Question preparation
One of the most nerve-wracking elements of an interview situation is not knowing what questions you are going to be
asked on the day. This fear of the unknown throws most of us into a complete panic.
One sure way to overcome this fear is to anticipate and prepare questions which may be asked.
Again, you need to think from the client’s angle to ensure that the answers you give are tailored to them and they are
convinced you are the best candidate for the job.
Within this section on preparation we have included twenty of the toughest questions you could be asked in interview,
together with an explanation of what the employer is looking for in asking the question. Once you determine what this is
and have thought about your response your confidence will grow as you are more able to answer proficiently and
confidently.
Questions
Tell me about yourself
Employers are looking for a quick snapshot of you (both your background and your personality) and how well you sell
yourself and your capabilities. Don’t ramble on – be concise but make sure you get the main points in.
Why did you apply for the job?
This looks at your levels of motivation and commitment. Make sure you research thoroughly what the job entails. State the
benefits you can offer them, and then what they can provide for you. Say why you want this job – not why you are leaving
your present one.
Tell me what you do in your spare time
This has a double purpose. To make sure you have a rounded lifestyle – and to ensure your interests won’t interfere with
your job. Go over your outside interests quickly, highlighting any job relevance and outlining the skills you have developed
through them. The employer will be trying to establish whether the type of satisfaction these activities give you can be
provided by some elements of the job – thus ensuring job motivation.
When have you been involved in teams?
Employers want a team player – so give examples of your role within teams (eg, creative, promoter, developer, organiser,
producer, inspector, maintainer, adviser).
Underline what you learned and how it has made you more effective in a team. Link your answers directly to the job you’re
after – check if they’re looking for a creative, resourceful team member, a detail-orientated person who will see tasks
through or a positive team leader. They may ask about conflict in teams so be prepared with an example where you
handled the conflict well and the team still operated effectively.
What are your main strengths and weaknesses?
This revolves around self-awareness. Again, link your strengths to the particular job. Employers want someone who
knows what they are good at and where they need to improve. Everybody has weaknesses but employers want to know
what you are doing to improve. Choose allowable weaknesses and turn them into strengths, eg, ‘I’m a bit of a
perfectionist, - but that’s good for quality’. ‘My financial skills aren’t as sharp as I’d like – but I’m attending a bookkeeping
night class’.
Why should we employ you?
Which of your skills or your experiences could add value to the company? Make brief but telling comparisons between the
job description and your ability to meet their needs. State briefly what you can offer and back up anything you say with facts.
What has been your biggest achievement?
This reveals what motivates you and what matters to you (family, work, education or leisure?) Choose something that
makes you stand out and involves positive characteristics, eg, you developed determination, strength of character.
What have you learned from your past work experiences?
This focuses on skills developed in previous jobs (vacation, part-time, full-time). Think about those jobs. Did you have any
responsibility? Pull out the positive elements and focus on benefits to the employer.
When did you last work under pressure or deal with conflict – and how did you cope?
This is aimed at discovering if you can deal with problems quickly and efficiently – and confront a situation if you become
frustrated.
The best technique is to think of an example and explain how the situation arose – then say how you dealt with it. If asked
directly if anything made you annoyed or frustrated, be truthful but avoid appearing negative.
What is the biggest problem/dilemma you have ever faced?
Try to choose something that will show you in a positive light and that you are prepared to discuss at interview. How did
you get over it? What did you learn? This will not only show how you cope under stress but also your decision-making
ability and strength of character.
What other career opportunities are you looking at?
This will illustrate how well you have researched, planned and thought through your chosen career area. It will also show
an employer how much you really want the job.
If you just list a long series of unrelated career options, it will cast doubt on your motivation. If you’re doing nothing it
indicates a narrow perspective and lack of forward thinking.
Where would you like to be in five or ten years time?
Again, if you have a clear idea, it will show your commitment and vision. If you do have some insight into where you are
heading, think of some of the functions and responsibilities you would hope to have.
When have you had to ….?
Employers want real-life evidence that clearly demonstrates you have particular skills. Draw up a list of key skills required
for the position (found by dissecting the job ad, job description and person specification) and highlight at least two
situations or achievements that prove you have each skill. Practise talking through each example and present a concise,
hard-hitting case. Avoid waffle and keep it sharp.
What would you do in… situation?
Hypothetical questions are used to test your overall style and approach. Carefully prepare by listing all the roles you’ll
potentially undertake in the new position and think up awkward questions yourself.
