Some questions are always going to be a surprise but most, including
difficult questions, can be prepared for. We tackle some toughies.
Tell us about yourself
Often an interview opener – this is a question and trips most
people up. It’s mainly used as an ice breaker to get the conversation
flowing but don’t make the mistake of rambling. Instead, take your CV
with you and pick out some career highlights. If this is your first job
then explain how life experiences have made you suitable for the
position. Do NOT spend more than 5 minutes talking!
Why do you want THIS job?
A tricky one. You need to be honest but not TOO honest if the reason is your boss is a nightmare
and you hate your colleagues. Instead, talk about the positives of the
job ad – what made it jump out at you and think ‘yeah, I’d be good at
that!’ This is your chance to explain!
What did you dislike about your last job?
Again, avoid negativity. Moan about past employers and you’ll
quickly be shown the door. Instead, talk about the frustrations of your
last role that THIS job could fix and always ALWAYS start with a
positive. E.g. ‘I have really enjoyed my current job and I’ve learnt a
lot and grown as a person. However, I disliked that there was no
opportunity for promotion and I know that I’m ready to take the next
step with my career.’
How do you respond to criticism?
Don’t say: ‘I do NOT like people criticising me!’
DO say: ‘I
welcome constructive criticism as it helps me to learn and get better at
my job. Nobody is perfect but I always make sure that if I make a
mistake, it’s the first and last time’.
What are you most proud of in your working life?
This can be a puzzler! Go to the interview prepared with a few
examples of your successes and, if possible, use examples to back it up.
E.g. ‘I worked really hard to set up a new filing system and won a
prize for innovation at our Employee Awards. The new system had saved
the admin team 10 hours a week in wasted resource.’
What are your weaknesses?
This one almost ALWAYS comes up! Don’t ever give a negative –
stroppy, always late, violent are all no-nos! Also try to avoid the
obvious ‘I’m a perfectionist’ as it’s a common answer. Stand out from
the crowd and expand on your answer, turning a negative into a positive
e.g. ‘I sometimes take mistakes too much to heart. However, I make sure I
learn from them and never make the mistake again’.
How do you respond to stress and pressure?
An employer wants to know what you will actually be like in a
busy place and how reliable and calm you will be when things go wrong.
Give examples of times when you have met difficult deadlines or handled
tricky people.
Why you?
This is often a closing question and gives you the chance to
stand out… Talk about your experience and skills but also about YOU as a
person – your attitude and interests and why you’re uniquely suited to
the job. Sell, sell, sell! If you’re not confident in doing this then
check out our guide to how to market yourself
