aspects of the role that you find interesting, what you get the most pleasure out of and what you find most rewarding. Being able to articulate these factors with commitment and the right degree of passion for your work can go a long way in impressing your interviewer.
7. What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
– You should have two or three examples of strengths and should back then up with examples.
– Don’t be too negative about your weaknesses; try and use examples that could be seen as a positive.The interviewer is trying to ascertain if you are self aware and willing to work on your waeknesses. e.g. "Organisation is not my strongest skill, however I now diary date and prioritise everything I need to do on a daily and weekly basis."
8. Give an example of a difficult objective you have been set and how you have met it
– Pick out a goal that you have achieved that would be similar to one you may be asked to do in this role. Briefly outline what it was, what made it challenging, how you approached it, the positive responses you got and the effect it had on the company.
9. Give an example of how you have challenged the “way things are done”
– Make sure that this is a positive answer. Explain what you changed, the process of change involved and how the end result was better. Ensure you underline that it was beneficial to the company and all those it effected, and point out that you won “buy-in” at every stage from identifying scope for change through to execution.
10. Why are you leaving your current role/looking for a new role?
– Be positive. Focus on aspects such as the need to develop yourself further, a desire to bring your skills to a new environment, the opportunity working for this company has for you etc.
And finally
Having thought through your answers to these, also make sure you have a couple of questions to ask the interviewer. You might want to enquire what they enjoy about working for the company, or you could reiterate your interest by asking what they thought of you and what the next stage is.
Please note: Don't bring up salary/rate with the interviewer, this should be dealt with by your agency. If the subject comes up ensure you know this is something your consultant will deal with on your behalf.