Interviews can be scary, let’s be honest! But as with everything, the key to success is preparation. There are some interview questions you can be sure to run into. With a little forward thinking, you can be on your way to acing that interview

Preparing for Your Interview

Now we all know that an interview (in the traditional sense) is basically a sit down conversation between you and your potential future employer.

This is where you will be asked a series of questions to assess your suitability for the role in question.

While you can never be entirely sure of what questions you will be asked in an interview. There are some proactive steps you can take to ensure you are prepared.

Such as, having some answers prepare for some commonly used interview questions.

Some examples can be found below… (you’re welcome!!).

If you were a biscuit, what kind of biscuit would you be?

Yes, some companies really do ask questions like this during interviews!

Believe it or not, we have heard this and similar interview questions asked on more than one occasion.

So having something prepared just in case it does come up can’t hurt! Interview questions like this can be off-putting, they’re a fun way for an employer to get to know more about you.

For example, if you’re a hard worker and tend not to crumble under pressure (pun intended). Then would you say you’re comparable to a hobnob biscuit? If you’re reliable and likeable, would you say this makes you a chocolate digestive?

While all of this sounds a little strange, it kind of makes sense!

Try to remember to always relate this question back to your key skills and qualities. Rather than just saying you’re a rich tea biscuit simply because you like them!

What is your biggest weakness?

This can be another one of those tricky interview questions to fathom.

Rule number one is to never sit and say things like “well, I tend to be late to things quite a lot”. Although your interviewer may have already noticed this, if you are serial offender of tardiness!

Either way, this is not what your interviewer wants to hear!

While everyone has weaknesses (and we all do, let’s be honest).

The key to success with this question is to think about a weakness of yours. Explain how you’re trying to or have addressed it and how you’ve turned it into an eventual strength.

For example, if you used to struggle with juggling multiple projects at once. You can use your time as a student as an example. Whereby you had to juggle multiple deadlines and assignments at any one time.

You may now have learned how to manage your time more effectively, multitask and prioritise your workload. Easy, right?

What was the reason for leaving your last role?

First things first, don’t badmouth your last employer. I repeat, do not badmouth your last employer!

Now you may have left your last role because you hated the job and your manager wasn’t very nice to you. But you must avoid saying this as it doesn’t give a great first impression.

Basically, you need to avoid saying anything negative (yes, your job may have been boring but don’t tell them that!).

Instead, you could say that the role wasn’t challenging enough for you, and you like a challenge!

What do you know about the company and why do you want to work for us?

This interview question is a biggie!

It is asked in almost all interviews. If you fail to answer this properly, it can be a deal breaker on that job offer!

Don’t let that scare you because this is a super easy question to get right!

The key to answering this question is to do your research! We really cannot stress enough how important it is to research the company you’re being interviewed for.

If you don’t know what the company do (or why you want to work for them). Then you will appear unorganised and disinterested!

Certainly not the kind of candidate they want on their team!

So, show off what you know about them (you don’t need to memorise their entire website, don’t worry!).

But be sure to let them know that your skills and experience match what they’re looking for. Refer back to the job description for a recap. Whilst using examples to back this up as you go along.

Also make sure you mention why you want to work for the company in particular. Not just why you’re perfect for the role.

If they’re an expanding, up and coming business, then let them know that you think this an exciting prospect. Explain how you think you can help continue to drive this business forward.

You’ll be onto a winner!

Is there anything you would like to ask me?

Always, always have something prepared to ask!

Saying no and darting for the exit doesn’t look good.

Ask questions and show an interest, it’s what your interviewer wants to see!

Most interviewers will round off an interview in this way. It should be taken as your opportunity to ask anything you aren’t entirely sure on. Or would like to know (however you should be mindful to keep it short as the interview is almost over!).

Now, don’t take this as an opportunity to ask if you get paid for being off sick. Questions like this won’t fill your interviewer with confidence if that is all you’re concerned about!

Instead, opt for questions such as “How will my progress be monitored?”. Or “What is the Company’s plan for the future?”.

Interview questions like this will undoubtedly impress your interviewer.

What are your salary expectations?

It may be a touchy subject for some, but it is something that needs to be discussed sooner rather than later.

A tip here is to set a realistic expectation for yourself and your skills.

Everyone would like to go into an interview and say they would like to be paid £110,000 a year. However, unfortunately, that’s not always possible!!

Have a look at similar jobs online and get an idea of salary they’re advertising. At least then you’re going in with an educated expectation, rather than a blind stab in the dark!

It is worth remembering however that this is only your first interview. So, there is no need for harsh salary negotiations at this stage. Go in with a broad range of what you’re looking for, i.e, a starting salary of £18,000-£22,000. Leave the rest until you’ve bagged yourself the role!

Check out our jobs section to see our current job vacancies!

If you’re looking for work then feel free to call TurnerFox on 01623 656303 or send us your CV and we’ll be happy to help!