Category: job interview questions

a range of job interview questions and answers designed to help career professionals to pass more job interviews

Posted on

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

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”

Posted on

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

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”    

Posted on

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

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” 

Posted on

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

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”

Posted on

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

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”

Posted on

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

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”

Posted on

How to Answer the Interview Question Are you willing to work overtime?

How to Answer the Interview Question “Are you willing to work overtime?”

Explanation of the Question:

The employer only asks this question there is a large amount of overtime or the employer is having trouble getting their current staff to work overtime. You need to be honest if you are willing to give a general answer.

Example Interview Answer

“yes, I did a lot of overtime in my last company”

Don’t put up any barriers or start to confuse the employer by saying “I can work overtime on a Monday 6-8, Wednesday 8-9 etc..” keep it simple.

If you cannot, tell the employer this and give the reason why. 

Posted on

How to Answer the Interview Question What motivates you to be your best?

How to Answer the Interview Question “What motivates you to be your best?”

Explanation of the Question:

If every job paid the same salary, would you still apply for this position? If the answer is yes, why? This is what motivates you.

Think about the job you are applying too, what is the end result this company delivers? Does it make something? Help people? Give advice? Sells?

If you are motivated by the same thing the company does then you will do well in the company and the interviewer will want to recruit you.

Example Interview Answer

“I am always motivated knowing that my job role is making a difference with other people’s lives”

Posted on

How to Answer the Interview Question Which do you consider to be more important, the money or the work?

Which do you consider to be more important, the money or the work?

Explanation of the Question:

Hopefully, after some good career advice, you will be applying for a job that you will enjoy.

As we spend a third of our lives at work, we need to find work exciting and important. Answer this question with this killer answer  

Example Interview Answer

“The money pays the bills, but for me, it’s enjoying the job that gets me up each morning with a smile on my face”

Posted on

How to Answer the Interview Question What are you looking for in a job?

How to Answer the Interview Question “What are you looking for in a job?”

Explanation of the Question:

Think about the main job duties, skills and qualities needed for this position, which of these would you enjoy?

Job Satisfaction, Team Work, Variety, Seeing the end result from your work, Helping others, Etc.

This way you are being honest while discussing relevant duties and qualities. Don’t say the obvious:

Example Interview Answer

 “This job” As you will quickly lose credibility and the interviewer may doubt other answers to the interview questions.

“It’s important for me to see the end result from my work; I like to know that I have done a good job and that my customers are satisfied”