Common interview questions and how to answer them

An interview is your chance to show the employer that you understand what they need and that you can do the job. The government’s advice is that the most important thing is to be well prepared.

Before the interview

• Research the employer. Read its website: what it does and what it is trying to achieve.
• Know where and who. Confirm the address, the time and the name of the person to ask for. If they phone you, write down the caller’s name.
• Plan to arrive early, with time to settle before you go in.
• Dress smartly, even if staff dress casually. Rather be overdressed than underdressed.
• Prepare a 30-second introduction: who you are, what makes you suitable and your strongest skills.
• Practise your answers to the questions below out loud, and prepare one or two questions to ask.

For a government post, the department may ask shortlisted candidates for certified copies of their qualifications, which you can bring on or before the interview day. Read the invitation carefully.

Answer with an example

Interviewers often ask about something you did. Answer in four short steps: the situation, the task you had, the action you took and the result. A real example from school, a part-time job, volunteering or home counts.

Common questions and how to answer them

Tell us about yourself. Give your 30-second introduction: your qualification or current studies, one or two relevant experiences, and why you want this kind of work. Leave out your life story.

Why do you want this job? Link what you know about the employer to what you can offer. Show you read the advert.

What are your strengths? Pick two or three that the job needs, and give an example of each.

What is a weakness you are working on? Name a real but small one, and say what you are doing about it.

Tell us about a problem you solved. Use the four steps above, and end with what you learnt.

Tell us about a conflict or a difficult customer. Show that you stayed calm, listened and found a way forward. Don’t blame others.

How do you handle a busy day? Explain how you decide what comes first, and how you check your work.

Why should we appoint you? Sum up how your skills and experience match the job, in three or four sentences.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Show that you want to grow in this kind of work.

Why did you leave your last job? Be honest and positive. Don’t criticise a former employer.

What salary do you expect? For government posts, the salary is in the advert. For other jobs, find out what similar jobs pay and give a range.

If you don’t know an answer, say so honestly and explain how you would find out.

Questions you can ask

• What does a normal day in this job look like?
• What training or support is there for new staff?
• What would success look like after the first few months?
• What are the next steps, and when can I expect to hear from you?

Body language

The government notes that interviewers read your posture, handshake, eye contact and gestures. Sit up, look at the person speaking, listen fully before you answer, and keep your phone away.

Stay safe

The Department of Employment and Labour, with the private recruitment industry, gives these safety tips:

• Never pay to get an interview or a job. Employers and recruitment agencies may not charge you a fee.
• Check the employer or agency before you go. Recruitment agencies must be registered with the department.
• Tell family or friends where you are going, when, and who you are meeting, and check in with them afterwards.
• Be wary of odd places and times. Interviews are usually at an office, or sometimes a coffee shop, during office hours. A deserted place or a late-night meeting is a warning sign.
• Refuse “favours”. Nobody may ask for favours, or a cut of your salary, in exchange for a job.

Report anyone who tries to scam work seekers at a labour centre.