Nine common interview questions

Essential preparation for common interview questions

Landing an interview is a fantastic achievement, and now it's time to shine! We know interviews can be nerve-wracking, but with a little interview preparation, you can confidently answer the questions you're likely to encounter. Think of it as a conversation where you get to show off your skills and talk about why you're the perfect fit for the role.  

Let's walk through some common interview questions and how to approach them:

1. "Tell me about yourself."

This isn't an invitation to share your entire life story! Instead, focus on the aspects of your background that are relevant to the job. Briefly mention your education, highlighting any relevant coursework or projects. Then, talk about your work experience (even if it's just part-time jobs or volunteer work) and how it's prepared you for this opportunity. Finally, connect your skills and experiences to your career goals and why you're interested in this specific role. Keep it concise and engaging.

2. "Why do you want to work here?"

This is your chance to show you've done your homework! It’s a good idea to re-read the job description before the big interview as we all know how interview jitters can make our memories wobble. Research the company beyond their product or service – their mission, values, recent achievements, and culture. Explain what resonates with you about their work and why you're excited about the opportunity to contribute. Demonstrate genuine interest by mentioning specific projects or initiatives that impress you.

3. "Give an example of where you've demonstrated [fill in the blank] skills."

When explaining how you demonstrate any skills, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer.  

Describe the situation, the task you faced, the actions you took, and the positive results you achieved. Focus on how you influenced others, solved problems, and achieved a common goal for example.

4. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

For strengths, choose qualities that align with the job requirements. Provide specific examples to illustrate each strength. When discussing a weakness, be honest but focus on how you're actively working to improve. Frame it as an area for development and explain the steps you're taking to overcome it. For example, "I sometimes struggle with public speaking, so I recently joined a Toastmasters club to build my confidence."

5. "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

This question helps the interviewer understand your career aspirations. Be realistic and show that you're ambitious but also committed to growth within the company. Demonstrate that you're thinking long-term and eager to learn and contribute.

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6. "What is your greatest achievement?"

Again, use the STAR method and choose an achievement that showcases skills relevant to the role. It doesn't have to be a monumental accomplishment, but it should demonstrate your abilities and how you overcame challenges to succeed.

7. "Tell me about a time you worked effectively as part of a team."

When describing how you work with others, don't just say you’re a "team player." Provide a concrete example of a time you worked effectively in a team. Describe your role, how you collaborated with others, and the positive outcome you achieved.

8. "What are some of the biggest challenges facing our industry today, and how do you think we can address them?"  

When discussing industry challenges, don't just say you're knowledgeable. Show it. Don't just list problems; analyse them. Think about 2-3 key challenges ahead of your interview, explain their impact, and offer concrete solutions or your approach. You don’t always have to have the answer but having the ability to show strategic and critical thinking is key. And importantly, connect it back to the company. How do their specific challenges align with the broader industry issues, and how can you contribute to the solution? Don't just talk about solutions; demonstrate your ability to develop them.

9. "Why should we hire you?"

This is your elevator pitch! Summarise your key skills and experiences and explain how they directly address the company's needs. Highlight what makes you unique and what value you can bring to the team. Be confident, enthusiastic, and reiterate your passion for the role.

10. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Absolutely! Asking thoughtful questions shows your interest and engagement. Prepare a few questions beforehand about the role, the team, the company culture or the next steps in the hiring process. Avoid questions about salary expectations or benefits at this stage. This is your chance to learn more and demonstrate your genuine curiosity.

Put the odds in your favour

By preparing thoughtful answers to these common interview questions, you'll be well-equipped to make a fantastic impression on your potential employer and increase your chances of landing your dream job! Remember to relax, be mindful of your body language, be yourself, and let your personality shine through. Good luck!  

Remember, the job hunt isn’t over until it’s over! While it’s great that you’ve landed an interview, it’s important to keep your options open, just in case things don’t work out. Submit your CV and become discoverable for all Michael Page roles or bookmark our live jobs page to keep an eye on the latest roles.