Questions that you may be asked in a job interview

Before you find yourself in the interview hot seat, prepare yourself for the flood of inevitable questions coming your way. By learning what employers are looking for when they ask common interview questions and preparing some answers for these, you will increase your chances of success dramatically.

This is your opportunity to show the company you have what it takes to do the job. The interviewer will want to suss out what you can bring to the position including your particular skills, knowledge and experiences. And the interviewer will also want to get some idea about your character to assess whether you are the right person for the job and whether you will fit into the corporate culture.

If you want to get an interview, make sure your resume is up to scratch. Click here to find out more about our Resume Writing Service. Sample job interview questions

Tell me about yourself

When asked this question it's your chance to give a professional snapshot of your talents, qualifications and experience. Allow up to two minutes for this response. Be succinct and keep it relevant. It's time to sell yourself – but keep focused because you need to give a good overview of what you can do in relation to the position for which you are applying.

You could tell the interviewer where and what you studied – include notable snippets like your majors, significant awards or a distinction average but only if the subjects you studied are relevant to the job.

Summarise your work experience and the professional skills you have acquired. Concentrate on aspects of your experience that relate to the job. If marketing is a prerequisite for this job and you have marketing as part of your skills set, then make sure you focus on your experience in this field.

Don't ramble on: keep to the point (no more than four points in total) and don't waste time on irrelevant information – make sure each point hits the mark for the job. Check with the job description and select four main aspects of the job that you could cover.

Finish off by briefly outlining your career plans and how the job on offer fits into those illustrious schemes.

What do you know about our company?

When asked this question, your research will come into play. Whatever you do, do not say 'nothing' or 'I had a quick look at your website so I know you are a _____'. Spend some time on the company website to find out as much as you can about the company so that you can speak for at least a minute and a half about their business..Also look at any news features or other websites that come up when you search the company name as this is often information generated by others and not the company singing its own praises.

At the interview, you can discuss a number of aspects such as services, goals, position in the market and other points that you have gleaned from your research. Make sure you show knowledge without coming across as a 'know it all'. I was impressed with your growth figures over the past twelve months and it's great that you have a policy to support the local community' is an answer that shows you have done your homework and gives the company a pat on the back for their social policies.

Why are you applying for this job? Why do you want this job?

When answering the question about why you want the job, the comprehensive pre-interview research you have done will become essential. The interviewer wants to know why you are interested in the position so he/she can gauge what skills you are bringing to the position and how it fits into your short- and long-term career plans. Use your answer to demonstrate your knowledge of the company and re-emphasise your suitability for the position. Give specific examples of things that attracted you to the company, so the interviewer can see that you match their culture and will thrive in the position.

While this looks like a question about you, the interviewer wants to know what you can do for the company and that you are a good fit for the job.

In your answer, you might want to elaborate on your strengths and achievements and how they match the position description. You could also talk about your career goals and the objectives of the company (information from your research). In both these instances, you are explaining how and why you would be an asset to the company.

Why should we give you this job?

Set yourself apart from the pack! You may find yourself reiterating some of the things you said in response to 'Tell me about yourself', but this time try to be more specific in linking your talents to the requirements of the position.

Give strong examples of your skills and career achievements and, in doing so, explain how you can be beneficial in the new gig. Make a big statement to start and then support it with an example. 'I am always willing to go the extra mile' is a good opener.

Find an example of an accomplishment that matches one of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description and use the STAR system of response: situation, task, action, result.

'In my previous position, the data management system was not working well and wasn't being used properly. I approached my manager and suggested a very simple way to fix the problem [shows initiative]. She agreed and I implemented the changes and also explained how it all worked to the rest of the team [team player and ability to communicate]. The result was that everyone started using the system [improved data capture] and the company saved huge amounts of time allowing staff to work on core business [improved productivity and profits].'.This shows that you bring valuable skills to the job. Finally, link what you have done to the new position. 'My focus at work is about productivity and profitability and improving the bottom line for the business.'

What are your strengths?

This is a classic example of how you should tailor your answer to the job. Make a list of the requirements of the job and demonstrate that you possess these, giving examples of how your strengths have helped produce excellent outcomes in previous positions.

For example, if developing business project plans is a job requirement, show how you have managed this in the past and make sure to mention that the result was that the team working on the project were appreciative that they had such a strong plan to work with, that the job was completed within the projected time frame and that you saved your employer $X..Some generic skills-based answers include:

•'My time management skills are excellent. I'm organised and take pride in excelling at my work.'

•'I'm very good with customers and I am efficient at resolving any problems that they have. My customer service skills also help me to get along with other members of the team.'

Suggestions of other valuable strengths include: your leadership skills, problem-solving skills, ability to prioritise and work under pressure. Just make sure it correlates directly to the job you are applying for.

Describe a time when you were faced with a difficult situation and how you handled it

Think about a time you have come up against a challenge that you successfully resolved. Don't dredge up a catastrophe that resulted in personal or professional failure – stick to a story with a happy ending. And don't make it about a personal clash with a co-worker, but rather a professional challenge that places you in a positive light.

The interviewer is also trying to determine what you define as 'difficult' so try to choose an example that was challenging but not impossible to resolve.

