Research is the only way to prepare for this question.
Do your homework to gain a good understanding of what the company does and how it operates.
Give any positive information you may have about the company.
Remember to ask what more the interviewer can tell you about the company/organisation
Tell me about yourself?
Aim to answer this question in about two minutes, avoid details, touch on four areas:
Educational qualifications.
Skills/experience you have doing this type of role.
Major responsibilities and achievements.
Personal summary of professional characteristics and goals.
Why are you applying for this role and what key qualities do you feel are important in this role?
Link what you have done with the job skills and experience the employer is looking for.
Mention any voluntary work, further education, study or training you have done.
If you have been out of work for a while be honest about this and explain the reasons why.
This post is of an industrial nature, what types of equipment can you use?
Answer this question in about one minute.
Avoid going into too much detail.
Name the types of equipment you can use.
How they are relevant to the job.
Mention any qualifications or training you have undertaken.
The length of time you have used this equipment.
This post requires an ability to use computerised software, what software can you use?
Answer this question in about one minute
Avoid going into too much detail.
Name the types of software you can use and the competency level.
How they are relevant to the job.
Mention any qualifications or training you have undertaken.
The length of time you have used this software.
What are your strengths?
Pick three attributes that you think will get you the job.
Give examples of where you have used these strengths in a work situation, such as: Expertise in specific computer programme. Good people skills. If you not sure where to start look at the job description.
What are your weaknesses?
Firstly do not answer this question with “None”.
Start by describing parts of your last job that you found difficult.
Explain how you overcame these difficulties.
Be brief but honest.
This role requires team-work; describe what makes you a good team member?
Answer this question in about one minute.
Do not go into detail.
Use a recent example to do support this.
Describe the skills required, such as: Good communication Flexibility Open to change Sense of humour Cooperative
You appear to be under/over qualified for this role?
Don’t panic, emphasise the following:
You are looking for something different.
You can take as well as give instructions.
Your interest and enthusiasm to learn new skills.
Tell them the skills you have and how you can use them to benefit the organisation.
This role requires the ability to work to deadlines, how do you cope with pressure?
Describe pressures in previous jobs
Use a recent example of how you coped, such as: How you dealt with a deadline that had been brought forward. How you completed a rush order. How you dealt with staff shortages.
Why did you leave your last job?
Be honest about the reasons why you left, for example: If you left due to health reasons say so and point out that you are now fit and able to carry out the duties required. If you were dismissed, say so and state that you have taken responsibility for your actions and learned from the experience.
What would you bring to this job that other candidates can’t?
This is you chance to shine.
Do not ramble or appear too boastful.
State what makes you special.
Say where your major strengths lie and tie these to the job requirements, for example: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills and the ability to build long-term customer relationships”, then give brief details.
When would you be available to start?
Be honest.
Explain why.
Why have you had so many jobs?
You wanted to widen your experience in different types of work/firms.
Many of the jobs were temporary and that you would rather be in work than out of work.
Why have you only had one job?
You have had several different jobs/positions within your last employment.
You had the opportunity to develop and grow with this company.
