May 2014 - Page 3 of 5 - Job Interview Coaching

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Why do you want this position?

Why do you want this position?

Explanation of the Question:

Your research will pay off with this question; explain you have always wanted to work for their company and the reason why.

Discuss how your goal has always been to work in this industry as you always wanted to (job criteria) and finally finish by explaining how your previous experience or qualifications will add value to the company.

Example Interview Answer

“Since becoming qualified my goal has been to work with your organisation, as I believe my vision is in line with your company mission. I have always had a creative side and feel that a good advertisement makes a difference for companies looking to be successful. My experience in advertising, my creativity and my rapport with clients will add value to your company.”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Explanation of the Question:

This is sometimes asked as an opening question to get you talking and to calm your nerves, a lot of people answer “Socialising with friends” “Playing on my computer” “Taking my family on day trips”. Whilst these are valid and honest answers they do not really bring anything to the table that is special, that makes you stand out.

If you can say that you volunteer you will be guaranteed to impress! Although this should be truthful! You can apply to volunteer in any area you like, ideally in a position relevant to the job you are applying for. Volunteering is seen as a positive activity by all employers; you only need to volunteer once or twice a month and when you can answer this question with

Example Interview Answer

“Currently I’m volunteering for Oxfam, I really get a lot out of helping others. Whist volunteering I have learned to communicate with people on all levels and I have improved my customer service skills, both face to face and over the telephone”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Describe your work ethic

Explanation of the Question:

You will only be employed if you have a good work ethic; explain how you are determined, hard-working and enjoy getting your task completed on time and to a good standard.

Example Interview Answer

“I have always been a hard worker, once given a task I like to ensure it is completed on time to a good standard. If working on a short deadline, I will work late to ensure I meet the deadline”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Aren’t you overqualified for this role?

Explanation of the Question:

Employers are always worried that an employee who is overqualified for a position, will take the job once offered and leave when offered a better-paid position relevant to their qualifications.

Answer by stating how much you enjoy this type of work and how this is a career move, not just a job. It is also good to highlight that you would pick this job over one relevant to your qualifications. Never say you’re looking for work with less responsibility or stress – keep the answer positive.

Example Interview Answer

“For me, this is a career move, not just a job. I am really interested in this industry and would choose this role over one with higher pay, relevant to my passed qualifications”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Do you have a work philosophy?

Explanation of the Question:

Don’t be tempted to give a deep long answer here, keep it short, sweet and positive. Ideally, you want to link your philosophy to the career.

As an example, a social worker might say ‘My career philosophy, the reason I get out of the bed in the morning, is to work hard to make a positive difference in someone’s life.’

Example Generic Interview Answer:

“I would say my work philosophy is; getting the job done to a good standard”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Describe yourself as a person?

Explanation of the Question:

This is a great question to be asked, as it is open for you to really sell your skills and qualities.

When answering this question, talk about the skills, qualities and experiences the company require (taken from the job specification) and answer the question by telling the interviewer how you have these required skills.

Use real-life stories and examples to highlight your strengths.

Example Interview Answer

“I am a keen and driven person; once I start a task I always put a hundred percent into completing it. I have often been told I am approachable and a good listener who completes goals quickly and efficiently”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Are you willing to put the interest of the organisation ahead of yours?

Explanation of the Question:

This is a test of employment loyalty; the interviewer is looking for someone to put their all into the company, employers may want you to come into work at a drop of a hat.

If asked this question, answer using a confident voice.

Example Interview Answer

“Yes, I want to put my all into this job and organisation. An example of putting my all into a company is when I worked at X organisation. To meet a deadline I sacrificed Y to achieve Z”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Would you be willing to relocate?

Explanation of the Question:

Often when employers need you to relocate, they would have stated this in the job specification.

Before the interview, you need to think about your life and how it would change if you relocated, look at both the positives and the negatives before making a decision.

Once you have done this, you can give your answer to the interviewer and the reason why.

Example Interview Answer

“I have researched your company and I feel we would work well together. I have no ties where I am currently living and I am happy to relocate”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Do you have a flexible attitude to your working hours?

Explanation of the Question:

Employers ask this question when their work/duties often need employees to be flexible with their working hours; starting work early, finishing late or even working bank holidays, Christmas time or weekends. Unlike the overtime question, if this is a big part of the role, saying no to this question may have a negative reaction.

Example Interview Answer

“Yes, I worked on a flexible pattern in my last role and enjoyed that you started and finished a different times each day”

May 24, 2014December 10, 2020

How to Answer the Interview Question Are you willing to work weekends/nights?

Explanation of the Question:

You need to be honest, if you can’t let them know, if you can then great, the employer would only ask this question is there is a possibility of weekend/night work.

Example Interview Answer

“Yes, I am happy to work at weekends. In my last two positions, we were needed to work weekends or overtime at very short noticed, so this is something I am use to”