Interview Questions

There are some common interview questions and you should prepare your answers before-hand. The key thing to remember when responding to interview questions is to keep your answers brief and to the point.  If you are faced with a difficult question, make sure you stay calm, don't get defensive, and take a moment to think about your response before you answer.

Remember, the answers below are only suggestions. Try to personalise your response as much as possible.

• Why do you want this job? Why do you want to work here?

Stress the aspects of the role which have encouraged you to apply, focusing on the issues that matter. Avoid referring to things such as better pay, shorter hours etc. Avoid referring to the negative aspects of your current or most recent role.

• What qualities do you think will be required for this job?

Although the job advert will provide a good basis for your answer, use your knowledge of the role and the industry to understand what will help you succeed in the role.

You might want to refer to the personality traits you have that will add value to the technical aspects of the role. Leadership, communication and interpersonal skills will always stand you in good stead.

• What do you know about us?

This is your chance to show the employer you are serious about your application. Your interview preparation will have given you a great foundation on which to talk about their products/services, sales figures, news, big wins etc.

Talking about any challenges the company faces will also provide further brownie points and increase the likelihood of you standing out from the crowd.

• Why should we employ you?

Your aim when answering this question is to show how well you fit the requirements of the job.

Refer to your previous experience and achievements; show how they are relevant to the company and/or role in question and highlight where you can add value.

• What will you bring to the role/company?

The key to getting the most from this question is to try and anticipate what your future objectives would be if you were to get the job. Your answers should then focus on how you would satisfy these objectives.

Try to also focus on the particular requirements of the role. Look at similar roles inside and outside the company and use this information to show how you will be able to hit the ground running and add immediate value.

• What are your strengths?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions in any interview and you should expect to be faced with both this and the question that follows.

The aim of this question is to convey your level of self-awareness as well as showing you can identify the particular strengths associated with the role.

Avoid merely telling them how great you are and prepare two or three strengths that are particularly relevant to the requirements of the role and/or company. 

You should also look to analyse why you are strong in these areas and how you can make a difference.

• What are your weaknesses?

This has the potential to be a really tough question if you've not carefully considered how to answer it.

A strong answer starts by saying you are not actually weak in any area but then lists areas for improvement that could be interpreted as strengths, for example not giving up on something when you strongly believe in it.

This question will inevitably prompt follow-up questions, enabling you to show how you are working on managing your weaknesses.