Job Interview Job Interview

Body LanguageBody Language

right signalsright signals

When you are being interviewed it is very When you are being interviewed it is very important that you give out the right signals. You important that you give out the right signals. You should always look attentive - so do not slouch should always look attentive - so do not slouch in your chair. Never lie to anyone in an interview, in your chair. Never lie to anyone in an interview, your body language and tone of voice or the your body language and tone of voice or the words you use will probably give you away - words you use will probably give you away - classic body language giveaways include classic body language giveaways include scratching your nose and not looking directly at scratching your nose and not looking directly at the other person when you are speaking to the other person when you are speaking to them.them.

If you have a moustache If you have a moustache you may want to consider you may want to consider shaving it off - people with shaving it off - people with moustaches can be moustaches can be perceived as being perceived as being aggressive. You can always aggressive. You can always grow it again once you have grow it again once you have got the job.got the job.

Factors that can Cost you the Factors that can Cost you the Interview/JobInterview/Job

Being unprepared for the interview - you Being unprepared for the interview - you should always prepare thoroughly before should always prepare thoroughly before any interview (this will also make you feel any interview (this will also make you feel more confident at the interview). more confident at the interview).

Poor/limp handshake - always a bit of a Poor/limp handshake - always a bit of a no-no. no-no.

Saying unfavourable things about previous Saying unfavourable things about previous employers - the employer will be wondering employers - the employer will be wondering what you will say about them when you what you will say about them when you leave their employment. leave their employment.

Not being able to communicate clearly and Not being able to communicate clearly and effectively. effectively.

Being aggressive or acting in a Being aggressive or acting in a superior way - nobody like this so superior way - nobody like this so please don't do this. please don't do this.

Making excuses for failings. Making excuses for failings.

Job Interview AfterthoughtsJob Interview Afterthoughts If you're not getting the job offers you desire then If you're not getting the job offers you desire then

you need to look carefully at your interview you need to look carefully at your interview performance. You should try and get as much performance. You should try and get as much feedback as possible from the people who have feedback as possible from the people who have interviewed you. If you have been unsuccessful in interviewed you. If you have been unsuccessful in obtaining a job ring up the interviewer and ask obtaining a job ring up the interviewer and ask them where they think you fell down and how they them where they think you fell down and how they think you could do better. Once you have got think you could do better. Once you have got feedback you can modify your interview technique feedback you can modify your interview technique and hopefully do better at the next interview.and hopefully do better at the next interview.

List of interview questions relating to the List of interview questions relating to the new job / companynew job / company

Why do you want this job? Why do you want this job? What qualities do you think will be required What qualities do you think will be required

for this job? for this job? What can you contribute? What can you contribute? Why do you want to work for this company? Why do you want to work for this company? What do you know about this company? What do you know about this company?

What interests you about our product (or What interests you about our product (or service)? service)?

What can we (the new company) offer that What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company cannot offer? your previous company cannot offer?

You have not done this sort of job before. You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed? How will you cope/succeed?

Why should we employ you? Why should we employ you? How long do you think it would be before How long do you think it would be before

you were making a significant contribution you were making a significant contribution to the team/company? to the team/company?

How ambitious are you? How ambitious are you?

Would you compete for my job? Would you compete for my job? What do you like and dislike about the job we What do you like and dislike about the job we

are discussing? are discussing? What are you looking for in a new job? What are you looking for in a new job? What would you like to avoid in your next What would you like to avoid in your next

job? job? Are you too old for this job? Are you too old for this job? Are you too young for this job? Are you too young for this job? You may be over qualified for this position? You may be over qualified for this position? Are you prepared to relocate? Are you prepared to relocate? Are you willing to travel? Are you willing to travel? What level of salary are you looking for now? What level of salary are you looking for now?

List of interview questions relating to the new List of interview questions relating to the new job / companyjob / company

These interview questions relate to almost any These interview questions relate to almost any type of job. Please note that an interviewer type of job. Please note that an interviewer may also ask questions that relate to the may also ask questions that relate to the specific position that you are applying for.specific position that you are applying for.

Why do you want this job? Why do you want this job? What qualities do you think will be required for What qualities do you think will be required for

this job? this job? What can you contribute? What can you contribute?

Why do you want to work for this company? Why do you want to work for this company? What do you know about this company? What do you know about this company? What interests you about our product (or What interests you about our product (or

service)? service)? What can we (the new company) offer that What can we (the new company) offer that

your previous company cannot offer? your previous company cannot offer? You have not done this sort of job before. You have not done this sort of job before.

How will you cope/succeed? How will you cope/succeed?

Why should we employ you? Why should we employ you? How long do you think it would be before How long do you think it would be before

you were making a significant contribution you were making a significant contribution to the team/company? to the team/company?

