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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Job Interview Questions for a Probation Officer

Probation Officer Job Interview

12 common asked probation officer questions. Use each question to reflect on your probation work experience, to design an interview answer that will highlight your probation officer experience and knowledge.

Job Interview Question 1; Tell me about your experience as a probation officer?

Job Interview Question 2; Give me an example of when you have questioned an offender before a court case

Job Interview Question 3; How do you prepare a pre-sentence report

Job Interview Question 4; How do you ensure offenders commit to a community order?

Job Interview Question 5; Have you ever run a specialist group programme to change offenders’ attitudes and behavior?

Job Interview Question 6; What is the most challenging part of the role of a probation officer?

Job Interview Question 7; How do you ensure your personal feelings and views don’t affect your professional judgment when working with serious crime offenders?

Job Interview Question 8; How do you ensure the database is kept up to date?

Interview questions and answers

Job Interview Question 9; Give an example of when you have made an offender aware of how their offenses affect victims

Job Interview Question 10; Which agencies would you work with when supporting offenders?

Job Interview Question 11; What is your success rate in lowering re-offending?

Job Interview Question 12; Do you have any questions for me?

Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.

Interview Preparation Resources

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Posted on 
Job Interview Questions for an NVQ Assessor
	


	
	

		
    

  • Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, your skills and your NVQ assessing experience
    • 



    

  • Which occupational areas can you assess in?
    • 



    

  • How do you plan the delivery of vocational training workshops? 
    • 



    

  • What is your approach to observing and assessing candidates?
    • 





    

  • 

      

    • Give me an example of when you have examined a candidates’ portfolios of evidence
      • 

    

    • 



    

  • What is your approach to questioning candidates about a piece of required evidence that wasn’t obtained via an observation? 
    • 



    

  • How do you offer advice to candidates who are not meeting the standards 
    • 



    

  • What is your process for keeping records of your caseloads progress
    • 





    

  • 

      

    • How do you keep yourself up to date with sector changes?
      • 

    

    • 



    

  • How do you split your hours between your caseload of clients? 
    • 



    

  • How do you manage relationships with candidates managers? 
    • 



    

  • Do you have any questions for me?
    • 




	


	





		

		
Posted on 
10 Job Interview Questions and Answers for an Apprenticeship
	


	
	

		
Apprenticeship Job Interveiw Questions


Often out of 300 applicants only 6 candidates will be interviewed for an apprenticeship position. In most interviews, but this varies depending on the job sector and employer, you will be asked around 10 interview questions during a 45-minute interview. An apprenticeship employer is interested more in your attitude, work ethic, skills, qualities and reliability




This article will help you to prepare and to pass your next job interview in 3 separate ways.


1. You will learn over 10 common asked interview questions for an apprenticeship


2. You will be given an explanation of the type of answer the interviewer is looking for ( a guide to what the employer wants you to discuss )


3. You will be given an example job interview answer for each individual interview question, allowing you to tweak this answer, making it relevant to your own experiences.


Below you can also access 101 Interview Questions and techniques to Influence the Job Interview. Good luck with your next job interview.




Job Interview Questions and Answers for an Apprenticeship 


Job Interview Question 1: 


“Tell me about yourself?”


This question asked at the interview start, gives you the opportunity to deliver a short statement about your skills, experiences and educational background relevant to the job position you are applying for. 


Keep this statement positive and relevant and when you can discuss your unique selling point. 


    

  • Start with a “selling” line that will highlight your strengths and your achievements – this could be your record of attendance, that you were a perfect, your GCSE grades and hobbies and interest out of school; scouts, girl guides, volunteer, career, football captain 
    • 

  • Discuss your unique selling point as this creates intrigue IE you have never had a day of school sick or you become the class president 
    • 

  • End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for an apprenticeship 
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I recently left school after achieving 5 grade A’s in my GCSEs. I am passionate about (add in job role) and have researched this job and your company in detail, I was excited to see (add in a positive comment about the company) I suit this role as I have an excellent timekeeping record, I love a challenge, this was proven when I campaign to become the head of year and I have a positive attitude towards work. I have chosen an apprenticeship rather than a colleague because (add in reason)” 




Job Interview Question 2: 


“Why was your biggest achievement in school or college?” 


