Interview questions

At an interview the assessor will ask you factual questions which can be verified by examples about your work history. They will also question you about philosophical type questions to explore your attitude and motivations. They will ask you questions based on technical capability to assess your knowledge base and ability to perform

Q. Why have you applied for this position?

A. This question is delving into what you are looking for in your career, you have an opportunity to clarify and express your ambition and your fit against the job spec. Qualify what this position will do for you in the next few years of your career

Be enthusiastic in your answer and express why you would be interested in carrying out the duties in the specification, let the interviewer know how you can contribute to it.

How might you respond?

'This is exactly the position that I am looking for as it will fully utilise my vast knowledge in this field and also enable me to develop my skills in other areas' etc.

Q. Can you talk me through your CV?

A. Use this opportunity to discuss your experience in depth. Go into detail with real examples about your career successes and achievements brining in details that were not included in your CV

Q. What is your career plan in 5 years time?

A. The interviewer is assessing your commitment to staying within the firm and trying to determine what your long term aspirations are. If a company is going to hire you this is costly in terms of training and they want a return on their investment. Bear in mind that you are being assessed for your current position not the next career move, therefore try not to appear overly ambitious concentrate on the role being recruited for and decide where this takes you

Q. What are your key strengths?

A. This is your opportunity to shine and show that you are a task focused and work well under pressure, integrate successfully in a team environment and also adept at working independently

Discuss your ability to understand, respect, and function within various corporate cultures and identities. Cite examples where you've proven yourself to be trustworthy, meticulous, and detailed-oriented. Use highly motivational words that show you to be a good prospective employee

What are your weaknesses?

The obvious answer is to change a negative into a positive , for example I have to work to balance my desire for perfection with attention to deadlines

Q. What are you looking for in your next role?

A. Be honest about your motivation factors as this will determine how happy you will be in the position, largely most people would be looking for an employer that recognizes commitment and give both praise and a salary package that is a fair reflection of the employee’s contribution.

Q. Give me an example of when you have had to use your initiative

A. Use this as an opportunity to demonstrate that you are able to think and act for yourself, to lead others and create a consensus and work as a cohesive unit towards a common goal

Q. How do you get on with your colleagues?

A. Use examples of working successfully within a team environment

Q. Why do you want to work for us?

A. Explain what it would mean for you to work for that company, it’s an opportunity to make them see why you would be a serious candidate. Show that you have read about the company and researched it in depth , talk about their corporate philosophy

Q. What do you know about our company?

A. It’s critical that you know what the company does and how they generate their income. Talk about market share, demographics, profit, turnover, strategic growth plans

Q. What has been your greatest professional achievement to date?

A.This is an opportunity for you to explain about something that you are proud of