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How to Answer the Job Interview Question What is your biggest achievement?

What is your biggest achievement? 

Explanation of the Question:

We have all achieved many things throughout our lives, from losing weight to passing a driving test. If you make your answer relevant to the job you are applying for. Talk about how you had a goal you initially thought you couldn’t achieve and then through working hard you achieved your goal.

Example Interview Answer

“I was once asked to give a presentation, at first I thought I wouldn’t be able to deliver it without embarrassing myself. I wrote the presentation and practiced it in front of small groups, until I had the confidence to deliver it to a large group. I was really pleased with the result on the day and I was good feedback from my line manager.” 

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question What is your role when working in a team?

What is your role when working in a team?

Explanation of the Question:

You will find that in different teams your roles changes. This is a good way to answer this question, unless you are applying for a management job when you need to be the team leader.

Example Interview Answer

“In different teams and in different projects I think we all have different roles, as different team members will have different strengths and experiences depending on the team’s goal. One of my roles in a team is to ensure everyone has a say and is listened to, as some of the quieter team members will have a good idea and may not have the confidence to mention it.”

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Have you ever resolved a dispute between others?

Have you ever resolved a dispute between others?

Explanation of the Question:

If you haven’t, explain what you would do.

If you have discussed what you did and how you found out what the dispute was about, you gained everyone’s side of the story and how you resolved the dispute.

This will highlight your people and communication skills.

Example Interview Answer

“I recently walked in on two people arguing at work, there was a big deadline due and everyone was feeling the pressure.

When I came into the room and asked both people to take a minute and to sit down. This automatically calmed the situation.

I asked each person to tell me their side of the story without the other person interrupting. In the end, both people wanted the same result, but we’re coming at from a different angle and didn’t realise the other person had the same goal.”

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Do you think you have enough experience?

Do you think you have enough experience?

Explanation of the  Interview Question:

If you’re asked this, then the interviewer does not believe you have enough experience.

If you have you need to make this clear, explain about your previous experiences and give detail to the parts that are relevant to this new job role.

If you do not have the experience they need, you need to show the employer you have the skills, qualities and knowledge that will make you equal to people with experience but not necessary the skills. It is also good to add how quick you can pick up the routine of a new job role.

Example Interview Answer

“Altogether I have 8 years experience in this industry, in my current role as a manager I spend a large amount of time auditing accounts as we worked on government contracts and all expenditure had to be accounted for.

I use all the relevant computer packages and understand the importance of double-checking the figures. I have always had an eye for detail and an ability to find errors easily, allowing me to be pro-active rather than reactive” 

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Do you have any blind spots?

If you know about blind spots, then they are not blind.

Employers use a question like this to see if you will tell them any weaknesses-let them work it out for themselves, answer

Example Interview Answer

“Not that I know off, if I ever discover a weakness I quickly do something to improve it”

Next, give an example of developing an area of weakness. When using a ‘blindspot’ example follow these 5 steps:

Step 1 – explain a skill that was required (industry-related and relevant to the new job you are applying for)

Step 2 – discuss how you identified the lacking skill

Step 3 – tell the employer the actions you took to gain the skill. This could be via trail and error, a mentor or a training courses

Step – highlight how you implemented the new skill into business as usual

Step 5 – finally, dicuss how you will use the skill once employed.

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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”