Good examples are:

•pulling off a big project on a miniscule budget

•a contract falling through at the last minute; having to do the work yourself

•how you dealt with client requests to meet tight deadlines

•an unexpected event throwing your plans into disarray, and how you got things back on track

The interviewer wants to see that you have resilience, problem-solving skills, initiative and the ability to work around less-than desirable situations. Clearly explain how you identified the problem and reached a solution both professionally and quickly, and what the final positive outcome was. .Keep in mind they are interested in determining how your actions and decisions will affect the business so always describe a conclusion that shows you acting in a positive way for the company.

Why should we hire you?

This is where you need to stand out from the crowd. There may be several other candidates with similar qualifications and work histories going for the same job as you – you need to give the interviewer a reason to hire you over others. The employer will want to know what you can bring to the company and how you can improve it.First and foremost, make sure you link your talents and skills to the requirements of the position and the company – demonstrating how you are a perfect fit for their corporate culture and you meet all the criteria specified in the job description. Second, highlight any extra skills you have to make you stand out from all the other people who also meet the criteria. Give examples of career achievements and explain how the skills and experience you have will be beneficial in the new job. Set yourself apart from the pack by showing them how you can transfer these skills across to the company you are applying for. For example, you might be applying for an administration job but you helped out with newsletters and fliers for your basketball team, which has given you some extra skills with marketing.

Don’t sound too cocky – they don’t want someone who is full of themselves – and don’t bag the other candidates – this indicates that you wouldn’t be a nice person to work with. The key is to appear confident and sure of yourself and you will come across well with the interviewer.

What's your biggest weakness?

One of the most dreaded of all interview questions is the ‘greatest weakness’ minefield. Many recruiters are, in fact, moving away from using a question that has become over-used and predictable, yet it is still one you have to prepare for. But how do you answer this without casting yourself in a negative light, while still sounding honest and self-aware? Is it possible to provide an answer that doesn’t sound like spiel or cliché?

Be positive - Answering this question successfully is all about presenting yourself – including your weaknesses – in the most positive light, according to Steve Gunther, a consultant with boutique recruitment firm 2discover. .But this is not just an exercise in spin-doctoring and obfuscation. This is your chance to demonstrate your honesty, self-awareness, and willingness to learn and improve.

While identifying a weakness or deficiency, emphasise that you are aware of the problem and actively working to improve. Answer with enthusiasm and positivity, and show your prospective employer what a great attitude you have. For example, if you say that you sometimes have a tendency to procrastinate, be sure to emphasise that you are aware of the problem and have become an ardent planner and list-maker to keep yourself on schedule.  Stress how much satisfaction you get from crossing things off your to-do list and getting things done on time, and how happy you are about the improvements you’ve made.

It’s all about perception - Remember, the same ‘negative’ trait can be turned into a positive depending on how you present it. If you have a tendency to be overly meticulous (i.e. anal) and therefore sometimes take too long to complete tasks, you can highlight the fact that you like to see things done to the highest standard – though you are getting better at letting things go and working more quickly now. Or if you tend to be a little quiet and reserved at work, and are sometimes perceived as aloof, you can say that you are a little shy – but once people get to know you, they soon see that you are loyal, discreet and a good listener.

Use an example from the past - 2discover’s Steve Gunther asserts the importance of using concrete examples from your past as illustration. Instead of speaking in loose generalities and hypotheticals, talk about your experiences and show how you have improved on your weaknesses in previous jobs. The more specific you can be, the better.

For example, you can tell the interviewer that you used to have a tendency to tardiness, but that once you started setting your alarm clock a half hour earlier and using your mobile phone to remind you of appointments, you haven’t been late once in the last six months! 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The 'where do you see yourself in five years?' query and its alternatives – two years/three years/10 years – is a popular question amongst interviewers. You should treat your answer as an opportunity to highlight your ambitions and your dedication to the industry – and, hopefully, to the company.

Show that you have put some thought into your career and haven’t just chosen to apply for the job on a whim. Be specific – don’t just say that you want to work in advertising but explain why you have applied for that position, with that company. Remember to keep your answer specific to work. Don’t mention your plans to travel, marry or have children.

Using successful people in the industry as examples of the careers you would like to emulate will also show them that you have done your research and have role models. It will also give them an understanding of your work ethic and the type of work you want to be doing. You need to find the balance between realistic and over-ambitious. You don’t want to undersell your abilities or appear to be lacking in drive, but you also don’t want to give them the impression that you’re after the boss’s job. You could say that in five years’ time you would like to have learned and progressed enough to be in a position of greater responsibility, perhaps taking on a more managerial or project management role. Make sure you come across as enthusiastic but avoid portraying yourself as a ruthless go-getter who would do anything, including stepping on a lot of toes, to claw your way to the top.

If the distant future appears hazy to you and you honestly have no idea where you will be in five years, then don’t feel like you have to lie. However, don’t leave it at that – make it clear that you still have ambitions and are excited about the prospect of working for the company. While it’s great that your head is focused on the present, you need to convey that you still have a sense of direction rather than being a lost soul who doesn’t have a clue. You might want to emphasise that you are very open-minded to whatever opportunities may present themselves and would welcome any training and career development they have to offer. They might see you as the perfect candidate to groom and mould for the future.

