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The Interview
posted: 2011-11-01What made you apply for this position?
State your interest in the position and the company.
What do you know about the company?
Make sure you have done your research before the interview so you can answer.
Why should we hire you?
Relate your studies and experience to the requirements of the position. Make them
aware that you are capable of doing the job.
What are your interests and hobbies?
Remember to keep it simple. (If you say ‘reading’ make sure you know the name
and author of the last book you read.)
What kind of person are you?
Choose qualities that are attractive to the employer – Don’t lie!
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Why?
I would be more likely to describe myself as eg balanced, out-going, friendly.
Are you a good listener?
They want to identify if they are going to have to tell you things ten times. Ideally
they want someone who gets the point the first time and if unclear they’ll ask.
Tell me about yourself.
Be brief, positive, relevant and not too personal.
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/children etc.
Yes/No. If asked for more information, politely ask them how this relates to your
application for the position.
How do you work under pressure?
The employer does not want people who crack under pressure. Some people thrive
under pressure and if you do, tell them so. Others cope and use strategies to cope.
Tell them about the strategies that you use so that you don’t crack under pressure.
Are you well organised?
Talk about how you manage to get assignments done, study, keep appointments
etc. Mention tools that you use like “to do” lists, diary, notes on the fridge etc.
How would you handle the situation if you didn’t get along with a co-worker?
They are looking for someone who can try to maintain a good working relationship,
despite any personal clashes.
Where do you see yourself in two years?
Keep your answer career focused, not ‘backpacking around Europe’ for example.
What are your strengths?
Be honest and positive, but don’t brag or be arrogant.
What are your weaknesses?
Never list more than one. Turn the weakness into a positive eg I tend to keep to
myself. Some people think I am unsociable but it helps me really focus and
complete my work on time.
Could you see yourself working for this company?
Tell them what you see as the company’s strong selling points as an employer.
What were your best subjects at school/college?
Try to relate these to the position requirements.
What kind of student were you?
If there are some very negative issues don’t mention them.
When did you decide that you wanted to be a ….?
Avoid statements like – when I heard you can get paid $25.00/hr.
Do you have any plans for further study?
Remember you are applying for a job and they want your priority to be that job.
Showing your commitment to professional development will valued but it should not
impact adversely on your job performance.
What types of work have you had?
It all counts and deserves a mention - paid work, volunteer work, work experience.
How do you think you have benefited from this experience?
For example, developing a work ethic, learning about employee responsibilities,
ability to work in a team plus any skills you have gained.
Why should we consider you given your lack of experience?
Draw from your studies and other experiences. Explain in a non-defensive manner
how your skills are transferable. Demonstrate a ‘can do’ attitude. You can say that
everyone needs to get their first start and that they would not regret giving you your
first start.
What are you looking to gain from this job – job satisfaction, money …?
Job satisfaction, consolidation of skills, development opportunities, etc.
Are you ambitious?
Be careful here. Remember they will want someone who is ambitious but is happy
to settle in and learn and master this job first! You also don’t want to appear as a
threat to the interviewer.
Do you intend to travel overseas?
If you do want to travel maybe you could say, “maybe a short trip in the long term,
but I’m more interested in establishing myself in a career at the present time”.
How is your health?
If you have some pre-existing condition or disability, be honest about it and reassure
them that it will not affect your ability to carry out your duties or explain your needs
and how it may affect your ability to do the job.
What kind of person do you find annoying?
Stay safe here and say that you don’t rush judgement on anyone but be honest and
mention one or two traits that annoy you eg late, tardy work, lying, “I know” attitude.
Can you provide recommendations from previous employers/clients?
