Common Interview Questions

Below we have included several of the most common interview questions to help you prepare for your actual interview:

1. Tell me about yourself

You will need to run through you CV top to bottom in a progressive manor. Try concentrating on your profile section for preparation for this question. You need to try and make your explanation free flowing and clear. This is usually the very first question that is asked. It gives the interview a good insight into your communication skills and leads into the rest of the interview. Its worth spending time on this one as it can set you off on the right track to a good interview.

2. What do you know about us as a company

This is where your background research into the company pays off. Make sure you know a little bit about the company as a whole, use Google to gain an insight into the company including its role in their particular industry. Never say that you don't know anything unless you want to greatly kill your chances of a good interview. Most employers will want to see an genuine interest in the company you are applying for.

3. What are your weaknesses

This is a difficult question precisely because people don't want to say anything bad about themselves. However, the interviewer will expect an answer so make sure you prepare for this one. A good answer is always one that shows you are working to improve on you weaknesses. This might include going to more training or researching areas you are not so confident in. Try and choose something that isn't related to the job role and you should breeze through.

4. Where do you see yourself next year (or in 5 years)

This is another common one but is usually reserved by a company looking for real career progression but with loyalty tied in. Try and explain that you want to progress your skills (within the company) and are looking to more towards a more demanding role such as manger or team leader. Employers will like to see determined people even if there wont be any of those available to you.

5. What are you strengths

This is one of the easier questions you are likely to get. You can really play to your strengths on this one (excuse the pun). Tailor your answer to the skills required for the job role and through in a little bit from your CV here and there. This can be as long an answer as you like because it's really your chance to sell you skills to the interviewer.

6. Give an example of a difficult situation you had to deal with recently

This is also a great excuse to play on your strengths again. You could even tell a few fibs with this one and blag your way through. The employer has no way to prove if you were in this difficult situation or not so make it a good one! Also try and make this one relate to the job role and the skills required. Employers always like to see how a difficult situation was resolved even if you didn't resolve it what did you learn from it?

7. Why do you want to work for ___

Again, another good opportunity to sell yourself. Use the background research you have learnt about the company to make a convincing case.

8. When can you start work, how much notice period must you give

A self explanatory question. Remember not to lie and be honest. If you do have to give only a weeks notice there will be no harm in saying 2 weeks to give yourself time to adjust between jobs.

As with most interview tips, preparation is paramount!