How ambitious are you? How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my job? Would you compete for my job? What do you like and dislike about the job What do you like and dislike about the job

we are discussing? we are discussing?

What are you looking for in a new job? What are you looking for in a new job? What would you like to avoid in your next job? What would you like to avoid in your next job? Are you too old for this job? Are you too old for this job? Are you too young for this job? Are you too young for this job? You may be over qualified for this position? You may be over qualified for this position? Are you prepared to relocate? Are you prepared to relocate? Are you willing to travel? Are you willing to travel? What level of salary are you looking for now? What level of salary are you looking for now?

List of interview questions List of interview questions relating to your current / relating to your current /

previous jobprevious job

How much does your last job resemble How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for? the one you are applying for?

What are the differences? What are the differences?

What do you think of the last company What do you think of the last company you worked for? you worked for?

Why did you join your previous Why did you join your previous company? company?

Did they live up to your expectations? Did they live up to your expectations? Why are you leaving now? Why are you leaving now? Explain the organizational structure in Explain the organizational structure in

your last company and how you fitted your last company and how you fitted into it? into it?

What did you think of your What did you think of your manager/supervisor? manager/supervisor?

How did you get on with your previous How did you get on with your previous manager/supervisor, coworkers and manager/supervisor, coworkers and subordinates? subordinates?

What did you do on a day to day basis? What did you do on a day to day basis? Did you increase sales or profits in your last Did you increase sales or profits in your last

job? job?

Have you reduced costs at your last Have you reduced costs at your last company? company?

Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job? in your last job?

What problems did you encounter in your What problems did you encounter in your last job? last job?

What annoyed you about your last job? What annoyed you about your last job? What did you earn in your last job? What did you earn in your last job?

Career related interview questionsCareer related interview questions

Why did you choose a career in …? Why did you choose a career in …? Why are you changing careers? Why are you changing careers? What are your career goals? What are your career goals? How long have you been looking for a new How long have you been looking for a new

job? job? Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or

large company? large company?

What would your ideal job be? What would your ideal job be? Are you considering any other positions at Are you considering any other positions at

the moment? the moment? If you have changed jobs a lot you may be If you have changed jobs a lot you may be

asked how long you would stay in the new asked how long you would stay in the new job. job.

Have you ever been fired? Have you ever been fired? How often are you off sick? How often are you off sick? What will your referees say about you? What will your referees say about you?

List of interview questionsList of interview questions relating to you relating to you

List of interview questions relating to List of interview questions relating to youyou

How would you describe yourself? How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you? How would others describe you? Do you consider yourself successful? Do you consider yourself successful? What was your greatest success? What was your greatest success? How did you achieve it? How did you achieve it? What has been your biggest failure? What has been your biggest failure? How could you improve yourself? How could you improve yourself?

Are you a leader? Are you a leader? How do you handle criticism? How do you handle criticism? What sort of manager are you? What sort of manager are you? What makes a good manager? What makes a good manager? Do you work well with others? Or are you a Do you work well with others? Or are you a

loner? loner? Do you need other people around to Do you need other people around to

stimulate you or are you self-motivated? stimulate you or are you self-motivated? Are you accepted into a team quickly? Are you accepted into a team quickly? Can you act on your own initiative? Can you act on your own initiative?

How do you run a meeting? How do you run a meeting? What motivates you? What motivates you? What management style gets the best What management style gets the best

results out of you? results out of you? Do you know how to motivate other Do you know how to motivate other

people? people? Are you competitive? Are you competitive? Are you aggressive? Are you aggressive?

What do you dislike doing? What do you dislike doing? Do you feel you are ready to take on Do you feel you are ready to take on

greater responsibilities? greater responsibilities? Can you work under pressure? Can you work under pressure? How many hours are you prepared to How many hours are you prepared to

work? work? Do you mind working for someone older Do you mind working for someone older

than yourself? Younger than you? Of the than yourself? Younger than you? Of the opposite sex? opposite sex?

What interests do you have outside work? What interests do you have outside work?

Answering interview questions - Answering interview questions - what questions might you be asked?what questions might you be asked? Before attending an interview you should think Before attending an interview you should think

about your responses to the following questions. about your responses to the following questions. Your answers may depend on the job or Your answers may depend on the job or company in question, so you should go through company in question, so you should go through your responses just before each interview.your responses just before each interview.

Why do you want this job?Why do you want this job? Think carefully about this question. Stress the Think carefully about this question. Stress the

positive aspects which have attracted you to positive aspects which have attracted you to applying for this position. Do not mention the applying for this position. Do not mention the negative aspects of your current job or the job in negative aspects of your current job or the job in question.question.

What qualities do you think will be What qualities do you think will be required for this job?required for this job?

Their advertisement for the job may help you Their advertisement for the job may help you a little bit, but you should also think of the a little bit, but you should also think of the other qualities that may be required. These other qualities that may be required. These may include leadership ability, supervisory may include leadership ability, supervisory skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving, analytical skills, etc.skills, problem solving, analytical skills, etc.

