Frequently Asked Interview Questions
Tell Me About Yourself?
What the interviewer is really asking: What is it about you that makes you suitable for the role?
How to answer: Be confident when answering this question as it is usually the first one asked in an interview and it lets the interviewer know a little bit about you. Make sure you identify 3-5 strengths that reflect well with the role for which you are being interviewed.
What Are Your Key Strengths/Skills?
What the interviewer is really asking: Have you got what it takes to do this job?
How to answer: Tell the interviewer your skills and strengths that match to the job role. Researching the company and the job specification beforehand will be useful as you will be able to make your strengths and skills relevant to an example situation you may face.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
What the interviewer is really asking: Are you going to have an issue with doing this job?
How to answer: Do not be critical when answering this question. Try to use your weakness as strength. For example, if you are someone who likes doing everything correctly and to an excellent standard; this is a strength but you could say you may sometimes take a little bit longer to complete tasks as you want to ensure the highest quality has been produced.
Why Do You Want This Job?
What the interviewer is really asking: Why should I give this job to you?
How to answer: Use phrases like, ‘I want to work in …’ and, ‘I like the sound of…’ this shows enthusiasm but also the research you have done prior to the interview. You have to show enthusiasm; explain how you would be a good candidate; and show you have an interest in the job sector and in the company and what they do.
Give Me An Example Of A Difficult Situation/Task At Work And How You Dealt With It
What the interviewer is really asking: Can you work under pressure? Can you keep customers satisfied?
How to answer: The best way to answer this is give a situation where you used communication and problem solving skills to resolve the situation. Use a situation where you had to communicate with another person, understand the issue and come to a solution where everyone was satisfied.
What Do You Know About The Organisation?
What the interviewer is really asking: Have you done your research? Do you have any questions for us?
How to answer: It is vital that you show you have done company research prior to the interview. By doing this it shows you are enthusiastic and interested in working at the company. Give information you saw on their website. Use phrases like, ‘I saw on your website …’ and, ‘I was looking on your website and I was curious about …’