Be positive with this answer and smile – employers like to hear that you enjoyed school, tried hard and made an effort to develop yourself 


    

  • Discuss a key achievement 
    • 

  • Explain what you did to create this outcome
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I enjoyed school and had several key achievements. My biggest achievement was (add achievement) this was achieved by me (add 3 steps that you took to achieve the outcome) 


Job Interview Question 3: 


“What is your Time Keeping like?”


Here the employer is looking for you to demonstrate your commitment to timekeeping. It is key to explain how you are never late and value reliability


Potential Interview Answer 


“For me timekeeping is important. In college I never had a day off sick and was never once late for a lesson. I feel I am highly reliable and when I have an appointment, such as today’s job interview I ensure that I arrive early” 




Job Interview Question 4: 


“Do you work well within a team?”


Every role has an element of teamwork. Explain how you are a team player and what individual skills you can bring to working in a team”


Potential Interview Answer 


“I enjoy working in a team. At school, I was part of the (add group name) team. When working in a team I easily fall into a leadership role, this is due to my ability to plan and take action. Others find it easy to communicate with me which I think is the reason why I am always praised for my teamwork” 


Job Interview Question 5: 


“How do you feel about working 5 days a week 9-5?”


The employer knows that an apprentice hasn’t worked before (or hasn’t worked for a long period of time compared to experienced members of staff) and when in school or college your hours were less than the working week. The employer here wants to know that you understand the commitment involved and that you are happy to work these longer hours


Potential Interview Answer 


“Fine. For me, it is similar to the hours I do now. I attend school 5 days a week 9-3, after school I have a part-time job and at weekends I have 2 paper rounds so I am use to long hours and looking forward to working full time”




Job Interview Question 6: 


“How would you be an asset to us?”


Think again about the job specification and the skills needed for this role. Have a paragraph prepared highlighting how you will be able to do the job and what you can bring to the team. It goes without saying that this paragraph should be positive.


Potential Interview Answer


“I’m the type of person who likes to get a task completed; I am driven, hard-working and have excellent time management, an example of this is (add experience). I have always excelled in school and I am excited to share my skills and qualities with you to work collaborative together” 




Job Interview Question 7: 


“What are your strengths?”


This is one of the most common questions you will be asked. Give an answer relevant to the skills and qualities relevant to the position you are applying to. The interviewer is trying to find if your strengths match the job. For example, if you are applying for a job where accuracy is an important issue, one of your strengths could be that you have an eye for detail. It may useful to find different words to describe similar attributes and qualities in order to avoid repetition.


Potential Interview Answer


“I have often been told that I have an eye for detail and that I am very accurate and precise. This was very important when completing my English GCSE exam, as accuracy was worth 30% of the overall mark which I was given a grade A for.”




Job Interview Question 8: 


“What are your weaknesses?”


Again, another commonly asked question. A frequent mistake to make when answering this question is to say something negative like “I can sometimes let things get on top of me”. Be positive and sell yourself with every interview question, turn a negative into a positive. For example,


Potential Interview Answer


“When I first started working part-time in a shop I was unsure what to do and didn’t receive any training – I was asked to get on with it. Because I am proactive I decided to ask an experienced member of staff what the daily duties consisted of and what would be the best thing for me to do. I got on with this work and was praised by the manager for my pro-activeness. If I don’t know how to do something, I find out how to do it.”




Job Interview Question 9:


“Do you know anything about this organisation?”


Often one of the first questions you will be asked during the interview, employers want employees who will stay with the company, this question and answer will show the employer that you know the company’s history and feel they will be a good employer to work for. 