What can you contribute?What can you contribute?This is your chance to shine. Tell them about This is your chance to shine. Tell them about

your achievements in your previous your achievements in your previous position(s) which are relevant to the new position(s) which are relevant to the new position you are applying for.position you are applying for.

Why do you want to work for this company?Why do you want to work for this company?Emphasise the positive reasons why you want Emphasise the positive reasons why you want

to join their company, but avoid aspects such to join their company, but avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours. These would as more money or shorter hours. These would not endear you to a prospective employer.not endear you to a prospective employer.

What do you know about this company?What do you know about this company?This is your chance to impress the interviewer This is your chance to impress the interviewer

with your knowledge of their company. Give with your knowledge of their company. Give them a run down of their products/services, them a run down of their products/services, sales figures, news, company figures, sales figures, news, company figures, customers, etc.customers, etc.

What interests you about What interests you about our product (or service)?our product (or service)?

Again, your research into the Again, your research into the company should aid you in answering company should aid you in answering this question.this question.

What can we (the new company) What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company offer that your previous company

cannot offer?cannot offer?

Tread carefully here! Again do not Tread carefully here! Again do not mention money. Stress opportunities mention money. Stress opportunities for personal growth, new challenges, for personal growth, new challenges, etc.etc.

You have not done this sort of job You have not done this sort of job before.before.

How will you cope/succeed? How will you cope/succeed?

Say that you are the sort of person who Say that you are the sort of person who aims to succeed at everything you do and aims to succeed at everything you do and that you are very determined and will do that you are very determined and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.whatever it takes to get the job done.

Why should we employ you?Why should we employ you?

The answer to this question will be based The answer to this question will be based on your previous experience and on your previous experience and achievements which relate to the achievements which relate to the company. At the end you could add that company. At the end you could add that you think there is a good fit between you you think there is a good fit between you and the job, and do ask the interviewer for and the job, and do ask the interviewer for their opinion.their opinion.

How long do you think it would be before How long do you think it would be before you were making a significant you were making a significant

contribution to the team/company?contribution to the team/company?

If you think that you could contribute from If you think that you could contribute from day one then say so. Then turn the day one then say so. Then turn the question round on them and say how soon question round on them and say how soon would they expect it.would they expect it.

How ambitious are you? Would How ambitious are you? Would you compete for my job?you compete for my job?

Depending on the position you are Depending on the position you are applying for you may want to sound fairly applying for you may want to sound fairly ambitious, but do not look as if you are ambitious, but do not look as if you are after the interviewer's position.after the interviewer's position.

What do you like and dislike about What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing?the job we are discussing?

Likes: stress things such as a new Likes: stress things such as a new challenge or the opportunity to bring fresh challenge or the opportunity to bring fresh experience to the company. Dislikes: Imply experience to the company. Dislikes: Imply there is nothing to dislike about the job, there is nothing to dislike about the job, which is why you are so interested.which is why you are so interested.

Why did you choose a career in …?Why did you choose a career in …?

Be positive about your reasons. If you Be positive about your reasons. If you have changed careers make a logical have changed careers make a logical argument as to why you did so.argument as to why you did so.

Why are you changing careers?Why are you changing careers? This question will only be asked if you are This question will only be asked if you are

making a radical change in your career. Always making a radical change in your career. Always stress the positive aspects of the change rather stress the positive aspects of the change rather than the negative aspects of your previous than the negative aspects of your previous career - you do not want to come across as career - you do not want to come across as someone who is moving just because you hate someone who is moving just because you hate your old career. Say why you think you will be your old career. Say why you think you will be good in the new career - this should come from good in the new career - this should come from your experience and achievements, stress the your experience and achievements, stress the transferable skills you have, such as leadership transferable skills you have, such as leadership ability, etc.ability, etc.

How much does your last job resemble the one How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for? What are the you are applying for? What are the

differences?differences?

The interviewer is trying to see how well The interviewer is trying to see how well you would fit in to the position you are you would fit in to the position you are applying for. So you should stress the applying for. So you should stress the similarities rather than the differences. similarities rather than the differences. When it comes to discussing the When it comes to discussing the differences it will help your case if you can differences it will help your case if you can show that either you have done something show that either you have done something similar in the past or that you can quickly similar in the past or that you can quickly pick up the new skills.pick up the new skills.

What do you think of the last What do you think of the last company you worked for?company you worked for?

You should stress the positive aspects of You should stress the positive aspects of your last company saying that they were a your last company saying that they were a good company to work for. Tell them about good company to work for. Tell them about the training you received or the work the training you received or the work related experience you gained.related experience you gained.

