‘What type of food would you be and why!!!?’ Typical interview questions and answers
‘What are your strengths and weaknesses?’ ‘Why do you think you’re suitable for this job?’ ‘What type of food would you be and why!!!?’
So, the interview process can be a daunting prospect, especially if you get asked obscure questions! Unfortunately we can’t predict exactly what you’ll be asked, but it does help to be prepared in advance.
Here’s a list of common interview questions, and how to answer them:
Typical interview questions and answers
Tell me about yourself…
A routine opening question, interviewers want to know more about you, but they also want to put you on the spot to see how you react.
No need to give them a run down of your life story! You are in complete control here, make sure you take full advantage of it.
Try not to go off topic, keeping your answers succinct and relevant. Your interview is for a particular position, so don’t lose sight of this.
Remember: This is not an informal chat.
Right answer: Thisshould be about two or three minutes long, briefly covering your education, your interest in the sector, employment history and experience.
Wrong answer: ‘Well, I was born in Camden in 1974. I was very advanced for my age…’
What are your weaknesses…?
Yes, don’t worry it’s perfectly normal to have them.
Everyone has things that they can improve about themselves. It’s best to be honest with yourself, as it will help you to develop these as strengths in the long run.
The best way to answer this question is to highlight one of your weaknesses, then give practical examples of how you’re trying to address it. An example of this type of answer would be:
‘I used to find it difficult to multi-task on multiple projects, I could only focus on one task at a time before starting another. I have since taken a time management course, which has taught me how to manage varied projects at a time, when necessary’.
Right answer: HighlightWeakness + how you have or are going to address it = strength
Wrong answer: ‘I don’t know or I haven’t got any’
Why are you suitable for this job?
A highly motivated question to push you into a personal sales pitch.
As you are probably part of a mass interview consisting of a number of other candidates, make the most of this chance to demonstrate why you want the job, and why you would be a perfect fit for the company.
Make sure you read the job description, as the company will give a brief summary of the position advertised, remember they are hiring for a reason. This will put you in a good position to line yourself up for the job.
Right answer: ‘From what we’ve discussed so far, you’re looking for X, Y (or, ‘having a problem with X, Y’). In the past I have demonstrated X, Y and Z (highlight relevant experience and your main strengths), which have really helped my previous employer’
Wrong answer: ‘It’s good money, I really need it right now’
What are your salary expectations?
Always keep this question in the back of your mind while you finish off your interview preparations.
You may get a general estimate by looking at the typical wage for someone with your level of experience and training in this field.
But keep in mind that this is just the first interview. The position has not been extended to you. There’s no reason to try to start negotiations at this time. Providing a broad wage range will typically be sufficient to advance the conversation, but be ready to back it up if necessary.
Just resist the urge to undersell yourself. Check out an average wage checker if you’re not sure where to begin.
Right answer: a succinct (but realistic) response, such as; ‘I’m looking at a salary between £25,000 and £30,000’, as an example, would be a general (but reasonable) response.
Wrong answer: ‘I’m not sure. How much do you pay?’
Should I ask about salary at my interview?
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Oh, the standby favourite at job interviews.
The interviewer wants to know that you have considered your future and to assess your level of ambition. Also, they want to make sure that this isn’t just a stopgap arrangement.
This is especially true with this question, however all of your responses should be customised to the organisation and position you’ve applied for. Explain your career goals, for instance, “I’d like to progress to a Senior Software Engineer” or “I see myself being a team leader” if you’re applying for an entry-level role.
Explain how you’d like to advance the organisation if you’re applying for a more senior job. Before the interview, check over their corporate objectives or business plan and discuss how you may contribute to accomplishing them.
Right answer: Be fervent about the business. Adapt your career aims to the company’s goals, show ambition, and play to your talents.
Wrong answer: ‘In your seat!’
Do you have any questions?
Right answer: Always say ‘Yes’. Be prepared to ask questions about the company, the job role and any progressive routes.
Wrong answer: ‘No, we’ve covered everything I think’
Other potential questions could include…
Why did you leave your previous position?
Right answer: Avoid criticising your employer. State the positives, do not lie. The recruiter will dig deeper if you mention that you’re simply looking for a new challenge and then you can’t back it up. If you don’t have a clear answer it can be a good option to explain that there were no opportunities for career progression, as this can sound more viable.
Why is there a gap in your work history?
Right answer: Be as honest as possible, depending on the confidentiality of the answer. If it was for personal reasons, then give a brief overview of why and you are at liberty to decline giving too much personal information. As long as you are succinct and honest with your answer this should be enough to move the interview along.
Why did you apply for this position?
Right answer: This is a similar response to why you want the job, but make sure to highlight why the position and company excite you, not why you should excite them. This gives you a good chance to show them that you have done a bit of homework about the company, definitely use the job description to support your reasons for being the right person for the job.
What’s your dream job?
Right answer: Use your common sense, because it’s unlikely anyone one grew up dreaming of the day they’d become a Business Analyst Data Migration Specialist, so focus on the positives around the job title that interest you.
How to answer interview questions
Unfortunately, we can’t anticipate every question asked on the day, by different employers, but here are a few pointers as an overview:
Don’t be tempted to improvise or answer on the spur of the moment, preparation is the key to a successful answer, rather than a rushed impromptu response which may come out wrong.
No need for a script, but a standard part of your preparation process and pre-interview research will guide you well, helping you to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and why you are considering the job.
Your personality is of equal importance, so remember you will not just be judged on your CV. Think about your answers and what they say about you.
Having the right mindset can really help set you up for a good interview, especially if there are a lot of competitors. Ultimately, you need to make yourself attractive to prospective employers by displaying good characteristics such as ; likeability, engagement, dedication and diligence, to name but a few.
Finally, never assume that the hiring manager has a sense of humour, this avoids any awkward moments.
