Top Twelve Questions:

Q Tell me about yourself ?
Answer:
Memorise some strong attributes about yourself; describe your qualifications and career history as well as skills relevant to the job on offer. Briefly mention a couple of your hobbies and interests that show positive traits to your personality.

Q What has been your greatest achievement so far?/ What have been your achievements to date?
Answer:
Unless you are going for your first position mention an achievement which is work related if you have an outstanding achievement outside work mention this afterwards. If they want to know numerous achievements have 2-3 achievements from various positions you have undertaken, memorised in your mind prior to the interview.

Q What are your strengths?
Answer:
This is a question you are likely to get, so be prepared and list 3 or 4 strengths related to the job description.  Ability to relate to others, confidence, positive attitude, enthusiasm, hardworking, loyalty, etc. Make sure they are genuine strengths.

Q What are your weaknesses?
Answer
Never say you don’t have any weaknesses as this will come across as arrogant and it will only make the interviewer probe further.

You can answer this in two ways, the first is to mention a negative which can also be a positive.  Eg, “Too demanding on myself at times.”, “Very focussed at work so people sometimes think I am ignoring them”
 If asked only mention one weakness but have a further two as back up in case the interviewer probes further.

The other way to answer this question is lack of experience (not ability) in area which is not a vital part of the job.

Q How would your family/friends/spouse describe you?
Answer
This is another question asking how you perceive yourself, choose three or four positive attributes, loyalty, honesty, fun, reliable etc that will give the employer a positive insight to your personality.

Q Are you happy with your career to date?
Answer
Yes and then mention why you have been happy with it so far.  The interviewer is asking this question to judge your confidence, self esteem and career aspirations.  If you have reached a “flat spot in your career” or “feel things are moving too slowly” qualify the answer.

Q Why do you think you are suitable for this role? Why have you applied for this particular position?
Answer
Research of the company and job description is critical in this question.
The employer wants to get a feeling for understanding of the role and whether it suits you and your long term goals.  When answering this question mention your experience or skills gained that the job requires as well as what you are looking to achieve out of the role and characteristics of the organisation that interest you most.

Q What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?
Answer
The interviewer is trying to determine what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving.  Mention a difficult situation that does not originate from yourself and can be explained in a few sentences.  Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did and what the outcome was.  Make sure it has a positive outcome.

Q Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Answer
Don’t be arrogant in your answer. Mention what you want from a role and company environment rather then mentioning a specific job title. If you are going to mention progression ensure it does not overshadow the job you are applying. Eg “ I would like to be working in a challenging role and rewarded for my efforts.” 

Q Why do you want to leave your current position?
Answer
Only mention positive reasons for wanting to leave your current position. New challenge, new environment, take on more responsibility or to further your experience.  Do not be negative in your answer. It is rarely appropriate to mention salary as a motivating factor.

Q What do you enjoy about your current job?
Answer
Mention the things you like about your present job that match the skills required for the job on offer.  Talk positively of your previous position make it sound interesting and varied but don’t over do it, as after all you are looking to leave.

Q What do you know about the company?
Answer
The research you have done should ensure you know the companies products and services, who their target market is, who their competitors are, the history of the company. If possible you will know a bit about the company culture. The more you know the more you will impress the client. Knowledge of the companies financial status eg turnover can also be useful.  Keep your answer clear and concise. Don’t mention everything you know but learn as much as you can for follow up questions.

Q What don’t you like about your current job?
Answer
Be cautious with your answer as being too specific may draw attentions to weaknesses that will leave you open to further problems. Choose a characteristic of your present company such as its size or slow decision making processes etc give your answer with air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride. Try not to choose a characteristic that is obviously going to be a similar problem with the company you are applying to work for.  Eg if they are a small company don’t say them being a small company was a problem.

Other questions you may get asked in the interview

Q Explain your current role?
Q How does your job fit in with the department in your company?
Q How do you cope when your work is criticised?
Q What are you looking for in a company?
Q What can you bring to this organisation?
Q How do you work under pressure and how do you deal with pressure?
Q How would you react if you were asked to work late at short notice?
Q When your not busy what do you do?
Q Why should you get this job over other candidates?
Q What have you failed to achieve to date?
Q Give me an example of when you have been out of your depth?
Q How do you feel about working long hours or weekends?
Q Are you a self starter? Give me examples to demonstrate this?
Q What kind of pressures have you encountered at work?
Q How do you measure your own performance?
Q What changes in the workplace have caused you difficulty and why?
Q What kind of people do you like working with?
Q Give me an example of when you had to face a conflict of interest at work?
Q When was the last time you disagreed with your boss?
Q Give me an example of when you have not got on with others?
Q Give me an example of when you have felt angry at work. How did you cope and did you still perform a good job?
Q Give me an example of when team work has been required in your job?
Q This organisation is very different from your current organisation how do you think you will fit in?

Questions for you to ask in the interview

At the end of the interview, it is likely that they will ask you if you have any questions. Asking questions shows an interest and it can be a good idea to have some prepared earlier. Make sure you don’t ask a question that they have already answered in the interview.

What sort of training is on offer?
Why do you feel it is a good company to work for?
Are there any internal candidates interested in the position?
Can you describe the company culture?
Do you run an induction program?
How do you feel that my skills meet the requirements of the role?
How long was the last post-holder in the position?
What are the personalities of  the other team members or manager?

Unless specifically asked don’t talk about salary and other benefits in the first interview.

Note If you are being interviewed for a sales role, the interviewer (particularly if part of the sales team) will want you to close them at the interview to demonstrate your sales skills.