Why did you join your previous company? Did Why did you join your previous company? Did they live up to your expectations? Why are you they live up to your expectations? Why are you

leaving now?leaving now?

Always be positive about your reasons for Always be positive about your reasons for joining and leaving a company. Be very careful joining and leaving a company. Be very careful that you do not say anything negative about your that you do not say anything negative about your present employer. If you do, the new company present employer. If you do, the new company will wonder what you will say about them when will wonder what you will say about them when you leave. You might want to stress that you are you leave. You might want to stress that you are looking for a new challenge and that you feel looking for a new challenge and that you feel that the company who is interviewing you fits the that the company who is interviewing you fits the bill!bill!

Explain the organisational structure in Explain the organisational structure in your last company and how you fitted your last company and how you fitted

into it?into it?

This sort of question may be used to find out This sort of question may be used to find out whether your old job is at a comparable level to whether your old job is at a comparable level to your new job. If the new job being discussed your new job. If the new job being discussed would be a step up the ladder you will need to would be a step up the ladder you will need to show that you are ready for a more demanding show that you are ready for a more demanding position. You may be able to show that you have position. You may be able to show that you have already had many of the responsibilities and the already had many of the responsibilities and the necessary skills which would be required for the necessary skills which would be required for the next step.next step.

How long have you been looking How long have you been looking for a new job?for a new job?

If you have been unemployed for a long If you have been unemployed for a long time this may be a rather tricky question to time this may be a rather tricky question to answer. But be honest. If you have been answer. But be honest. If you have been away on holiday or done some voluntary away on holiday or done some voluntary work you could mention this.work you could mention this.

Do you prefer to work in a small, Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company?medium or large company?

Remember where you are! If the company Remember where you are! If the company interviewing you is a small to medium interviewing you is a small to medium sized company say that you enjoy a close sized company say that you enjoy a close atmosphere with a good team spirit. At a atmosphere with a good team spirit. At a large company say that you enjoy the large company say that you enjoy the stability of working for a large and stability of working for a large and established company.established company.

What are you looking for in a new job?What are you looking for in a new job?

Make sure your answer fits in with the Make sure your answer fits in with the company who is interviewing you. A company who is interviewing you. A suitable reply would be that you are suitable reply would be that you are looking for a new job where you can apply looking for a new job where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones.your existing skills and learn new ones.

What would your ideal job be?What would your ideal job be?

Again, remember where you are! Describe Again, remember where you are! Describe the job in terms of the criteria they have the job in terms of the criteria they have used to describe their job. An ideal job used to describe their job. An ideal job might include things like challenging work, might include things like challenging work, a fair rate of pay for the job, nice a fair rate of pay for the job, nice colleagues, good career prospects, good colleagues, good career prospects, good team atmosphere, opportunity to learn team atmosphere, opportunity to learn new skills, apply old skills, etc.new skills, apply old skills, etc.

Are you considering any other positions Are you considering any other positions at the moment?at the moment?

If you are say so, but do not give too many If you are say so, but do not give too many details away - it will weaken your details away - it will weaken your negotiating position later. If you do not negotiating position later. If you do not have any other job offers at the moment have any other job offers at the moment just say that you have a few irons in the just say that you have a few irons in the fire.fire.

What did you think of your What did you think of your manager/supervisor?manager/supervisor?

Say that he/she was the sort of person you Say that he/she was the sort of person you could learn from and you communicated could learn from and you communicated well, which meant that the task in hand well, which meant that the task in hand was completed on time.was completed on time.

What did you do on a day to day basis?What did you do on a day to day basis?Stress the positive things you did including Stress the positive things you did including

your achievements. Even if some or much your achievements. Even if some or much of it was paperwork, you can still show of it was paperwork, you can still show your interest in the way it was tackled.your interest in the way it was tackled.

Did you increase sales or profits in your Did you increase sales or profits in your last job?last job?

This question is only relevant for senior This question is only relevant for senior managers or sales people. If you have increased managers or sales people. If you have increased sales and/or profit then do not be afraid to shout sales and/or profit then do not be afraid to shout about it. If you have not increased sales say why about it. If you have not increased sales say why not, e.g. general downturn in the market, etc. It not, e.g. general downturn in the market, etc. It might then be a good idea to mention an might then be a good idea to mention an achievement in a previous job if your achievement in a previous job if your performance was better there.performance was better there.

Have you reduced costs at your last Have you reduced costs at your last company?company?

If you have reduced costs say so - If you have reduced costs say so - companies are always looking for ways to companies are always looking for ways to reduce costs.reduce costs.

How would you describe yourself? / How would you describe yourself? / How would others describe you?How would others describe you?

Pick your best attributes and Pick your best attributes and achievements from your career.achievements from your career.

Do you consider yourself successful?Do you consider yourself successful?You should say you do. Pick some work You should say you do. Pick some work

related achievements that are in line with related achievements that are in line with the position that you are discussing.the position that you are discussing.

