You’ve got an interview, so the employer wants to know more about you. How you answer their questions will go a long way to deciding whether you get the job.
It helps to know what you might be asked and to prepare in advance. These are the questions that come up most often.
Tell me about yourself
Interviewers often open with this to break the ice. Don’t rush to list all your skills and experience: you’ll get the chance to cover them later.
Keep it short and give a sense of who you are: your background, your interests and something you’re proud of.
Why do you want to work here?
This is your chance to show you’ve done your research. Before the interview, look at the company’s website, social media and news, and find out what it stands for.
Then explain how its values and ambitions match yours.
Why are you leaving your current job?
Never criticise your current employer. Talk instead about what you’d gain from the move, such as a new challenge, progression, more responsibility or a move to a new area.
What are your strengths?
Match your strengths to the job. Before the interview, make a list and pick out the ones that matter most for the role.
They might be experience in a particular field, soft skills such as managing people or solving problems, or training that’s essential to the job. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s relevant, and back it up with an example.
What are your weaknesses?
Name a real weakness, then explain what you’re doing about it. For example, if organisation isn’t your strong point, describe the steps you’re taking to improve.
Don’t say you have no weaknesses, as it suggests a lack of self-awareness. Avoid stock answers such as working too hard or being a perfectionist.
Why should we hire you?
Other candidates will have similar qualities, so don’t just list yours. Pick the ones that suit this job and this company, and explain why they make you right for it, with examples where you can.
For example, if you know the role is fast-paced, say that it’s the kind of place where you do your best work, and show when you’ve done it before.
Do you have any questions?
You’ll usually be asked this as the interview closes. Even if you think everything has been covered, have a question ready to show you’re interested.
Ask open questions rather than ones with a yes or no answer. For example, ask them to tell you more about the team you’d be working with.
Avoid questions that sound as if you’ve already got the job, like when you can book time off, or that show you haven’t done your research, like what the company does. Listen carefully, so you don’t ask about something that’s already been covered.
Why preparation matters
Preparing in advance helps you feel calmer and more confident on the day. Interviewers can tell when you’ve done your research, and it shows you want the job.
We can help
When you apply for a job through us, your consultant will help you prepare for the interview, and tell you what the employer is looking for.