It also shows the employer that you think ahead and carry out research. Answer this question with:


    

  • The length the organisation has been operating for
    • 

  • How the company started
    • 

  • The company values/mission
    • 

  • All this information is normally found on the internet; on the company home page or about us page.
    • 



Potential Interview Answer


“I know a great deal about your organisation, before I applied for the job position I researched the company. I really like how the company started as a partnership company 10 years ago and has grown to a company of 70 staff working throughout 18 countries.”


Job Interview Question 10: 


“Do you have any questions for me?”


Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.


Conclusion 


Many people are afraid of job interviews. The truth is if you prepare for your job interview, by predicting the job interview questions, you can easily prepare your job interview answers. If your job interview answers highlight your unique selling point, are stated in the positive and are said in a confident manner, then you can influence the job interview to increase job offer.




Interview Preparation Resources





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Posted on 
Interview Questions for a Ted Baker Retail Interview UK
	


	
	

		
10 Interview Questions for Ted Baker Retail Interviews


    

  1. 

      

    • Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, your skills and retail experience?
      • 

    

    2. 



    

  1. 

      

    • What do you know and like about the Ted Baler Brand?
      • 

    

    2. 



    

  1. 

      

    • Why have you chosen Ted Baker over other retail companies?
      • 

    

    2. 





    

  • How would a Ted Baker member of staff utilise their customer service skills
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  • How would you deal with an angry customer who was unhappy about a recently purchased garment?
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  • Give me an example when you have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help a customer?
    • 



    

  • What do you know about the Ted Baker products and how would you use this knowledge to sell to customers?
    • 



    

  • What would you do if you seen a co-worker being rude to a Ted Baker customer?
    • 





    

  • If you suspected a colleague of stealing what would you do?  
    • 



    

  • If it was near closing time and a customer had a large amount of goods they wanted to buy, what would you do?
    • 



    

  • Do you have any questions for me?
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Posted on 
Interview Questions for a Warehouse Position Interview at Screwfix
	


			

			
							
		

	
	

		
Screwfix belongs to the Kingfisher group and markets themselves as a ‘convenient, straightforward and affordably-priced’ DIY store.


Interveiw questions for a Screwfix warehouse position are in the main situation interview questions.  The interview will last between 30-45 minutes where interveiwers will do their best to make applicants to be relaxed – there are no tricky questions, in the main Screwfix are trying to learn about a candidates experience to see if they meet the job criteria.


10 Interview Questions for a Warehouse Interview at Screwfix


Below is an example list of commonly asked Screwfix warehouse interview questions and an explanation of how to approach each question.


Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, your warehouse experience and your key skills?


    

  • At the interview answer start, talk about any warehouse, production and construction-related job experience, highlighting key skills and experiences.
    • 

  • Screwfix value the following skills; teamwork, communication, H&S awareness, accuracy checking, ITC skills and self-motivation.
    • 

  • At a personal level talking about personal DIY tasks and work ethic answers work well here.
    • 

  • The ideal structure, to answer this question is; Experience, an example of using skills within a workplace and end with something personal.
    • 



What do you know about Screwfix and our values?


    

  • First and foremost read Screwfixes ‘about us’ page and reference your research within the answer; Screwfix offers over 11,000 products available for pick up from 704 stores nationwide.
    • 

  • When talking about company values reference how you yourself have similar values – this highlights how you would work well within the company culture.
    • 



Why is health and safety important in a warehouse environment?


    

  • The short answer as it reduces injuries and a reduced number of staff absences due to injuries ensure that day-to-day tasks can be completed increasing production.
    • 

  • When answering the H&S question, state how you are aware of H&S regulations and that you always follow H&S policies.
    • 

  • More importantly, give a real-life example of following &H&S in a previous role. Explain and potential H&S incident and what steps you took to ensure the safety of you and your team.

      

    • 

    

    • 



Teamwork is highly important in a warehouse, how would you add value to the Screwfix team?


    

  • There is always ‘teamwork’ questions in all warehouse job interviews.
    • 

  • Examples work best here. During the example state, the objective and barrier the team were facing. Go on to explain what steps you and the team took and the outcome from the work of the team.
    • 

  • End the interview answer by making it clear that teamwork is an important part of your role.
    • 





If you didn’t have a license would you use the FLT to load goods if you were on a tight time limit?