What was your greatest success? How did What was your greatest success? How did you achieve it?you achieve it?

You should pick an achievement which is You should pick an achievement which is related to their needs.related to their needs.

What has been your biggest failure?What has been your biggest failure?Try to pick a failure which you were later Try to pick a failure which you were later

able to correct or something that is not able to correct or something that is not really important.really important.

How could you improve yourself?How could you improve yourself?Do not mention anything negative about Do not mention anything negative about

yourself - the interviewer is looking for a yourself - the interviewer is looking for a chink in your armour.chink in your armour.

Did you feel you progressed Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job?satisfactorily in your last job?

If you progressed faster than normal you If you progressed faster than normal you should say so. If growth was not as good should say so. If growth was not as good as expected then be careful how you as expected then be careful how you phrase this.phrase this.

Are you a leader?Are you a leader?State how you have successfully acted as State how you have successfully acted as

a leader, giving examples of your a leader, giving examples of your successes.successes.

How do you handle criticism?How do you handle criticism?Your answer should be along the following Your answer should be along the following

lines: "I always think that it is important to lines: "I always think that it is important to get feedback on how I am performing so get feedback on how I am performing so that I can improve any areas which my that I can improve any areas which my manager/supervisor highlights. Do you manager/supervisor highlights. Do you have regular staff appraisals and a staff have regular staff appraisals and a staff development plan?"development plan?"

What sort of manager are you? / What What sort of manager are you? / What makes a good manager?makes a good manager?

You should say that it is someone who You should say that it is someone who listens to other people and can delegate listens to other people and can delegate whilst maintaining overall control of the whilst maintaining overall control of the task at hand, bringing in the project on task at hand, bringing in the project on time and to budget. Good planning skills time and to budget. Good planning skills are essential.are essential.

Do you work well with others? Or are Do you work well with others? Or are you a loner?you a loner?

Some jobs mean that you have to work Some jobs mean that you have to work very closely with other people whilst other very closely with other people whilst other jobs mean that you are largely working on jobs mean that you are largely working on your own, so you need to say that you are your own, so you need to say that you are happy in both situations.happy in both situations.

Do you need other people around to Do you need other people around to stimulate you or are you self-motivated?stimulate you or are you self-motivated?

You need to say that you are self-motivated.You need to say that you are self-motivated.Are you accepted into a team quickly?Are you accepted into a team quickly?Hopefully you can answer a resounding "Yes" Hopefully you can answer a resounding "Yes"

to this question.to this question.Can you act on your own initiative?Can you act on your own initiative?You should say that you can. You could ask You should say that you can. You could ask

how much responsibility you would have.how much responsibility you would have.

How do you run a meeting?How do you run a meeting?You could say that you must start with an You could say that you must start with an

agenda and stick to it. You could add that agenda and stick to it. You could add that you would try to get the views and ideas you would try to get the views and ideas from everyone present, working in an air of from everyone present, working in an air of co-operation. If people moved off at a co-operation. If people moved off at a tangent you would bring them back to the tangent you would bring them back to the item being discussed.item being discussed.

What motivates you?What motivates you?

Our suggestions are career growth, Our suggestions are career growth, opportunity to learn new skills, good co-opportunity to learn new skills, good co-workers, etc.workers, etc.

What management style gets the What management style gets the best results out of you?best results out of you?

Try and think about how you have reacted to Try and think about how you have reacted to different managers and which factors have different managers and which factors have motivated you. Do not say too much in reply to motivated you. Do not say too much in reply to this question, because if your answer is this question, because if your answer is contrary to the management style of the contrary to the management style of the company they will not be keen to employ you!company they will not be keen to employ you!

Do you know how to motivate other Do you know how to motivate other people?people?

Hopefully you can say "Yes", and say that Hopefully you can say "Yes", and say that you have to find out what motivates a you have to find out what motivates a person and give them recognition for a job person and give them recognition for a job well done. You should always give them well done. You should always give them encouragement and help them when encouragement and help them when required.required.

Are you competitive?Are you competitive?

Your answer depends on the sort of job you are Your answer depends on the sort of job you are doing. If you will be working as part of a team doing. If you will be working as part of a team you will need to show that you can work in the you will need to show that you can work in the best interests of the team and not just for your best interests of the team and not just for your own benefit.own benefit.

Are you aggressive?Are you aggressive?

If you mean by this someone who gets things If you mean by this someone who gets things done, then the answer is "Yes". You need to done, then the answer is "Yes". You need to defuse the implications of this question.defuse the implications of this question.

What do you dislike doing?What do you dislike doing?

Say that you are prepared to do whatever it Say that you are prepared to do whatever it takes to get the job done well and on time and takes to get the job done well and on time and try to do disagreeable things first to get them try to do disagreeable things first to get them out of the way rather than putting them off.out of the way rather than putting them off.

