Job Interview questions (and how to answer them)
Prepare for questions you might be asked. Preparation is the key to your success here 
Continuing the interview theme, the following is a list of questions you may be asked at an interview. Some suggestions are given which you can to use to prepare your own answer.
Thorough preparation will give you the confidence to do your best at an interview and win you your dream job.
1. Why do you want to work here?
Mention:
- Good reputation of the firm
- Any other positive information you have about the firm, e.g. their training record
- It will give you a chance to do work which interests you
2. Why did you leave your last job?
Explaining briefly and honestly the reasons why your last job ended.
If there is anything positive to say, say it, e.g.: If you left for health reasons point out that you are now fit and reassure the employer that you can do the duties required, or, if you were dismissed, that you take responsibility for your actions and have learnt from the experience.
3. Have you done this kind of work before?
Yes – tell them the skills you have and how you can use them.
No – quickly describe other work experience which will help you learn the job quickly. Emphasise your interest and enthusiasm to learn.
4. What did you do in your last job?
Describe:
- skills and duties relevant to new job
- machines/equipment used
- your responsibilities
- people you dealt with
- how long you were there
- if you were promoted
5. What kinds of equipment can you operate?
- Name any type of equipment relevant to the new job
- Your training/qualifications
- Length of time you have operated this equipment
6. How long have you been out of work – how do you spend your time?
Describe:
- jobsearch activity
- voluntary work
- further education or study
- hobbies
Show you have been doing something or it will be assumed you have just sat on the sofa!
7. Why have you had a) so many jobs? b) only one job?
Mention:
a) so many jobs?
- You wanted to widen your experience in different types of work/firms.
- Many of the jobs were temporary.
- You would rather be in work than out of work.
b) only one job?
- You had several different jobs within your last employment.
- The opportunity to develop.
- Their good record in training and development.
8. Why should I take you on?
Be ready for this question and answer confidently and positively
- Describe your skills and experience and how they relate to this job
- Reassure the employer that you are hard-working, reliable and capable
9. Aren’t you over-qualified?
Emphasise:
You are looking for something fresh/new/different
You can take as well as give instructions
10. How do you get on with people?
Describe how you have previously worked as part of a team
Mention your ability to get on with people at all levels
Give examples
11. What makes a good team member?
Describe the skills required e.g.:
- good communication
- flexibility
- adaptability
- co-operation
- sense of humour
12. How do you cope with pressure?
Describe the pressures in previous jobs using a recent example, e.g. how you coped with a changed deadline, completed a rush order or dealt with staff shortages.
13. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
They should already know your strengths from your Application Form/CV or they would not be interviewing you, but if they ask about any weaknesses:
Start by describing parts of your last job that you found testing but explain how you overcame these problems
Be fairly brief but honest, e.g. “I can sometimes be a little too enthusiastic”.
Note: Employers value people who can admit their mistakes rather than blaming their failings on others.
14. What would you like to be doing in five years time?
Explain that you would ideally like to be working for the same company but to have developed within it.
15. How often were you absent from your last job?
If rarely – say so
If absence has been a problem – explain why
16. When would you be available to start?
As soon as possible! Do not put any barriers in the way.
17. Do you have any questions?
You may like to prepare for this – it is almost always asked at the interview. You could ask:
- why is the job vacant?
- why did the last person leave?
- who would I report to?
- what training will I do, if any?
- what would my first job be?
- how soon will I hear about the result of my application?
- how would I be paid?
Good luck!
About Sarah ArrowSarah Arrow is the managing editor of Birds on the Blog, in real life she is the communications director of a same day courier service. She is an enthusiastic UK based pro-blogger and co- author of the soon to be published Zero to Blogger
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4 Responses to Job Interview questions (and how to answer them)
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I believe the answer to Q9 Aren’t you over-qualified? (and whether you’d get away with it
) depends largely on who’s asking the question…
The more senior the interviewer’s position in the company the greater your chances: They’re more likely to have the bigger picture in mind and hire you for what you could bring to the business, provided they don’t think that this is just a very short term stop gap. I’d go for something like:
“I’m guessing you didn’t start out as the MD of a fully fledged company – and maybe you made a few moves that others thought were sideways or backwards at the time…
Your company has a good reputation – it’s growing whilst others in this industry are struggling to stand still – who knows what opportunities may open up down the line?
Meanwhile I can do the job that you need filled right now – and probably better than anyone else I know…”
A more junior interviewer (who’s position you may already have held elsewhere) is more likely to feel threatened UNLESS you can allay their fears that, once in the door, you’ll be after their job.
In that situation I’d go for something like:
“You’ll have already seen from my CV that I’ve held higher posts – and that obviously doesn’t bother you or we wouldn’t be having this conversation…
I’ve been ‘married to the job’ before
and I’m not saying it’s without its rewards. Yet my priorities over the next few years are to wake up work days knowing that I’ll enjoy the day ahead WITHOUT the extra managerial and training responsibilities that often mean working long into the evening and weekends.
And I can put that extra energy into my relationships with family and friends.
And you get an experienced hand…:-) “
Twitter: comfort_selling
I believe the answer to Q9 Aren’t you over-qualified? (and whether you’d get away with it
) depends largely on who’s asking the question…
The more senior the interviewer’s position in the company the greater your chances: They’re more likely to have the bigger picture in mind and hire you for what you could bring to the business, provided they don’t think that this is just a very short term stop gap. I’d go for something like:
“I’m guessing you didn’t start out as the MD of a fully fledged company – and maybe you made a few moves that others thought were sideways or backwards at the time…
Your company has a good reputation – it’s growing whilst others in this industry are struggling to stand still – who knows what opportunities may open up down the line?
Meanwhile I can do the job that you need filled right now – and probably better than anyone else I know…”
A more junior interviewer (who’s position you may already have held elsewhere) is more likely to feel threatened UNLESS you can allay their fears that, once in the door, you’ll be after their job.
In that situation I’d go for something like:
“You’ll have already seen from my CV that I’ve held higher posts – and that obviously doesn’t bother you or we wouldn’t be having this conversation…
I’ve been ‘married to the job’ before
and I’m not saying it’s without its rewards. Yet my priorities over the next few years are to wake up work days knowing that I’ll enjoy the day ahead WITHOUT the extra managerial and training responsibilities that often mean working long into the evening and weekends.
And I can put that extra energy into my relationships with family and friends.
And you get an experienced hand…:-) “
Twitter: comfort_selling
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