Category: job interview questions

a range of job interview questions and answers designed to help career professionals to pass more job interviews

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Interview Question and Answer Do you work well within a team?

Teamwork questions are really common in job interviews as every company, even those recruiting staff to work on their own initiative work within a team.

To approach the team work question, first state that you are a good team player, back this up with an example of team work and finally explain how your teamwork experience will benefit the company if they hire you.

Team Work Interview Questions – a video tutorial

Interview Questions 

Do you work well within a team? or are you a good team player or give an example of working well within a team?

Explanation of the Question:

Some people are thrown when they are asked this question when they are applying for a position to work alone. Every company works as a team, so you are a good team player, give an example of when you have worked well within a team. 

Example Interview Answer

“A team always works better than an individual as you have a wider skill base and more collective experiences to rely on. You also have the advantage of motivating to achieve goals and targets. Remember TEAM –  Together Everyone Achieves More. In my last job, I worked as part of a small team dedicated to improving sales, by sharing all our experiences and ideas we were able to come up with an achievable action plan”

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Interview Question and Answer “Why Do You Want To Work Here?

The interview question “why do you want to work here?” or “Why do you want this position?” is asked because employers want employees with a high retention record.

On average employers spend around 33% of their profits on recruitment, if they can hire an employee who is keen to work for them, rather than just wanting a job, they are more likely to stay with the organisation for a duration of time.

Interview Question:

Why do you want this position? or Why do you want to work here?

Explanation of the Question:

Your research will pay off with this question; explain you have always wanted to work for their company and the reason why.

Discuss how your goal has always been to work in this industry as you always wanted to (job criteria) and finally finish by explaining how your previous experience or qualifications will add value to the company.

Example Interview Answer

“Since becoming qualified my goal has been to work with your organisation, as I believe my vision is in line with your company mission. I have always had a creative side and feel that a good advertisement makes a difference for companies looking to be successful. My experience in advertising, my creativity and my rapport with clients will add value to your company.”

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Interview Question and Answer “What do you enjoy doing outside of work?”

How to Answer the Interview Question “What do you enjoy doing outside of work?”

Interview questions are asked to uncover a particular skill, quality or experience from the interviewee.

The reason why many job applicants fail the job interview is that they don’t understand what it is the interviewer wants to hear – the reason behind the interview question.

To answer the interview question: “what do you enjoy doing outside of work?” which is often asked in apprenticeship, school leaver and low salaried job interviews, job seekers need to talk about an activity, such as volunteering, that has given you relevant skills and qualities desired in the job role.

interview prediction grid

This is because the interviewer, knowing or expecting the job seeker to have little or no relevant experience. For low paid job roles, employers are looking to employ someone with potential, someone with relevant skills and qualities, not caring as much about job experience (which is required for higher-paid positions).

Interview Question and Answer Video

Interview Question:

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Explanation of the Question:

This is sometimes asked as an opening question to get you talking and to calm your nerves.

Many people answer “Socialising with friends” “Playing on my computer” “Taking my family on day trips”.

Whilst these are valid and honest answers, they do not really bring anything to the table that is special, that makes you stand out.

If you can say that you volunteer you will be guaranteed to impress! Why because it shows work ethic – volunteering your time to complete unpaid tasks shows your character. 

Although this should be truthful! You can apply now to be a volunteer in any area you like, ideally in a position relevant to the job you are applying for.

Volunteering is seen as a positive activity by all employers; you only need to volunteer once or twice a month and when you can answer this question with

Example Interview Answer

“Currently I’m volunteering for Oxfam, I really get a lot out of helping others. Whist volunteering I have learned to communicate with people on all levels and I have improved my customer service skills, both face to face and over the telephone”

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Interview Questions and Answers Describe Your Work Ethic

The interview question, describe your work ethic is designed to see if the employee is looking for a job to simply pay the bills or a career that means something to them.

This question is designed to uncover your commitment, honesty and reliability.

Check the interview video below for more details. Good luck with your next job interview.

Interview Question Describe your work ethic.

You will only be employed if you have a good work ethic; explain how you are determined, hard-working and enjoy getting your task completed on time and to a good standard. During the interview question explain how you are determined, reliable, commitment and honesty.

Example Interview Answer

“I have always been a hard worker, once given a task I like to ensure it is completed on time to a good standard. If working on a short deadline, I will work late to ensure I meet the deadline”

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Interview Questions and Answers Aren’t You Over Qualified for this Role?

