Although there is no set format that every job interview, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up.

 

• Tell me about yourself - First impressions are key when first walking in. Keep your answer under five minutes, beginning with an overview of your highest qualification then jobs you’ve held in your career. DO NOT go into too much detail. If you’re interviewing after leaving education, focus on the areas of your studies you most enjoyed. 

 

• What are your strengths? - Pick the three biggest attributes that you think will get you the job.  Give examples of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. Take a look at the job description there's usually a section listing candidate requirements, which should give you an idea.

 

• What are your weaknesses? - The dreaded question, which is best handled by picking something that you have made positive steps toward. If your IT ability is not good, state it but tell the interviewer about time spent you have used to improve your skills. DO NOT say “I don’t have any weaknesses”, your interviewer won’t believe you, or “I have a tendency to work too hard”, which is seen as avoiding the question.

 

• Why should we hire you?  - What makes you special and why do we need you. You should be able to find out what they are looking for from the job description. This can lead to examples of something you have done so far. State your biggest achievement and the benefit it made to the business, then finish with “Given the opportunity, I could bring this success to your company.”

 

• Where do you see yourself in five years time? - It’s best to talk about both short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job you’d eventually like to do. Show the employer you have ambition and that you have the determination to get where you want to be.

 

• Why do you want to work here? - The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you’ve given this some thought. If you’ve prepared for the interview properly, you should know the company’s values. Use this information to describe how your goals and ambition matches their company.

 

• What are three positive things your last boss would say about you? - This is a good time to brag through someone else’s words. Try to include one thing that shows your ability to do the job. One thing that shows your commitment to the work, and one thing that shows you are a good team player.

 

• What salary are you seeking? - You can prepare for this by knowing the value of someone with your skills. Try not to give any specific numbers because it could put you in a poor position, Your interviewer will understand if you don’t want to discuss this. If they have provided a guideline salary with the job description, you could mention this and say it’s around the same area you’re looking for.

 

• If you were an animal, which one would you want to be? - Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer ‘a bunny’, you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer ‘a lion’, you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality will it take to get the job done? This is a very silly question but it can also see what sense of humour you have when answering.