While five years is a long time to plan for and the chances of you changing your mind along the way are high, it is still important to have a well thought-out answer to this question. The interviewer will be able to gauge your motivations, passions and drive, and this will give them an idea of your suitability to the position.

How do you handle pressure?

For most employers, the ideal candidate is someone who stays cool under pressure – someone who neither explodes at other people when the pressure’s on, nor collapses into a useless, quivering heap. They want someone who calmly assesses the situation, gets organised, stays focused, and simply gets the job done.

If this is you, be sure to impress your prospective employer with some concrete examples of your cool, can-do attitude. Describe a situation when you were under the gun and detail how you approached the situation, demonstrating how you managed to organise, mobilise and deliver a good result. If you’re one of those people who actually performs better when under pressure, all the better.

If, on the other hand, you’re someone who doesn’t function well under pressure, all is not lost. You can say that as much as possible, you try to avoid creating pressure-filled situations by being super-organised and giving yourself lots of lead time, being as well-prepared as possible and, most of all, knowing how to prioritise. .You can also describe a situation from your personal life where you exhibited grace under pressure. Highlight the positive qualities you demonstrated in the situation, which could have been the ability to motivate others or communicate clearly.

Some jobs are inherently pressure-filled by nature, so make sure you’re going for a job you can handle. If dealing with pressure isn’t your thing, you might want to reconsider your move into a job that is very deadline-driven or where you’re under constant pressure to produce and deliver. Remember, finding the right job is all about finding the right fit between your strengths and personality, and the role.

What salary do you expect in this position?

The mention of salary in a job interview is a delicate subject that can often leave both interviewer and interviewee squirming in their chairs. You should wait for the interviewer to broach this tricky matter first and give some indication without specifying an exact figure – a salary range is better. You need to be realistic about your market value and there is a fine balance between overselling and underselling yourself – and neither of these outcomes is desirable.

If the job advertisement doesn’t make mention of the pay, then you will need to do a little investigating of your own. Understand the position and the key responsibilities. Take into consideration whether it is full time, part time, casual or contract, and whether you will be offered a package or a flat rate. Search for similar positions advertised on job boards and take note of the pay or salary package that accompanies each one. This will give you an idea of what to expect. .When asked, your research will come in handy for you to state a salary range that you would not only expect from the company and the position, but also one you would be willing to accept. You may mention your current salary as a kind of benchmark, especially if you’re applying for a similar role.

While most people like to upgrade their salary with each new job, bear in mind that a new position will not necessarily warrant a pay rise. Convince the interviewer that although the pay is important, it is the job that you are most interested in. Instead of just shouting out the first figure that comes to mind, take the time to explain to them why they should pay premium dollar for your skills and experience. However, make sure you do this without convincing them that they actually can’t afford you!

What do you see yourself doing in the first 30 days of this job?

This question may seem pretty tricky to answer at first. Don’t worry, the recruiter does not expect you to know every aspect of the role that you are interviewing for. What they are looking for is a combination of your general knowledge of the role, your ability to express your proactive attitude and, of course, your ability to improvise and communicate clearly when you don’t have all the answers.

You should already know a lot about the business and the role because you’ve prepared for the interview by reading up on the company, and you can use the information you have gathered to answer this question. Consider where the role fits in the structure of the business. Is it an entry-level role where you will be exposed to new processes and systems? Or is it a senior role where you will need to jump in and take responsibility for the productivity of a team?

If you’re interviewing for a junior role, emphasise the ways in which you plan to learn about the business and develop your skills. Talk about how you will approach tasks that you have not done before. If you have received a full job description or a detailed job advertisement for the position, be sure to demonstrate your knowledge of the responsibilities associated with the position. .You should also think back to your first few weeks at your previous job, as this may help you to identify what the major focus will be of your first month with the new company.

The first month in a more senior role will have a very different focus. You may want to discuss how you plan to establish working relationships and how you will gain the confidence of your co-workers. Regardless of how talented and directional you are, you will want to take some time to observe and learn about how the business works, about the office culture, individuals that you will work closely with and the dynamics of your team.

You can then focus on some management strategies that you applied in your previous role or some ideas that you have to move the business forward. While many employers appreciate forward thinking employees, be careful not to come on too strong with all your innovative ideas. It’s wise to first learn how open the business is to change before you bombard them with all your plans!

Take the opportunity to highlight key skills which are relevant to the role. If you are organised and love structure, talk about the way you will plan your workdays and organise your tasks. If you love working with people, talk about how you go about supporting and integrating into new teams. If your work is very technical, discuss some of the skills that you will apply on the job.

Try to keep your answer concise by summarising what you expect to happen in each of the first four weeks of your time on the job, explaining how you see your development and responsibility progressing. Alternatively, you could speak broadly of your expectations for the first month. Discussing how you managed your tasks in your previous role will give you some concrete examples to highlight. Remember, this is not a time to get carried away in the details of job responsibilities! It is a chance to communicate your strengths and enthusiasm for learning and developing in your new role.