Common questions

Here are some typical questions, together with suggestions as to how they could be answered. Make notes of the main points to remember or key phrases that strike you as helpful:

• Tell me about yourself?

Because this is often the opening question in an interview, be very careful that you don't talk too much. Keep your answer brief, covering topics such as early years, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history, philosophy.

• What do you know about our organisation?

Ideally, you should be able to discuss products or services, reputation, image, goals, style, people, history, philosophy. Let your answer show that you have done the research, but don't overwhelm the listener. If you don't know much about the organisation it is better to say so rather than to flannel.

• Why do you want to work for us?

Relate this to the organisation's needs. Your research may have shown that the organisation is doing things you would like to be involved with. For example if the company is well known for a particular style of management, your answer should mention wanting to be a part of that team.

• What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Here you have every right to blow your own trumpet and sell yourself! Talk about your record of getting things done, be specific. Mention your skills and interests combined with your history of getting results.

• What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive to you?

List three of four attractive features and one single unattractive one, preferably that hints at a strength on your part (e.g. `I would like to look closely at the budgetary control system').

• Why should we appoint you?

Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, experience and energy.

• What do you look for in a job?

Keep your answer oriented to the opportunities within the organisation. Talk about your desire to perform and be recognised for your contributions.

• How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our organisation?

Be realistic.

• How long would you stay with us?

Whilst obviously interested in a career within the organisation, admit that you need to feel challenged to remain within any organisation.

• What important trends do you see in our industry?

Be prepared with two or three. You may consider technology, economic conditions, political climate.

• Why are you leaving your present position?

Beware of becoming defensive; look to future opportunities rather than past problems.

• In your current/last position, what features do (did) you like the most? the least?

Be careful and positive. Describe many more features that you liked than disliked.

 • What were your most significant contributions in your last position?

Have specific examples ready. Try to include examples that saved time, money or rectified a problem.

• Did you think of leaving your position before?

If so, what held you there? You may say the challenge of the job, as that has diminished you are ready to move on.

• Would you describe a few situations in which your work was criticised?

Be specific. Think in terms of constructive criticism.

• If I spoke to your former bosses, what would they say were your strengths and weaknesses? 

Name three or four strengths and one weakness.

• How do you react to pressure and deal with deadlines?

Observe that both are facets of your service career, give examples from your experience in which you triumphed.

• Have you changed the nature of your present job?

Tell how you improved it.

• If you could do any job, what would it be?

Create something like the job you have applied for, but with positive additions - perhaps at a higher level.

• What other jobs are you considering?

Offer one or two, all within the same field (even if this involves creative thinking on your part).

• What was the last book you read, film you saw sporting event you attended?

Show you lead a balanced life. The `work hard - play-hard' ethos attracts some employers, but we must avoid sounding as if we have insufficient time and energy for the demands of the job.

• How creative are you?

Be prepared with work examples of creativity.

• How would you describe your own personality?

Have a few crisp, positive descriptive statements ready. If you include anything negative, give it a positive angle (e.g. `I can be impatient for results, sometimes.')

• Do you consider yourself a leader?

Take examples from your experience.

• What are your long range goals?

In an organisation like yours I would like...

• What are your strong points?

Present at least three. Give concrete examples.

• If you could start your career again, what would you do differently?

Present yourself as an individual with a happy balanced life, but after a brief review of options come back to something very like the work you have done.

• How successful do you think you've been so far?

Present a positive and confident but not brash picture of yourself.