How To Answer Interview Questions
To help overcome interview nerves, we advise that you think about how you will answer interview questions. You can practice exactly what you are going to say, before you have to say it to a potential employer, in an interview.
Here is our guide to answering some typical and commonly asked interview questions
These questions are suitable for you to practice and prepare for any formal situation where you may be asked about yourself. Go through the questions and decide exactly how you will answer them. It maybe helpful to try rehearsing your answers with friends or family. Simply by just thinking about how you would answer interview questions, you will become more familiar with your own skills. You will also be more prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. We have provided these examples together with suggestions on how they can be answered. Consider how you would answer each of these, in an interview setting.
If you would like professional help with your interview performance try our Interview Coaching service.
"Can you tell me all about yourself?"
What they are looking for;
The interviewer is trying to gain a picture of you and your experience. They may also be asking you give them a broad overview of your work experience, education, skills and professional achievements. Brevity is key. Always try to be conscious of the interviewer’s time, especially if they have more interviews planned. Try your best not to bore them!
How to answer;
Make sure that your answers are initially short; you can always expand further if necessary. When explaining your experience, try to relate it to the job on offer. It is more important to show that you understand what will be expected of you than to brag about your achievements. Always try to be relevant and sell your skills by using recent examples.
Extra tip;
Demonstrate to the interviewer the contributions you could make to the company. Give them a reason to hire YOU.
"Why do you want to work here?"
What they are looking for;
This question is designed to search out your motivations for applying for that position. They may also be evaluating how much research you have completed on the role and the company. If you have completed your research, demonstrate it.
How to answer;
It is important to answer with enthusiasm and in a thoughtful manner. It is your chance to express your interest in the company to the interviewer. Explain exactly what attracted you to the role from your own research. Be prepared to describe and fully communicate what you have learned about the job, the company and the industry as a whole.
Extra tip;
Try to identify precisely what it is that excites you about the job. Passion is a significant, valuable and rare attribute.
“What are your ambitions?"
What they are looking for;
Here the interviewer wants to know if your future plans are compatible with the company's goals. Let them know that you are ambitious enough to have given some consideration to your career progression. Try to be modest and realistic.
How to answer;
If appropriate, share your goals with the interviewer. It may be important to see if they are happy to support you in your future plans. If you plan to study, be prepared to discuss the merits of your course to your employer. Many companies will be happy to provide training, funding or time off to attend further education if they can see how it will benefit them.
Extra tip;
Tell the interviewer if you have a desire to learn more skills and develop the ones you have. Share any key goals that you have set yourself and be specific about how you intend to meet them. Discuss any research you have completed.
For professional interview help try our Interview Coaching Service. Call 0845 003 9557 or click here for details.
