It’s not news that job seekers typically hate interviewing. Whilst a non-negotiable aspect of recruitment, it’s enough to make most people feel a bit sick in their stomach. For the most part, people find the entire process nerve-racking but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. We find the best way to tackle your interview head-on is to ensure you are prepared for the most-asked questions. This article is all about getting you prepared and ready to kick some interview backside.
Before attending an interview you should think about your responses to the following potential interview questions. Write them down and practice the way you would communicate and respond to them. Remember, your answers must be specifically related to the job and organization you are interviewing for. Without further ado, here are our tips for the most-asked interview questions.
1. Why do you want this job?
This question is really important. You should communicate very clearly to your interviewer why you feel passionate about this specific job opportunity. Stress the positive aspects of your application. Do not mention the negative elements of your current or previous job or the job to which you’re interviewing. Ensure you tell the interviewer (in your own words) how you feel this role will support you in your educational journey. Top tip: keep it positive.
2. What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
The job advertisement will definitely help you here. Use it to identify the qualities that may be required and ensure you have some creative ways of communicating these attributes as your own. This may include your previous experience working with children or in the community. It may also be a matter of explaining how your personal attributes apply to this role. Top tip: Be sure to mention you have fantastic communication, interpersonal & problem-solving skills.
3. What can you contribute to this role?
This is your chance to really shine. Tell your interviewer about your achievements to date in your previous or current positions or during school. I would typically pre-select at least two stories that talk to my high-achieving nature. Ensure these complement the job description at hand. Top tip: Keep your stories simple and to the point.
4. Why do you want to work for this company?
Emphasise the positive reasons contributing to your application. Ask yourself why you want to join their company, culture, industry and brand. Top tip: Avoid aspects such as more money or shorter hours.
5. What do you know about this company?
This is your chance to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of their company. Make sure you do your research and give your interviewer a rundown of their key services, locations & customers, etc. Top tip: Keep the details brief, just enough to show that you know what the company is about.
6. Why should we employ you?
The answer to this question will be based on your previous experience and achievements related to the company. In the end, you could add that you think there is a good fit between you and the job, and feel free to ask the interviewer if they agree. Top tip: Talk about 3-4 of your achievements that align with the role you are applying for.
7. Why did you choose a job in …?
Be positive about your reasons. If you have changed careers make a logical argument as to why you did so. Top tip: Talk about why the job interests you.
8. Are you considering any other positions at the moment?
If you are, say so, but do not give too many details away – it may weaken your negotiating position later. If you do not have any other job offers at the moment just say that you are interviewing around to determine the best fit. Top tip: Confidently state that the job on offer is high on your priority list.
9. What did you earn in your last job?
You have to be very careful when answering this question because once an interviewer knows your current salary they will try and fix your next remuneration based on this figure. This may be satisfactory if you only wanted a modest rise in salary and your current salary is in line with their salary range, but, 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, 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 discuss this later after the responsibilities for the job have been discussed; you may also want to ask them what the range for the job is (if you do not already know). Top tip: Be firm, you are not compelled to answer this question with a figure.
10. What level of salary are you looking for now?
You do not want to appear to be greedy or underestimate your value. If you are applying for a specific vacancy you could ask them what the salary range is. Once they have answered you could say, “I think my experience would place me at the top end of your range, don’t you?” If they ask you this question fairly early on in the interview you could delay answering by saying “It is hard to discuss salary without first knowing a little bit more about the job and the responsibilities.” Top tip: Without stating an amount, mention that you hope the salary will be within your expectations.
In addition to being overly prepared with these anticipated questions, it’s also very important to ensure that you have a few key questions ready for the interviewer. I would highly recommend asking about company culture and organisational values as it’s important for you to also assess if this role is right for you!
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