While you may not know what to expect at interview, preparing and practising responses to standard interview questions will help you feel confident and ready to do your best. Here are five common interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your strengths?
- What are three achievements from your last job that you are particularly proud of?
- Why are you applying for this job?
- Describe a time when you were faced with a difficult situation and how you handled it.
Every candidate will answer these questions differently. How they answer them will help the interviewer to decide which candidate to hire for the job.
In this article, I will look at each of the five questions in detail. I will describe what the interviewer or interview panel may be looking for in your response and provide you with an example response.
Tell me about yourself
Often asked at the beginning of an interview, this question is an opportunity for you to showcase your achievements, skills and personal attributes. Choose examples that demonstrate your suitability for the job and back up the information presented in your resume.
The open nature of the question allows you to draw examples from all areas of your life. New starters can use experiences from school or university, playing sports or participating in the community. Choose positive stories that show you in a good light. For example, if you are applying for a customer service job you may want to demonstrate helpfulness and trustworthiness.
Example response
I’m the person my friends turn to when it’s important. I recently helped a friend of mine move house. They relied on me to meet the removalists at the new house and show them where to put the heavy items.What are your strengths?
Use this opportunity to discuss two or three key attributes and skills you will be bringing to the job. For example, if you have well-developed language skills, explain how these help you communicate with others.
Example response
Because of my family background, I read, write and speak three languages. I now use the skills I learned helping my grandparents and parents to assist customers with enquiries and complaints.
What are three achievements from your last job that you are particularly proud of?
This is a structured question and the interviewer is likely to note how well you follow you instructions (three examples, most recent work experience, proud). Aim to give a brief overview of each achievement without rambling. If you would prefer to give examples from an earlier job or that are not work related, let the interviewer know, as it shows that you listened to the question. If they really want the examples to be from your last job, they will tell you. An easy way to show the interviewer how well you pay attention is to use their own words in your response, such as “proud”.
Example response
I am proud of two things I achieved in my last job, and I am really proud of something that happened when I was an apprentice. In my last job, I won the customer service award three months in a row while working on the front desk. I also suggested a way to improve the turnaround time when customers dropped off their vehicles in the morning. My idea was trialled and then adopted permanently. When I was an apprentice, I realised that one of the other apprentices was thinking of quitting because they were struggling with a new technique. I offered to help them after work. After a couple of sessions they were able to do it by themselves. I was so proud of them for sticking with it, and I was glad that I was able to help them out when they needed it.
When providing an answer with multiple parts it is easy to start rambling or lose track of what you were going to say. For that reason, it’s a good idea to keep your answers brief. If the interviewer is particularly interested in one of your achievements they will ask more questions about it.
Why are you applying for this job?
This question is a real opportunity to show genuine interest in the position. If you see this role as a step along your career path, explain this and highlight your long-term commitment to the field. Mention any positive aspects of the company that you discovered during your research, such as a good reputation in a particular area. The interviewer will be looking for indications that hiring you will benefit your employer, so tailor your answer to reflect this. For instance, if the job description mentions weekend or evening work, use this question to express your willingness to work those shifts.
Example response
This job appeals to me because it offers an opportunity to further develop my contract negotiation skills. I am also attracted to working for a company known for its quality products and the opportunity for interstate travel mentioned in the job description.
Describe a time when you were faced with a difficult situation and how you handled it
This question aims to understand your problem-solving approach and is an opportunity to showcase your strengths. Choose an example relevant to the position you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a warehouse job, select an example that demonstrates your ability to deal with logistics companies. A nurse might choose an example that shows compassion for grieving relatives.
Example response
I was working on a project that required teams from two different organizations to deliver outcomes to a tight deadline for our mutual client. When the other team realized they couldn’t meet the timeframe, I reached out across organizational boundaries to offer assistance, with the client’s approval. The assistance was accepted, my company was compensated for the additional work, and the project was delivered on time, meeting the client’s expectations.
Invest in yourself. Prepare for your interview with me.
Want great career advice?
Originally published on 30 December 2017, this article was updated and republished on 3 September 2024.
