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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Do you learn from mistakes?

How to Answer the Job Interview Question Do you learn from mistakes?

Explanation of the Question:

Everyone makes mistakes; the people who learn from mistakes are the type of people who will always move forward.

Employers want to know that if you make a mistake, the mistake will not hold you back but can be useful if you learn from it.

Explain this in your answer and then follow it up with an example of how you have learned from a mistake.

Example Interview Answer

“Yes, I think everyone makes mistakes and the secret is learning from the mistake to ensure that in the future tasks can be completed without errors.

In my first job role after leaving university, as an example, I was asked into a meeting to get a “tea” order. After taking the order of hot beverages, I went to the kitchen and for the life of me, I couldn’t remember half the orders.

Reflecting on this, and on remembering data in general I learnt that simply recording required information is an easy way to ensure accuracy. Next time I was asked to a meeting I took a notepad and pencil in with me”

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question How do you know when you have been successful with a task?

How do you know when you have been successful with a task? 

Explanation of the Question:

When have you been successful? How did you know? As this will be your best answer. You have been successful when:

  • The job has been completed on time
  • The task has been completed to a good standard
  • When your customers walk away happy
  • When your employer tells you
  • When you have job satisfaction 

Example Interview Answer 

“Recently the company I work for was putting together a bid for a new contract, the whole team was involved in gaining information and quotes for the bid.

It was a big job and we worked late for several nights, it was worth it though as we recently gain confirmation that the company has won the new contract” 

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Can you work under pressure?

Can you work under pressure? 

Explanation of the Question:

Be honest, if you can’t work under pressure and this is a pressured job role, is this job role really for you?

If you can work under pressure give a real experience for an answer. Employers are looking for an industry-relevant example.

Set the scene, explain how you handled the pressure – what models and theories you adapted, and the outcome from taking these prepared actions.

Example Interview Answer

“I have the ability to remain calm in situations that can often make colleagues stressed. An example of this was in my last job role where there was a month when we received an unexpected increase in orders. 

As the orders came from new customers – that could become regular customers, the management team requested that each order needed to be designed, created and dispatched on time. 

This doubled our normal workload. Each team seemed panicked by the increase in orders and the associated pressure. On the other hand, I remain calm which in turn kept my team calm. 

When I have a large amount of work I use the ‘time management model’ where your order task based on importance vs urgency. This system allows me to plan what task need completing first, resulting in all orders being accurate and sent out on time”

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question What has disappointment you about a previous job?

What has disappointed you about a previous job?

Explanation of the Question:

Again we always need to stay away from any negative answers. Start with a positive and follow this up with why you’re looking for a new role. This keeps your answer positive.

Example Interview Answer

“I have enjoyed all my jobs and with every new job, I gain new skills and confidence. Currently, I am looking for a new role, not because I’m disappointed but more because I want a bigger challenge, more responsibility, etc”

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question How do you approach a project?

How do you approach a project?

Explanation of the Question:

Common asked question in project management jobs, keep this answer short (it is easy to give a long-winded answer to this type of question) and demonstrate how you plan, prepare and approach projects – use an example if possible.

If you have a prince2 qualification or any other project management qualification, explain the models used to manage projects.

Example Interview Answer

“I recently completed a high valuable project; Afer reading the project brief and the desired objectives I created a set of work packages that were required to be completed. For each work package, I projected the severity of a number of risks which I recorded on a risk assessment log. Once everything was in place I create an action for individual team members to compete and plan review meetings with each department. 

Overall, my approach to project management is one of being planned and organised.”

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Have you ever had a problem with a supervisor?

How to Answer the Job Interview Question Have you ever had a problem with a supervisor?

Explanation of the Question:

This could be a trap-they want to see if you will speak ill of a pass employer.  Start by explaining that “you have always worked well with your supervisors”, if they push this question, continue by giving an answer along the lines of this:

Example Interview Answer

“The only thing I can think of is when I was asked by a supervisor to complete a task, and I already had a task that needed completing by a certain deadline. My supervisor was a little stressed but we prioritized the work and got both jobs done on time”

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How to Answer the Interview Question What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

How to Answer the Interview Question What kind of person would you refuse to work with?

Explanation of the Question:

Start by explaining how you get on well with everyone, and then stop to think. Carry on by saying you would not want to work with someone who was violent or someone who was lazy.

Example Interview Answer

“I always get on well everyone I meet, I am often told how friendly and approachable I am. I like to give everyone a chance but I wouldn’t like to work with someone who is violent or lazy”

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How to Answer the Interview Question Why should we hire you?

How to Answer the Interview Question Why should we hire you?

Explanation of the Question:

A great question to be asked, as your answer will be highly positive and will sell you in the most generous way-don’t be shy here! Start with “by hiring me…” now give them a great selling line, what is the one thing they want from you?

Then tell them how you will do it, use examples from previous job roles to highlight your ability and knowledge

Example Interview Answer

“By hiring me, you will gain an experienced sales manager who has a proven track record. I lead by the front and my motivational leadership style has ensured an increase in profits in the last 2 companies I have worked for”

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How to Answer the Interview Question Do you work well within a team?

How to Answer the Interview Question Do you work well within a team?

Explanation of the Question:

Some people are thrown when they are asked this question when they are applying for a position to work alone.

Every company works as a team, so you are a good team player, give an example of when you have worked well within a team.

Example Interview Answer

“A team always works better than an individual as you have a wider skill base and more collective experiences to rely on. You also have the advantage of motivating to achieve goals and targets.

Remember TEAM –  Together Everyone Achieves More. In my last job, I worked as part of a small team dedicated to improving sales, by sharing all our experiences and ideas we were able to come up with an achievable action plan”

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Interview Question and Answer Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Where do you see yourself in 4-5 years’ time?

Explanation of the Question:

Tell the interviewer how you want to progress through their company, a manager does not want to be re-advertising and interviewing in a year’s time, do not infer that you may want to leave after a certain amount of time. 

Example Interview Answer

  “I am really keen to learn how your company operates; I can see myself attending any available training and using this knowledge and my own drive and ambition to work my way up within this company.”

Interview Q&A “Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?” VIDEO