Common Interview Questions

Why do you want to work here?

Your response should focus on the job and the organisation.  It might be that the company has a good reputation, that the job gives you the opportunity to do work that you enjoy doing or that the company has good training and progression opportunities.  Don’t say that it is for the money, holidays or location.

What did you do in your last job?

Provide a brief list of your main responsibilities. Ensure where possible that you emphasise the ones that apply to the position you are applying to.  Also point out anything that you achieved e.g. I was responsible for selling our main product, as a result of my relationships with customers, sales increased by 15% last year.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths - be honest but modest.  Try and ensure that the strengths that you identify relate to the job you are applying for. 

Weaknesses - no one likes admitting to weaknesses, try and find something that you are already working to improve or that can be turned into a positive attribute; for example, 'My computer skills were a little out of date, but I have been attending an evening class to help me update them".

How do you get on with people? Are you a team player?

Consider the type of role you are applying for; will you be working as part of a team?  It is always valuable to give an example of when you have worked as part of team and the role you played.  It is also advisable to acknowledge that whilst you can work as a team you are self motivated and can work alone.

Can you work under pressure? Describe any incident when you have had to do so.

In an interview for any job where you will be required to work to targets or deadlines you should prepare an example of your experience of doing so.  This example should demonstrate your ability to manage your workload, prioritise tasks and should have a successful outcome. Don’t give an example where you missed a deadline.

How would you handle difficult clients / customers?

You are likely to be asked this question in any interview for a customer services role.  Prepare a good example based on a real situation where you handled a difficult customer or person.  Try and ensure that it demonstrates your ability to empathise with the customer, problem solve, communicate well and find a satisfactory solution that benefits the customer and the organisation. 

Why did you leave your last position? / Why do you want to leave your present company?

Don’t use this as an opportunity to criticise your previous company. Focus on what you have learnt in your role and why this new opportunity appeals to you. If you were dismissed, don’t lie about it. Say that you take responsibility for your actions and have learnt from the experience.

What are your leisure interests?

The employer is looking to see that you are well balanced and well rounded individual, however they may also be looking to ensure that your ‘social life’ won’t effect your ability to do your role. Don’t be tempted to make up exotic sounding hobbies – you may get caught out if offered the role!

What salary / wage are you looking for?

Be honest and be realistic.  You should be guided by the advertised salary and wage and your current or last role.  Be careful not to price yourself out of the market but be realistic about what you are worth.

Have you got any questions?

Always prepare in advance a list of possible questions.  Some will probably have already been covered over the course of the interview. This is your opportunity to find out as much about the role as you can.  Questions could include:

• Why has the vacancy arisen?
• How long does training take and what does it involve?
• If I were successful what would the start date be?
• Do you provide uniforms or work clothes?
• Who will I be working for?
• How many people will be in my department?
• What are the exact hours I’ll be working?
• Is the business subject to peaks and troughs?
• Is there any training schemes from which I may benefit?