Questions you’re likely to be asked at a job interview
Interviewers tend to be lazy and generally use the same set of commonly used interview questions over and over again. Therefore, you need to be prepared to answer common interview questions as well as competency based questions specific to the role for which you have applied.
Tell me about yourself
This is not the time or the place to share your life history, but your opportunity to talk about your career and outline your skills, and specific achievements which are relevant to the role that you have applied for.
Giving real life examples of what you have achieved gives the interviewer much more context and belief in your skills and abilities. If possible talk about percentage increases in sales or production or decreases in costs where relevant to evidence your achievements.
Tell me about your last job
Setting the scene and giving some context about the size and scale of the organisation your responsibilities helps the interviewer understand your impact in your previous company.
Explain what you’ve achieved; taking care not to focus on day-to-day routine activities, but highlighting your accomplishments, results and benefits to the organisation. When deciding which examples to talk about, choose those which are most relevant and relatable to the requirements of the new job that you are being interviewed for.
Where do you see yourself in your career over the next five years time?
The interviewer’s questions are trying to assess your career objectives in order to decide whether your goals match with the companies, and do your aspirations fit the realities of the organisation.
But, how should you as a candidate, answer this question?
- You need to explain how you want to grow within the company
- The focus should indicate direction and commitment to your career path and the company you want to join and are realistic and reasonable not everyone can be the CEO in 5 years’ time
For a more detailed explanation of how to answer this common interview question click here
Why do you want to leave your current job?
This question is almost always asked at every interview, its usually asked to understand if you had some work related problems that led to you leaving your last position.
Many people leave jobs for similar reasons, lack of opportunities career progression, they do not get on with their immediate manager, they want more responsibilities, or better pay and conditions.
Don’t Be Negative About Your Current Job or Employer
The number one reason most people choose to leave jobs is a poor management. There may be a combination of reasons as to why you want to leave your current job. Most all of them will likely tie back to poor management or a bad supervisor. However, an interview for a new job is not the forum to air those grievances.
Show your buy-in to your potential new employer brand and culture is a good way to sell yourself as the best candidate.
- Talk specifically about the job for which you are applying for what attracts you and the skills you bring
- Highlight the opportunity to learn new skills and adapt to change
- Focus on your strengths and what you will bring to the employer
- Make sure you take time to describe your accomplishments, and all of the good that you’ve done for your current employer.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
The question about your strengths and weakness is the opportunity for you to showcase your skills and achievements. As well as your ability to recognise and work on areas which you need to improve. We have a whole article dedicated to this common interview questions which walks you through step by step how to answer the question fully click here to find out more
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