Example interview questions
Behavioural questions
These are currently the most common types of interviews. They are based on the theory that past performance predicts future behaviour and the interviewer requires an example of a specific situation from your past.
Your example can come from work, volunteering, study, personal interests or club and community involvements.
A typical question might be: 'Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer'. Focus on just one particular situation and recall details about your key actions and the customer's reactions.
Tip: Use the STAR technique to answer this type of question.
Open questions
Designed to encourage you to talk. If you are asked: 'What do you have to offer our company?' your response should demonstrate your strengths, skills and abilities in relation to the position.
Tip: Avoid vague, generalised answers. Be specific and sell your strengths.
Closed questions
Used to gather quick facts. They are also asked by inexperienced interviewers. They usually require a 'yes' or 'no' answer and give you little chance to elaborate.
Tip: Judge whether the question requires a more expansive reply and if so, give more detail. Be confident and take the initiative.
Probing questions
Used to draw out more detail, or to focus your answer on the information the interviewer needs, for example, 'Tell me more about that', 'How did your co-worker respond?'
Tip: Think about the possible probing questions that may be asked, when preparing for the interview.
Leading questions
May be used to confirm information, or to test how you react to information. The expected response is indicated in the question. 'You will be expected to take on three projects, you don't mind, do you?'
Tip: Back up your answers with examples that demonstrate that you can achieve this goal successfully.
Hypothetical or puzzle questions
Used to test your problem solving skills. The interviewer outlines an imaginary situation and asks how you would deal with it. Your task is to quickly grasp the problem, analyse it, and generate your response or possible solutions.
Tip: The way you tackle the problem is usually more important than the answer. Use common sense and you will stay on track.
Tough questions
There will often be questions that you haven’t prepared for! Take your time and ask for clarification if you don’t understand. If you can’t think of an appropriate example, ask if you can return to that question later on.
Tip: Your reaction and behaviour in response to a tough question is often more important than the answer you give.
Behavioural
- 'Describe a time when you had to deal with a task or an aspect of a job that you did not enjoy. How did you handle the situation?'
- 'Tell me about a time when you have had to decide between two options. How did you make your decision?'
- 'Provide me with an example of a time when you have had to meet competing deadlines?'
- 'Tell me about a time when you worked in a team that didn't perform well. What was your role?'
- 'Tell me about a situation when you persuaded other people to do something your way.'
Your qualifications or education
- 'How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?'
- 'Why did you choose your course of study?'
- 'What did you enjoy about being at university?'
- 'Do you plan to do any further study?'
Your career goals
- 'What would you like to being doing five years from now?'
- 'How will you judge yourself as successful?'
- 'What do you expect from this position?'
- 'What additional skills do you need to develop in order to be successful in this position?'
Your work experience
- 'What have been your greatest responsibilities?'
- 'What specific skills have you acquired in your previous position that relate to this job?'
- 'What did you like most/least about your last job?'
- 'Tell me about anything you were proud of in your last job.'
Tough questions
- 'What can you do for us that someone else can't do?'
- 'Why should we employ you?'
- 'How long do you intend staying with our company?'
- 'What will you find difficult about this job?'
- 'What kind of salary package are you looking for?'
- 'Why did you leave your last job?'
- 'What other positions are you considering?'
