Interview Tips
How to shine in interviews
It’s worth a reminder here that the best way to ensure that an interview is enjoyable and stress-free interview is to prepare well.
Start by taking time to look through your own CV again and to practice describing each role in a concise and positive way. It’s also a good idea to be clear on your reasons for moving from each job.
You should also take some time to think through answers to the interview questions you think you might be asked – these will likely include questions that are general and specific to the role or to the company. Always take the time to research the company online, by looking at the company’s own website and searching for information on news sites or other sources. This way, you can ensure you can give knowledgeable answers to any questions that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.
Questions that are likely to be asked at this stage of the process include:
Work history:
- Name of companies, position titles and descriptions, and dates of employment
- What were your responsibilities?
- What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
- What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
- What was your biggest accomplishment in this position?
- What do you expect from a supervisor?
- What problems have you encountered at work?
- Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
- Describe your ideal boss.
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- Why do you want to change jobs?
- Why did you resign?
- What have you been doing since your last job?
About you:
- What is your biggest weakness?
- What is your greatest strength?
- How would you describe yourself?
- Describe your work style.
- Do you work well with other people?
- How many hours do you normally work?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- What motivates you?
- Are you a self-motivator?
- What are your salary expectations?
- What decisions do you find the most difficult to make?
- Tell me about yourself.
- If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently?
- If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would they say?
- Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
- Describe a difficult work situation or project – how did you overcome it?
About the new job and the new company:
- What interests you about this job?
- Why do you want this job?
- What applicable attributes/experience do you have?
- What can you do for this company?
- Why are you the best person for the job?
- What do you know about this company?
- What can you contribute to this company?