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There is no way of knowing in advance what you will be asked at a job interview, but certain questions are more likely to arise than others, and you should be prepared for them.
If you practice and develop answers to popular interview questions you will be much better prepared than the majority of candidates.
Below are the sorts of questions that may come up at an interview. Spend some time reading the questions, look at what we have put as response ideas. When you feel more confident, practice with a friend and make up other questions that you think might come up.
Q: Tell me about yourself.
A: This is a common question so you can have your response
ready. Spend some time putting together a short description
of career path, skills and an unusual interest. Practice and
have it ready.
Q: Tell me about your greatest career
achievement.
A: Try to relate your chosen response to the position / industry
that you are interviewing for. Make sure that you have a clear
conclusion and benefit.
Q: Is there anything that you would
change in your career to date?
A: Never say "no" as it would show complacency. Chose
something that relates to gaining knowledge within the industry.
Make sure that you don't indicate regret, just a thirst for
improvement.
Q: What's the most difficult situation
you have had to face and how did you handle it?
A: Tricky one. Have a situation ready to talk about. Pick
a situation created by another party, describe how it was
dealt with and always end with a positive result.
Q: What do you like about your current
role?
A: Don't make the mistake of going over the top; they will
wonder why you are at the interview. Link your likes to requirements
of the position you are applying for.
Q: What do you dislike about
your current role?
A: Watch out! Most dislikes stem from weakness. Do not dwell
on this one for too long and try to pick something that would
not relate to your prospective position. Do not say that you
have no dislikes.
Q: What is your greatest
strength?
A: You can have this one prepared. Pick a strength, relate
it to the position that you are applying for and do not forget
to link it to an achievement.
Q: What is your greatest
weakness?
A: This is another question that you can be well prepared
for. Do not say you have none - everyone has one or two. Use
things that are a benefit to an employer like pushing yourself
to hard or working late to make sure that the job is done.
Q: What tasks do you not
like to do?
A: This is a loaded question. You could try for a positive
reply along these lines: 'I'm the kind of person who does
whatever is necessary to get the job done. When I do run into
something disagreeable, I try to do it first and get it behind
me rather than let it get on top of me. I have no particular
dislikes.'
Q: Why do you want to leave
your current employer?
A: This should be straightforward. State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility, experience and a change of environment. NEVER be negative in your reasons for leaving. Also, it will rarely be appropriate to state salary as the primary motivator.
Interviewers will ask you as many Open questions as possible
to make you talk and expand your responses i.e. Where? What?
Who? Why? How? Explain... Describe...
They might be questions similar to these:
Who in your current organisation do you get on with and why?
What have I forgotten to ask?
What is the worst thing that you have heard about our company?
Why do you wish to stay within this industry?
What can you see yourself doing in 5 years time?
What motivates you?
What was your most embarrassing incident while you were at
school?
What else besides your school and job experience qualifies
you to do this job?
What Top Ten clients are you dealing with at the moment?
What does success mean to you and how do you judge it?
What makes you angry?
Describe a situation where you have been under real pressure. Explain why you felt under pressure and how the situation
was resolved.
If I were to tell you that I thought this interview wasn't
going well, what would you say?
Describe how you determine priorities.
Describe your current boss.
Tell me about the last book that you read.
Tell me about a time where one of your ideas was badly criticised.
Do you prefer to work alone or be part of a team?
Imagine that you had to move to another industry - which industry
would you chose and why?
How do you rate me as an interviewer?
You have an exemplary employee who suddenly starts coming
in late. How will you handle this situation?
Give me a reason why I shouldn't take you on.
What problems do you think you will have doing this job?
Why did you choose this company?
How many and which other companies have you approached?
What kind of people do you not like?
What do you do on your days off?
What time do you get up in the morning?
What do you usually drink?
What would your references say about you?
How do you feel about working at weekends?
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