Top Interview Tips
Interview Questions
Each interviewer has a different style of interviewing although all will have the same goals: to get to know you, assess your ambitions, consider your “match” to the company and see how you rate against other candidates being interviewed for the role.
Many interviewers will use structured interview techniques, which are easier for the interviewee to follow but sometimes leave little scope for your personality to shine through. Therefore it is important in these instances to use examples of your own experiences wherever possible to illustrate your point.
Other interviewers use open questioning which can be dangerous as they allow you to ramble, saying a lot without actually answering the question. This can leave the impression that you are disorganised and inaccurate.
Below are a selection of questions of each type and whilst it is impossible to prepare an answer to all questions beforehand it is beneficial to think about how you would answer these or similar questions and always have examples ready to illustrate your point.
Open questions:
- “Tell me about yourself”
- “How would you describe yourself?
- “How would others describe you?
- “What has been your greatest success to date?
- “What has been your greatest failure to date?”
- “What are your strengths?”
- “What are your weaknesses?”
- “Do you act on your own initiative?”
- “Are you competitive?”
- “Why should we hire you?”
Structured Questions:
- “why did you choose a degree in/career in?”
- “Why are you changing jobs”
- “what would be your ideal job?”
- “What appeals to you about this role/company?”
- “What do you know about the company?”
- “What was good about your last job?”
- “How do you like to be managed?”
- “What is your current package?”
- “What qualities do you believe are needed in this job – give examples of when you have displayed these”
- “Where will you be in 5 years?”
Questions to ask the Interviewer
It is important to remember that an interview is a two-way process. The interviewer will want to establish you are suitable for the role and the company, equally you must establish that the company, role, culture and future of the business match your expectations.
You must put thought into the questions you may want to ask prior to the interview and it’s ok to write them down and take them with you. Don’t ask questions that could easily be answered through your own research, although asking questions based on your research will show how well you have prepared. The most effective questioning is as a result of information given to you within the interview, illustrating your listening skills and ability to disseminate information. E.g. “you have explained recent expansion into emerging markets, what impact would that have on this role and what would be the challenges for a new person?”
Traditionally towards the end of the interview the interviewer will ask it you have any questions. Below are ten sample questions aimed to give you an insight into the role, organisation and whether you wish to pursue the opportunity:
- “Is this a new position, or would I be replacing someone?” if you are replacing someone it would be useful to ask “how long were they in the position” and “why did they leave”
- “What are the opportunities for growth within the role/company”
- “what is the number one priority for the person succeeding in this role?”
- “How do you assess/review performance?”
- “What are the most enjoyable/least enjoyable aspects of the role?”
- “How would you describe the company culture?”
- “Who are your major competitors?”
- “What is the company’s medium/long term growth strategy?”
- “What is your next step in the interviewing process”
- “Is there any other information you would like me to provide?”
Interview “No-Nos”
- Dress: Always dress in business attire, preferably a business suit with sensible hair and jewellery. Even if the organisation you wish to join has a casual dress policy, the interview is not the time to display your personality through your clothes/make up/hair/jewellery
- Salary: Do not ask about the salary at the first interview – if you are being represented by an agency they will have established that your expectations match those being offered. This is a question to be investigated at final interview or once offers are being discussed.
- Peripheral issues: Do not ask how many holidays/paid sick days are appropriate to the role, particularly at first interview. This gives the impression you are more interested in leave than the actual job!
- Previous employers: Never bad mouth previous employers – at best this makes you look small minded and bitter and at worst, the employers may well know each other! Have answers prepared as to why you left previous jobs and ensure that are not vicious or damning to your former employer.
- Demeanour: Smile, be confident and friendly. Interviews are a nerve wracking experience but if you can be pleasant and friendly both you and the interviewer will be more relaxed thus creating an easier forum for you to shine.