What problems did you encounter in your last What problems did you encounter in your last job? What annoyed you about your last job?job? What annoyed you about your last job?

Stick to the problems that you were able to Stick to the problems that you were able to solve, i.e. "I had problem X, which I later solve, i.e. "I had problem X, which I later managed to resolve by doing Y". Show managed to resolve by doing Y". Show that you are a person who can solve that you are a person who can solve problems rather than someone who lets problems rather than someone who lets things get on top of them.things get on top of them.

What would you like to avoid in your next job?What would you like to avoid in your next job?

You need to be positive here and say that there You need to be positive here and say that there is nothing in particular that you would like to is nothing in particular that you would like to avoid.avoid.

Do you feel you are ready to take on greater Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?responsibilities?

Show how you have progressed Show how you have progressed throughout your life and how you have throughout your life and how you have accepted and taken on responsibility for accepted and taken on responsibility for the actions of yourself and others. If you the actions of yourself and others. If you have not really had many work related have not really had many work related responsibilities you can mention other responsibilities you can mention other responsibilities you have had outside responsibilities you have had outside work. work.

Can you work under pressure?Can you work under pressure?

You need to say that you can. You could You need to say that you can. You could ask how much pressure the job involves.ask how much pressure the job involves.

How many hours are you How many hours are you prepared to work?prepared to work?

You would be prepared to work the You would be prepared to work the necessary hours to get the job done on necessary hours to get the job done on time.time.

Do you mind working for Do you mind working for someone older than yourself? someone older than yourself?

Younger than you? Of the Younger than you? Of the opposite sex?opposite sex?

Here you can say that you are prepared to Here you can say that you are prepared to work with anyone.work with anyone.

What are your career goals?What are your career goals?

Link in your goals with the company who is Link in your goals with the company who is interviewing you.interviewing you.

How did you get on with your How did you get on with your previous manager/supervisor, previous manager/supervisor, co-workers and subordinates?co-workers and subordinates?

Hopefully you can say that you got on well Hopefully you can say that you got on well with everyone.with everyone.

Have you been responsible for Have you been responsible for implementing ISO9000/BS5750 or Total implementing ISO9000/BS5750 or Total

Quality Management (TQM)?Quality Management (TQM)?

If you have, state how you implemented it If you have, state how you implemented it successfully. If you have not, you will need to successfully. If you have not, you will need to show that you are used to working to company show that you are used to working to company quality standards or that you have a methodical quality standards or that you have a methodical approach to carrying out work.approach to carrying out work.

What interests What interests do you have outside work?do you have outside work?

Your hobbies and interests can tell an Your hobbies and interests can tell an employer a lot about you, including employer a lot about you, including whether you are sociable or solitary, and whether you are sociable or solitary, and whether you can take on 'leadership' roles. whether you can take on 'leadership' roles. So you should think about which interests So you should think about which interests will paint the right picture of you given the will paint the right picture of you given the position you are discussing.position you are discussing.

If you have changed jobs a lot you may If you have changed jobs a lot you may be asked how long you would stay in the be asked how long you would stay in the

new job.new job.

You should state that you are looking for a You should state that you are looking for a long-term opportunity where you can learn long-term opportunity where you can learn and develop. and develop. You could then ask them if this applies to the You could then ask them if this applies to the job being discussed.job being discussed.

Have you ever been fired?Have you ever been fired?

If you have, you will need to handle this If you have, you will need to handle this question with great care. Try and put question with great care. Try and put yourself in as favourable light as possible yourself in as favourable light as possible without being too dismissive. If you have without being too dismissive. If you have later been able to correct any deficiency later been able to correct any deficiency which resulted in you being fired you which resulted in you being fired you should tell the interviewer.should tell the interviewer.

Are you too young for this job?Are you too young for this job? "No, I do not think so!" is the answer you should "No, I do not think so!" is the answer you should

give and then state the reason why you are not give and then state the reason why you are not too young. If you have a lot of experience too young. If you have a lot of experience gained in a short time, say so.gained in a short time, say so.

You may be over qualified for this You may be over qualified for this position?position?

Tell them that you feel that your extra Tell them that you feel that your extra experience would enable you to make a bigger experience would enable you to make a bigger contribution sooner than someone with less contribution sooner than someone with less experience.experience.

Are you too old for this job?Are you too old for this job?

Tell them that you feel that your extra Tell them that you feel that your extra experience would enable you to make a experience would enable you to make a bigger contribution to their company bigger contribution to their company sooner than someone younger and less sooner than someone younger and less experienced.experienced.

Are you prepared to relocate?Are you prepared to relocate?

If you are, say so. If you do not want to If you are, say so. If you do not want to move then you do not have to accept the move then you do not have to accept the job - try and come across as someone job - try and come across as someone who is positive.who is positive.