This interview question “aren’t you over qualified for this role?” is asked when the employer is concerned about your commitment to their organisation.

You need to make it clear that you will not, once offered a position, leave the company for a higher paid job in a sector relevant to your qualifications.

 

Interview Question Aren’t You Over Qualified for this Role?

Answer this interview question by stating how much you enjoy this type of work and how this is a career move, not just a job. It is also good to highlight that you would pick this job over one relevant with your qualifications.

Never say that you are looking for a job with less responsibility or stress – keep this answer positive

Example Interview Answer

“for me, this is a career move not just a job. I am really interested in this industry and would choose this role over one with a higher salary, relevant to my previous qualifications.” 

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Interview Questions and Answers Do You Have a Work Philosophy?

This interview question do you have a work philosophy, isn’t a common interview question,  this means the interviewer is asking this particular question for a reason.

The interviewer is expecting to hear a thoughtful and intelligent answer, relating your work ethic to the criteria of the job role.

Interview Question Do you have a work philosophy?

Don’t be tempted to give a deep long answer here, keep it short, sweet and positive

Example Interview Answer

“I would say my work philosophy is; getting the job done to a good standard”

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Interview Questions and Answers Describe Yourself as a Person?

This is a great question to be asked, as it is open for you to really your skills and experiences.

Prior to the interview, you need to research the company and position by checking the job criteria and the essential criteria. Use the essential criteria as the base of your interview answer

Interview Question Describe yourself as a person?

This is a great question to be asked, as it is open for you to really sell your skills and qualities.

When answering this question, talk about the skills, qualities and experiences the company requires (taken from the job specification) and answer the question by telling the interviewer how you have these required skills.

Use real-life stories and examples to highlight your strengths. 

Example Interview Answer

“I am a keen and driven person; once I start a task I always put a hundred percent into completing it. I have often been told I am approachable and a good listener who completes goals quickly and efficiently”    

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Interview Questions and Answers Are you willing to put the interest of the organisation ahead of yours?

When an employer ask you an interview question similar to “are you willing to put the interest of the organisation ahead of yours?” the employer is asking are you willing to do whatever it takes to achieve KPIs, deadlines and last minute vital task.

This may include canceling your own social activities to attend an interest of the organisation.

In this article we have broke down what the interviewer is looking for in a perfect job interview answer and to help you create the perfect answer we have recorded an example answer.

Video explaining how to answer the interview question

Job Interview Question “Are you willing to put the interest of the organisation ahead of yours?”

This is a test of employment loyalty; the interviewer is looking for someone to put there all into the company, employers may want you to come into work at a drop of a hat. If asked this question, answer using a confident voice. 

Example Job Interview Answer

“Yes, I want to put my all into this job and organisation. An example of this was when I…(add example)”

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Interview Question and Answer Would you be willing to relocate?

Before going to the interview for an organisation who wants you to relocate you first need to think about the pro’s and con’s about relocating as it is easy to say yes in the first instance when you are offered a job, but the reality is you may miss friends, family and local interest.

If you are happy to relocate make sure this answer is said in a clear confident voice.

In this article we have broke down what the interviewer is looking for in a perfect job interview answer and to help you create the perfect answer we have recorded an example answer

A video explaining how to answer the job interview question

Interview Question Would you be willing to relocate?

Often when employers need you to relocate, they would have stated this in the job specification. Before the interview you need to think about your life and how it would change if you relocated, look at both the positives and the negatives before making a decision. Once you have done this, you can give your answer at the interview and the reason why. 

Example Interview Answer

“I have researched your company and I feel we would work well together. I have no ties where I am currently living and I am happy to relocate”

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Interview Question and Answer Do you have a flexible attitude to your working hours?

Interview questions are asked to uncover a particular skill, quality or experience from the interviewee. The reason why many job applicants fail during the job interview is because they don’t understand what it is the interviewer wants to hear.

In this article we have broke down what the interviewer is looking for in a perfect job interview answer and to help you create the perfect answer we have recorded an example answer

Interview Video Explaining How to Answer the Job Interview Question

Interview Question Do you have a flexible attitude to your working hours?

Employers ask this question when their work/duties often need employees to be flexible with their working hours; starting work early, finishing late or even working bank holidays, Christmas time or weekends. Unlike the overtime question, if this is a big part of the role, saying no to this question may have a negative reaction. 

Example Interview Answer

“Yes, I worked on a flexible pattern in my last role and enjoyed that you started and finished a different times each day”