Interview Advice

Highlighted below are a few example questions that you may be asked at an interview. Always answer honestly, and whenever possible provide examples highlighting where you have displayed the skills or competencies being questioned. Such examples don’t have to be from a work situation and could be when you were at school or home.

Basic competency questions:

1. How would you define good customer service? Please give an example of when you have either received or given such service.
2. What is the biggest problem that you have had to overcome at work? How did you overcome it and would you do anything differently should it arise again?
3. When was the last time that you were under pressure and how did you cope? Please give an example.
4. Under what kind of supervision do you work best?
5. What was the last piece of work that you had to complete without supervision? How did you manage, what were the results and what would you do differently now?
6. What has been your greatest achievement to date?
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? How do you intend to meet these objectives?

Situational questioning:

1. What do you know about our company?
2. What is your understanding of the role that you are applying for?
3. What interests you most about the company?
4. Why did you leave or are you leaving your previous/current position?

Career history details:

1. What are/were your main duties and responsibilities in your current/last role?
2. What comments were given at your last appraisal?
3. Which aspects of the role do/did you enjoy the most?
4. Which aspects did/do you least enjoy?

Questions to ask the interviewer:

1. Can you take me through a typical day in this role?
2. Is this a new role or would the successful applicant be replacing someone else?
3. What are the main objectives of the job?
4. What changes would you like to see in the way this job is performed?
5. Can you describe your ideal candidate to me?
6. What is your history with the company?
7. Has the vacancy been advertised internally and if so are there any internal candidates being considered?
8. What future opportunities are there in the company? Where do you see this role progressing?
9. What training opportunities do you offer?
10. Can you tell me about the people I will be working with/under?
11. Have there been any major organisational changes recently?

Be yourself - smile and try to relax. Always remember to make it known if you are interested in the role. Thank the interviewer and offer a friendly handshake. If the employer is finding it difficult to choose between two equally capable candidates — your enthusiasm and interest in the role will help the decision along and could sway it in your favour!