So sell me this product
Role-play questions really make you think on your feet. Once again, do your homework. Be prepared to demonstrate your
skills in action.
What salary do you expect?
Work out a salary range you consider reasonable – job ads in the national and local press will give you an idea. Don’t
undersell (or oversell) yourself. Give a range to indicate you’re prepared to negotiate.
How competent are you at …?
Many employers now like to assess candidates using scoring grids within a work-based framework. This makes it
important to quote practical examples showing your level of competence.
Are you pregnant/gay/etc?
Yes it’s an outrageous question – but always be on the alert for it. It may be designed to shock you and assess your
reactions. It may equally reflect the fact that some employers lack formal training in interview techniques and fall back on
crude stereotypes. Whatever the reason, it’s vital not to lose your cool – just write it off to ignorance.
You haven’t been much of a success so far, have you?
The aggressive approach may also throw you. The reasons could be the same but this time it is more likely to be a
deliberate attempt to unnerve you. Again, keep your composure – it’s probably the reaction they are looking for.
Do you have any questions?
Always expect this one – so prepare a list. Include a few probing questions to show you’ve done your research. Don’t be
afraid to write them down and take them to the interview with you. You’ll find some suggestions below:
Suggested interview questions for the applicant
How has the job vacancy arisen?
Allows you to find out more about any organisational changes and the people you may be working with.
How will my performance be measured?
Allows you to set personal targets and to assess company standards. It also lets you know exactly what is expected of you.
Who would I be working closely with?
You get a better idea of team dynamics and potentially the size and range of teams in the company.
What are the key things I would be doing within the first six months?
Again you will show an interest in the range of projects that will be your responsibility. It also can give an indication of your
awareness of project management and prioritising.
What would my future career prospects be like?
Showing commitment towards staying with the company and an interest in the potential of furthering your career and
personal development with the company.
What training could I expect to get?
Showing interest in training and development again displays enthusiasm for the position and how you could further
develop in that role.
What happens next? When will you be able to let me know your decision?
It is important for you to know when you will be notified.
When to talk about salary?
Use your judgement here – never bring the subject up too soon. Your main priority is to promote yourself as the most
suitable candidate in order to place you in a strong negotiating position. But be clear in your mind what you really want in
terms of money/package as well as experience.
Questions you ask are another opportunity to create a rapport with the interviewer showing some interest and enthusiasm.
Don’t forget: It is still important for you to add to these for each particular position and anticipate questions specifically
related to:
• Yourself/skills/experience
• The company
• The position
• The person specification
Seeking feedback
At the end of the interview seek permission (in a positive way) to ask for feedback at a later date. This provides you with a
valuable ‘hook’ for future contact and ensures you leave the door open even if you’re rejected.
Mock interviews
At this stage you may also want to put your preparation to the test. Find a friend/colleague who would be happy to take
you through a mock interview situation. Make sure you choose someone who is comfortable with this process and who
can provide you with constructive and objective feedback.
Taking yourself through a mock interview at this stage provides the following benefits:
• An opportunity to test your preparation up to this point
• An opportunity to face any personal barriers in a non-threatening interview situation
• Use of the review sheet lets you gain valuable feedback on your personal performance, answers and overall
approach
If you need more practice, or require a range of perspectives on your performance, this process can be repeated with
different people. However, preparing for a mock interview does take time, so plan well in advance. Also remember to treat
it like the real thing – and act positively on the feedback given.
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Stage 2 – Checking your balance of skills
For each interview check your list of skills and ensure you take a client-centred approach, tailoring your skills and
experience to those required by the employer for the position.
Remember to continually improve your skills portfolio by:
•Taking a close look at your list of skills and achievements – start to think about how they match what the client is
looking for
• Thinking about your balance of skills – are there any areas needing development?
• Asking if you are well enough prepared to be able to sell those skills effectively at interview
• Re-checking your balance of skills – is it right for you/your client or do areas need developing?
• Referring back to your preparations stage – have you prepared enough to be able to sell these skills
effectively at interview?
Stage 3 – Making the connection
This is where the depth of your preparation in Steps 1 and 2 is really challenged. Step 3 is about selling the benefits and
making sure that each answer within the interview can be backed up with:
• Depth of evidence of the skills and qualities displayed
•Breadth evidence (one or two examples) of situations when you have had to use those skills
Becoming client-focused
Considering the employer as your client and not the other way round can be the crucial link to gaining success in interview.
Moving to this client perspective you will be more able to promote the benefits you can bring to them. You need to make
sure you tailor your analysis of evidence to their requirements and not your own.