Are you willing to travel?Are you willing to travel?

Again if you are, say so. You want to Again if you are, say so. You want to sound positive, so find out how much sound positive, so find out how much travelling is involved before you turn down travelling is involved before you turn down the job.the job.

How often are you off sick?How often are you off sick?

This can be a difficult question to answer if you This can be a difficult question to answer if you are frequently off sick or you have just are frequently off sick or you have just recovered from a prolonged period of illness. If recovered from a prolonged period of illness. If you have generally enjoyed good health and you have generally enjoyed good health and this period of illness is not typical then you this period of illness is not typical then you should say so.should say so.

What did you earn in your last job?What did you earn in your last job?

You have to be very careful when answering this question You have to be very careful when answering this question because once an interviewer knows your current salary they will because once an interviewer knows your current salary they will try and fix your next remuneration based on this figure. This try and fix your next remuneration based on this figure. This may be satisfactory if you only wanted a modest rise in salary may be satisfactory if you only wanted a modest rise in salary and your current salary is in line with their salary range, but, and your current salary is in line with their salary range, but, what if your current salary is substantially lower than the rate for what if your current salary is substantially lower than the rate for the job, or if you want a substantial salary rise? In these cases the job, or if you want a substantial salary rise? In these cases you would be best advised to say that you do not really want to you would be best advised to say that you do not really want to prejudice yourself by being too high or too low. Ask if you can prejudice yourself by being too high or too low. Ask if you can discuss this later after the responsibilities for the job have been discuss this later after the responsibilities for the job have been discussed; you may also want to ask them what the range for discussed; you may also want to ask them what the range for the job is (if you do not already know).the job is (if you do not already know).

What level of salary are you looking for now?What level of salary are you looking for now?

Be very careful when you answer this question - you Be very careful when you answer this question - you do not want to appear to be greedy. If you are do not want to appear to be greedy. If you are applying for a specific vacancy you could ask them applying for a specific vacancy you could ask them what the salary range is. Once they have answered what the salary range is. Once they have answered you could say "I think my experience would place me you could say "I think my experience would place me at the top end of your range, don't you?" If they ask at the top end of your range, don't you?" If they ask you this question fairly early on in the interview you you this question fairly early on in the interview you could delay answering by saying "It is hard to discuss could delay answering by saying "It is hard to discuss salary without first knowing a little bit more about the salary without first knowing a little bit more about the job and the responsibilities."job and the responsibilities."

What will your referees say about you?What will your referees say about you?

Say that you expect excellent references.Say that you expect excellent references.

Difficult questionsDifficult questions

If you cannot answer a question you might If you cannot answer a question you might reply with "That's an interesting question - reply with "That's an interesting question - how would you tackle it?"how would you tackle it?"

Fantasy questionsFantasy questions

These sort of questions can be very These sort of questions can be very difficult to answer. Such questions might difficult to answer. Such questions might include: "What would you do if you won include: "What would you do if you won the National Lottery?" You should give the the National Lottery?" You should give the answer, which in your opinion will give you answer, which in your opinion will give you the best chance of getting the job.the best chance of getting the job.

Interview question what are your Interview question what are your strong points strong points

It is important to prepare in advance for It is important to prepare in advance for the interview question what are your the interview question what are your strong points. If you've already listed your strong points. If you've already listed your strengths when preparing your CV / strengths when preparing your CV / resume, coming up with three answers resume, coming up with three answers shouldn't be too difficult.shouldn't be too difficult.

But be careful. The interviewer is asking you to But be careful. The interviewer is asking you to sell yourself, but at the same time, they do not sell yourself, but at the same time, they do not want to hear you being arrogant. And while they want to hear you being arrogant. And while they may want to know about your personality (if you may want to know about your personality (if you are over confident they will certainly learn are over confident they will certainly learn something about you), do remember that this is something about you), do remember that this is still an interview situation, so your answers must still an interview situation, so your answers must be relevant to the job in question. In other words, be relevant to the job in question. In other words, don't get too personal.don't get too personal.

So how do you go about answering the So how do you go about answering the interview question what are your strong interview question what are your strong points? The general recommendation is to points? The general recommendation is to prepare at least three answers and to prepare at least three answers and to relate them to the organisation and the relate them to the organisation and the vacancy. This means you need to tailor vacancy. This means you need to tailor your answers. Ensure there is truth in what your answers. Ensure there is truth in what you say, but do not be too honest, you say, but do not be too honest, especially it makes you sound like a less especially it makes you sound like a less than ideal candidate.than ideal candidate.

Here are some suggested responses and the Here are some suggested responses and the reasons why they might work in interviews for reasons why they might work in interviews for

certain kinds of jobs.certain kinds of jobs.

