Common Interview Questions

An interview can be a daunting experience – especially if you haven’t had much practice recently. To help you control your nerves it is worthwhile preparing for common questions that you may get asked. But what are the most common  and sometimes the most difficult interview questions?

Here are three common questions and some guidance on how to answer them:

How to Answer Interview Question – “Tell me about yourself”

This is often the opening question and since first impressions are very important, you want to take the opportunity to present yourself in the most positive light. Without preparation it is easy to waffle, sound hesitant or for your mind to go blank.

Here are some tips on how best to answer this question.

1. Keep you response to around 3 minutes
2. Start with an overview of your highest achievement and then run through a short lead up to this with other jobs/work you have done up to this point
3. Don’t go into too much detail
4. If this is your first job – focus on your key areas of study and how these have led to you wanting this role

How to answer Interview Question – “What are your strengths?”

Select your three main strengths/qualities that are the most relevant to the job and for each strength give a specific example of how you have applied the strength to a work situation.

For example if you select team work as one of your key strengths you then need to support this with an example of when you have been part of a team and the contribution you made.

How to answer Interview Question – “What are your weaknesses?”

This is like a trick question which can easily work against you. The best approach it is to think of something you have recently identified as a weakness and have made positive steps to redress.

For example if multi-tasking has been one of your weaknesses you could explain how you have learnt to prioritise things more efficiently. You can then turn the weakness around to actually become a strength.

Its very important to spend time brainstorming questions and answers before your interview, so that you are prepared, feel less nervous and present yourself more confidently in the interview itself.

Convince the interviewer you’re the best candidate for the job

You might already believe that you are the best person for the job and have all the right expertise but will you be able to convince your interviewer of that and beat the competition?

If you want some expert coaching to ensure you excel at your next job interview and get that job offer then Skillstudio are there to help.  We provide:-

Interview Techniques 1-2-1 Coaching
Half day of full day, 121 coaching in Interview Skills by an expert trainer.  Held throughout the UK and always tailored exactly to your personal requirements.

Job Interview Skills Public Courses
This is a one-day, highly interactive public workshop designed to build your confidence and the critical interview skills required to ensure success at your next job interview. Its held regularly in Central London, Birmingham, Leeds & Glasgow.

Job Interview Technique In-House Workshops
We can also run our job interview techniques workshop for your organisation on an in-house basis at your premises throughout the UK and Europe.

Call us today on 08456 444 150 if you want to discuss how our training can help you excel at your next job interview.

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