Remember to:
• Ask yourself exactly what they are looking for (refer back to the preparation stage and check job description, advert,
company literature etc)
• Put yourself in the shoes of the client – how are you going to demonstrate clearly that you are the best candidate –
exactly what is going to set you apart?, What are your unique selling points?
• Check that your answers (from Step 1 and mock interview) are focused and clearly demonstrate:
- Your skills/qualities/experience
- The benefits they offer the client/organisation
• Look at your research on the company again – is it in-depth enough, is it up-to-date and current?
This client-centred approach lets you take time out before the interview to double-check that your preparation has been
focused on the needs of the client and not just your needs.
Stage 4 – Practical application
The interview
Marketing and selling ourselves rarely comes naturally, and for many of us an interview situation can generate anxiety and
feelings of stress.
Putting time and effort into your preparation will have already removed some of this stress by boosting your confidence
and reassuring you that you know what your client wants and what you have to offer.
There are other practical techniques that can help too.
Tips for reducing stress and anxiety:
Nerves affect people in different ways in interviews. They can affect the way we communicate, how we present ourselves
and even our thought patterns. Typical symptoms are:
– Dry mouth
– Stumbling over words
– Hot flushes
– Sweating
– Mind goes blank
– Lose the thread of answers
– Feel over-emotional
– Difficult to maintain eye contact
– Shaking
– Nervous twiddling (with hair or clothes)
Ways of dealing with this include:
PREPARE – Feeling confident in your research and the depth to which you know yourself, the position and the company,
to boost your performance.
ORGANISE – Lack of organisation is also a major cause of anxiety. Make sure you check:
– Time and place of the interview
– Any information you need to take with you
– Car park facilities (do you need change?)
– Your route by road or train times
– Allow time for unforeseen delays
VISUALISE – Yourself walking into the room, introducing yourself and delivering questions in the interview with
confidence. Mentally rehearse this sequence, it will help you to remain positive and help you focus on what you need to be
successful.
PRACTICE – You will have already taken the opportunity to go through a mock interview situation – review how this went.
What were your areas for improvement? Repeat this as often as needed.
BREATHE – When you feel nervous, you may not be breathing deeply enough. Make sure you sit up straight, but relaxed
and inhale deeply a number of times.
RELEASE TENSION – Unreleased energy may cause hands and legs to shake. Before standing up to give a
presentation, it is good idea to try to release some of the pent-up exercise by doing simple, unobtrusive muscle (isometric)
exercises.
PREPARE WHAT YOU WILL WEAR – Make sure you are appropriately dressed and feel comfortable in what you are
wearing (plan this in advance).
Making an impact
Remember always to think of the interviewer as the client. Throughout Steps 1 to 3 we have looked at making yourself
stand out. This can be further enhanced by:
• Looking positive as you greet the interviewer/s (firm handshake, direct eye contact and smile!)
• Acting and appearing professional from the first minute – remember that first impressions count. This will boost your
confidence throughout
• Being confident and concise with your answers (this is when all the preparation pays off)
• Leaving the interview with the same professionalism as you entered
Stage 5 – Review and improvement
Gaining feedback
Whether you are successful or not, it is crucial to learn from experience. Knowing what you did right is just as important as
knowing what you didn’t. Follow up the interview and:
• Ask for specific feedback if you were unsuccessful – have questions in mind
• Ask to be kept on file (other vacancies may occur)
• Consider whether you really wanted the job (if so, apply again if another position comes up)
• Be realistic about your own performance. What did you do well/what could you have done better?
• If some areas need developing go back to the preparation step and put together a plan of action
• Don’t be too negative about yourself – use it as a learning experience for next time
Whether you have been successful or not, go back to your list of skills and achievements and reflect on how much you
have achieved so far.
Reflecting and taking time to assess your performance after interview is an essential part of managing your career and will
enable you to learn and keep on moving forward through the career management cycle. Successful or not, there will be
learning outcomes and areas for improvement after every interview.
There’s nothing more certain in a successful career than being rejected. The people who get rejected the most are those
who are the most proactive. They usually develop to become successful on the basis of this. But rejection can leave you
with low confidence, self-esteem and motivation. That’s why it is vital to take stock of the situation and rebuild your
confidence. This will help you to:
• Improve your self-image
• Help you deal positively with rejection
• Encourage others to believe in you and your abilities
• Let you move forward and provide you with areas for development
The following ‘morale boosters’ may help you to maintain your confidence and keep yourself going.
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