Frequently Asked Interview Questions
Everyone approaches a job interview with some degree of apprehension. So just what are the top interview questions? Whilst preparing for a job interview is extremely important, most people assume they would benefit from having a list of sample job interview questions. However if you want to make a great first impression during the Interview think about:
- What you are going to say?
- How you are going to say it?
- How you are going to act, beforehand?
1. Do Your Homework
You can never have too much information – log on to the company’s website, get hold of company literature and find out about competitors. Your homework will let you demonstrate impressive interest in the organisation
2. Make A Good First Impression
Look smart and professional; dressing to impress means erring on the side of ‘traditional’ rather than ‘trendy’. Plan your route and allow plenty of time to get to the interview. Be courteous, smile and shake hands firmly.
3. Body Language
Despite being well qualified, you need to look motivated and interested in the job. Your actions, posture, gestures and facial expressions, reveal a lot about you. Remember to look the interviewer in the eye and don’t be afraid to smile when appropriate. If there is more than one interviewer, always look at and address the person who posed the question; glance at the others when you have finished your answer. Adopt a good posture and don’t cross your arms, fidget, tap your feet, sprawl or lean forward anxiously.
4. Sound Positive
You must be ready to expand on the information presented on your resume and anticipate the path the interviewer might take. No one fits a job perfectly so emphasise your most relevant skills and slant answers to reassure the interviewer that any shortfall is not a problem. Don’t use tentative language or phrases such as ‘I feel I could’, ‘I think I can’. ‘Perhaps I would’ – dilute the strength of your case. Avoid yes and no answers to which make the interview more like an interrogation. Be enthusiastic but don’t constantly interrupt, don’t be evasive – make a virtue of any career gaps on your CV
Tip! Practice before the interview; test yourself by talking out loud or presenting to partners and
friends
5. Handle Tough Questions With Confidence
Employers deliberately ask questions designed to see how you behave and react in certain
situations. Giving positive, fluent answers isn’t as difficult as it might seem, advanced planning makes it easier to anticipate general enquiries and prepare coherent,
effective responses. Be smart, turn these questions into an opportunity to take the initiative and ‘sell’ the exact message you want. If you don’t understand a question, seek clarification before answering:
- Never guess or give a knee-jerk response
- It’s much better to admit that you don’t know an answer
6. Be Prepared For The Following Questions
- How would you describe yourself?
- How would your manager describe you?
- What is your career path for the future?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
- What motivates you to be successful?
- How do you react when you are left to work without supervision?
- Give me an example of when you feel you have coped extremely well under pressure at
- work?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- You cannot claim to have no weaknesses
- Don’t stress anything too negative
- Weaknesses are points that you have identified as areas to develop
- The best solution is to admit to one weakness and then turn it around and show how
you have constructively overcome it
- E.g. “Speaking in front of large crowds isn’t something I feel comfortable doing, so I try
to speak up in team meetings more often.”
7. Interviews Are A Two-Way Process
Always prepare questions in advance about the job or company. This is a good chance to clarify any points of doubt, you need to ensure that the job is exactly what you expected and what you want.
8. Suggested Questions To Ask
- What are the opportunities for career progression?
- What are the training opportunities?
- What are my precise responsibilities?
- How much travel is involved?
- What are the targets for the first 6 months?
- How long will it take you to make a final recruitment decision?
9. Close On A Confident Note
Leave the employer with a good final impression. Smile, thank them for their time, say you enjoyed discussing the job and that you are interested. Ask them what are the next steps of the process and ask if they have any further questions.
Why an interview is like a first date
