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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 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 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 Interview Question What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

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”

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How to Answer the Interview Question Tell me about yourself

How to Answer the Interview Question”Tell me about yourself”

Explanation of the Question:

One of the most common asked questions in interviews normally asked at the beginning of an interview, this question gives you the opportunity to deliver a short statement about your experiences and skills relevant to the job position you are applying for.

  • Start with a “selling” line that will highlight your main strength and/or achievement
  • Keep each point brief as you can explain each point again in more detail throughout the interview
  • You want to interest the interviewer and get them to want to know more about you
  • End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for a new job

Example Interview Answer

“I’ve been working in Sales for 8 years. I have a great understanding of selling insurance to the public and businesses.

My innovative sale techniques have increased profits by 25% year on year for the past 3 years.

I am now ready for a new challenge and with your company having a great reputation, I believe this is the opportunity I have been waiting to apply for”

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

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.

“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”