5 of the most common interview questions: What to do and What NOT to do

Congratulations, you have written your resume, sent the application and now you’ve got the interview – the most dreaded but important aspect of the entire process. We’ve all been there; sweating in the interview chair with a dry mouth and a sudden inability to articulate our thoughts. It’s horrible, stressful and largely avoidable. Whether we like it or not, interviews are a part of the recruitment process and we are going to be faced with difficult questions that we have no idea how to answer. Fortunately with a bit of practice and preparation, we can have these stupefied moments in the comfort of our living room so that when it’s time for the real deal we are ready to blow their socks off. While we can’t be certain of what is going to happen in any interview, it can be safely guaranteed that at least one of the following questions will be asked. Best you start practicing so you know how to answer them.

1. Tell me about yourself

This question is a doozy, but it is certain that it will be asked. First thing to know when answering this question is that it’s not about you, it’s about them. The employer doesn’t want to know your life story and that you were top of little athletics all through primary school. What they are really asking is what your experience in the workforce is. They want to know about your professional history and what you achieved. Best to keep this concise, to the point and relevant to the job you are interviewing for.

What to do:

• Summarise (relevant) professional background
• Highlight expertise by including proof of performance and experience
• Positively, tell them why you want to the position.

What not to do:

• Talk about your life story
• Discuss jobs you undertook which place no relevance to the position you are interviewing for
• Be negative about your current job and why you want to leave
• Regurgitate your cover letter and resume
• Blurt out a monologue about your experiences. You should enter the interview assuming the recruiter has read your resume

2. What is your greatest strength

Instead of listing all your perfect qualities, prepare 2-3 strengths that are specific to the position you are interviewing for. Ensure that you can back these values up with examples.

What to do:

• Provide strong examples to the strengths you claim to have
• Target your strengths and examples to the position

What not to do:

• Talk about strengths you can’t back up with an example
• Don’t underestimate your abilities by being modest
• Don’t claim to be a hero who has every strength in the book
• Talk about a personal value which is moot to the position
• Lie

3. What is your greatest weakness

Let’s be honest, no-one likes to admit weakness or fault, but it is important to do so and not to avoid this question. Admitting fault or weakness shows an employer that you are realistic and have an ability to self asses.  Try and have two weaknesses in mind with examples of how you overcame them. When asked the question only provide one of these weaknesses – the second is a backup just in case they push for more examples.

What to do:

• Provide examples of how you worked or overcame a weakness
• Show that you know you’re not perfect but are able to take the necessary steps to improve yourself

What not to do:

• Avoid the question
• Respond with the over-used “I’m a perfectionist” or “I’m too organised”. Recruiters have heard it a million times before and know it’s a pathetic evasion

4. Why do you want to work for us

Homework, homework, homework. There is nothing worse than being faced with this question and hearing crickets in your head when it’s time to respond. Before going to the interview know what the company does, what their goals are and what the position you’re applying for is to the business. The recruiter wants to know that you care for the company and aren’t only interested in fattening your wallet.

What to do:

• Be specific
• Mention what you like about the company without going over board
• Match your wants with the needs of the company

What not to do:

• No nothing about the company or position
• Shape your response around money

5.Do you have any questions for me

Whatever the case you must answer this question. A job interview is just as much them interviewing you as you interviewing them. Asking questions shows that you are interested about the company and can help you stand apart from the pack.

What to do:

• Ask for more information about the company relating to something you learnt in your research or during the interview
• Ask more about the role. This is your time to learn more about the position than that on the job description – such as why the role is vacant
• If questions come up throughout the interview, ask them. Treat interview as being a conversation rather than an interrogation

What not to do:

• Ask nothing
• Ask about the employment benefits or time off

We know thinking of questions can be hard. So here are a few examples:

• What is the process of monitoring my performance?
• What is the general time frame for making the hiring decision?
• Where do you hope to see the company in 5 years?

The most important thing to do before an interview is prepare. Know your skills, know your weaknesses and know the company and position you are applying for. Keep your answers concise, to the point and relevant to the position at hand. Know what the company wants and tailor accordingly. When practicing your interview, it is important to speak out loud or even better to role play with a friend or family member. Yes, you’ll feel silly at first but if you can’t answer these questions to yourself how can you expect to answer them in the interview.