"I am confident and outgoing""I am confident and outgoing" This is a response that says something about This is a response that says something about

your personality, but if you are applying for a your personality, but if you are applying for a role where you need to relate to a lot of people - role where you need to relate to a lot of people - particularly the public - it will serve your particularly the public - it will serve your purposes. However, if the vacancy involves purposes. However, if the vacancy involves consultation, it might be better to say "I have consultation, it might be better to say "I have good interpersonal skills", as this implies that good interpersonal skills", as this implies that you are able to listen to people as well.you are able to listen to people as well.

"I enjoy a challenge""I enjoy a challenge"

Be careful with this. It is an excellent response if Be careful with this. It is an excellent response if the vacancy requires problem solving, or the vacancy requires problem solving, or servicing of some kind, working to tight servicing of some kind, working to tight deadlines or project completion. It will obviously deadlines or project completion. It will obviously not be helpful if the job is less dynamic and not be helpful if the job is less dynamic and involves a larger amount of regular, less exciting involves a larger amount of regular, less exciting duties - the employer might be concerned that duties - the employer might be concerned that you will become bored. You could always qualify you will become bored. You could always qualify it to offer a more balanced response: "I enjoy a it to offer a more balanced response: "I enjoy a challenge, but I'm also happy completing regular challenge, but I'm also happy completing regular tasks." Then it illustrates that you're flexible and tasks." Then it illustrates that you're flexible and responsive to different work situations.responsive to different work situations.

"I'm a strong team leader""I'm a strong team leader"

Clearly, this is appropriate if the job involves Clearly, this is appropriate if the job involves managing people. It's a good idea to show that managing people. It's a good idea to show that you know what leading a team involves you know what leading a team involves (although this will no doubt come up in other (although this will no doubt come up in other questions too). So, "I'm a strong team leader questions too). So, "I'm a strong team leader with the ability to motivate others" and "I'm a with the ability to motivate others" and "I'm a strong team leader who leads by example" strong team leader who leads by example" represent stronger answers. Draw on your own represent stronger answers. Draw on your own understanding of your management skills plus understanding of your management skills plus the job description to decide what you'll say the job description to decide what you'll say here.here.

"I am ambitious""I am ambitious"

This is a very strong answer and you This is a very strong answer and you should use it with care. In the wrong should use it with care. In the wrong situation, it can sound hard-headed and situation, it can sound hard-headed and the employer may wonder whether you'll the employer may wonder whether you'll compete too fiercely with your colleagues, compete too fiercely with your colleagues, or even your superiors. However, in a or even your superiors. However, in a sales role it might be perfect, especially if sales role it might be perfect, especially if you focus your response a little more: "I you focus your response a little more: "I am ambitious and aim to exceed targets".am ambitious and aim to exceed targets".

"I am dedicated and hard working""I am dedicated and hard working"

You're on safe ground here, as this can be You're on safe ground here, as this can be true whatever your individual working true whatever your individual working style. It's not the most exciting answer, but style. It's not the most exciting answer, but when presented alongside two others that when presented alongside two others that are more individual, it should offer are more individual, it should offer reassurance to the interviewer.reassurance to the interviewer.

"I am a good communicator""I am a good communicator"

Again, this is a win-win answer.Again, this is a win-win answer. Be prepared to expand, though: specify Be prepared to expand, though: specify

whether you have strong writing skills, are whether you have strong writing skills, are good at explaining difficult ideas in a good at explaining difficult ideas in a simple way, or perform well at important simple way, or perform well at important meetings.meetings.

"I work well without supervision""I work well without supervision"

A majority of employers would be pleased A majority of employers would be pleased to hear this, providing the vacancy is at a to hear this, providing the vacancy is at a level where they'd normally expect you to level where they'd normally expect you to need a degree of supervision. But be need a degree of supervision. But be careful not to sound as if you prefer to careful not to sound as if you prefer to work without supervision, as this may work without supervision, as this may sound as if you risk coming into conflict sound as if you risk coming into conflict with your supervisor or manager. A safer with your supervisor or manager. A safer option might be to state "I work well with or option might be to state "I work well with or without supervision".without supervision".

"I enjoy learning through my work""I enjoy learning through my work"

Again, this is a safe answer. The Again, this is a safe answer. The interviewer might then ask how you have interviewer might then ask how you have done this in the past, so be ready to give done this in the past, so be ready to give details of some hands-on learning or details of some hands-on learning or special training you've experienced, and to special training you've experienced, and to say why you enjoyed it.say why you enjoyed it.

And finallyAnd finally

These examples show that when These examples show that when preparing an answer to the interview preparing an answer to the interview question what are your strong points, it is question what are your strong points, it is important to consider whether your important to consider whether your responses could be taken the wrong way. responses could be taken the wrong way. Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes - Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes - you can then ensure that the potential for you can then ensure that the potential for a negative interpretation is removed.a negative interpretation is removed.