We know that you can never really predict what will be asked in an interview. However there are some common questions that you can prepare for. Here are some example the most commonly asked interview questions you can prepare for:
Tell me a bit about yourself
Although you need to prepare , your answer to this question should not sound too rehearsed.Try and keep your answer to under 5 minutes. Focus on skills and characteristics whilst linking them directly to the role. When talking about your experience don’t forget to say a little about what you want for the future. This will show that you are thinking ahead.
What are your strengths
Look at the role specfication and pick 3 or 4 skills listed as desirable by the organisation ie teamwork,leadership. Use these to write out set examples detailing your use of these skills.
What are your weaknesses
Try not to use the infamous, “I am too much of a perfectionist” as an answer. Recruiters have heard this many times and will not be impressed by that answer. Pick something that you are actively trying to work on. It is best to choose a weakness that would not negatively impact on that particular role.
Where do you see yourself in x years time
The best way to answer this question is with your career goals, making sure to explain how a job with their company will go a long way to helping you achieve them – express your interest in a long-term career.
Why are you leaving
The purpose of this question is to find out why you’re making a career move and whether you’re leaving your previous job on good or bad terms. You may find yourself in a situation where you’re leaving of your own accord, perhaps you’re just bored of the job you’ve been in for the past few years, explain that you are looking for new challenges.
If you’re looking for a new job because you don’t get on with your boss or colleagues you should try to avoid bad mouthing them to your interviewer – it can look unprofessional.
If you happen to be leaving your current job because you were let go, be honest.Do not go into details about the company or your previous boss. Company restructuring is common and you do not need to go into exhaustive detail. Simply state that ‘my company went through a restructure’.
What can you offer the organisation
The interviewer wants to know why you think you’ll be a good fit for their role. Here you get another chance to discuss your skills and explain in greater detail why these will make you an asset to their company.
Use examples from your past to demonstrate things you’ve achieved, changes you may have implemented and goals you may have accomplished with previous employers (or through your education, or leisure activities).
Why do you want to work here
Demonstrate that you’ve researched the role by discussing the skills and interests that led you to apply. Tell the interviewer what particular aspect of the job advertisement enticed you. Talk about the industry, what draws you to it and why this particular company would be ideal for you.
What has been your greatest achievement
Ideally, your answer should evidence skills relevant to the job; teamwork, initiative, communication, determination and organisation, for example. For inspiration, think about a time when you’ve received an award, organised an event, learned something new or overcome a major fear. Always prepare several examples.
You should avoid mentioning things like ‘graduating from university’ as this will not necessarily make you stand out unless you graduated whilst under extreme stress or under unusual circumstances.
Good luck! Make sure you read up on what YOU should be asking at the interview, that is just as important.