    

  • The short answer is ‘No!’
    • 

  • Employers, hiring warehouse staff, need to ensure that any new employee will follow all H&S regulations. Warehouses, these days, are filled with various machinery and equipment. For each of these staff needs to be trained before they use it.
    • 

  • State clearly that you would never use any equipment unless trained and given permission to operate it.
    • 

  • If you wanted to embed an example interview answer, you could tell about a time when you were asked, by a colleague, to operate the equipment, explaining how you responded to the request.
    • 



What is the maximum weight you can pick up by hand?


    

  • The weight question is referencing ‘manual handling’ not parcels lifted by an FLT as an example.
    • 

  • The weight details can be found here: manual handling lift weights
    • 

  • All warehouse managers know the maximum lift weights, what they want to hear is your approach when moving goods around the warehouse
    • 

  • Explain how you check the load size, test the weight before committing to lifting any goods and how you first review the walkway from pick-up to destination.
    • 



How do you ensure you know where all the goods are in the warehouse?


    

  • As part of a warehouse position, employees need to be able to recall goods quickly to ensure a quick turnaround between orders and dispatch.
    • 

  • Explain the system you prefer to remembering the location of materials. This could be as simple as spending additional time at the start of a new job memorising the warehouse layout or using memory techniques such as the ‘pegging’ system.
    • 



What would you do if you had a spillage?


    

  • Spillages are common incidents in a warehouse. This question is mainly asked in production warehouse interviews but also asked by employers who move a lot of goods, including high volumes of small items such as screws, as they can be disruptive if spilled.
    • 

  • Explain how your focus is health and safety – and by sealing the area off reduces the likelihood of a slip or fall. Next discuss how you clean up the spillage and inform the warehouse manager and, finally, explain how you would find a replacement to fulfill the order.
    • 

  • Screwfix will have their own process for dealing with a spillage, what they are looking for here if that the applicant is aware of H&S, communication and fulfilling the order request.
    • 



If you saw a colleague steal some Screwfix goods what would you do?


    

  • Questions discussing potential thefts are not asked in all interviews, only when there are issues with security in a particular warehouse.
    • 

  • For some, this question or the reality of this situation can feel awkward. The best approach for this interview question to reference policy and procedures. Organisations require theft to be reported. If a high number of employees were stealing, the collective cost of the theft could lead to job losses due to a reduction in company profit.
    • 

  • Be confident and clear when answering this question.
    • 





Why are delivery notes so important?


    

  • Delivery notes, at a basic level, are designed for accuracy.
    • 

  • Give an example of completing a large order where goods were being dispatched to various locations, and how you were required to check accuracy via checking the delivery notes.
    • 

  • Delivery notes also pass on responsibility. Once a logistics company signs off the delivery notes they are now responsible for the goods.
    • 



How would you handle an angry delivery driver who was trying to rush you?


    

  • Working with external delivery companies, frustration can be created through the values of each organisation. As an example, the warehouse team may focus on accuracy which creates delays, whereas the driver, who has to think about time, desires a quick turnaround.
    • 

  • As accuracy is key for a warehouse staff member, you can’t let the pressure of a driver divert you from your key objective.
    • 

  • Using an example answers this question in a way that helps you highlight your temperament. Give an example of a ‘pushy’ driver and make reference to how you kept calm and professional and completed the job to the requirements of the warehouse company.
    • 



What is more important getting the job done quickly or quality?


    

  • The quick vs quality interview question is very similar to the above ‘pushy’ driver interveiw question.
    • 

  • The same approach, using an example, can be utilised here. An example could be an external driver or even a team member who wanted to leave early.
    • 

  • Again, focus the answer on your behavior – how you focus on quality, accuracy while following the company procedures
    • 



What would you do if the newly delivered stock was damaged?


    

  • As mentioned earlier, the delivery note is a pass-over of responsibility. Once signed for the damaged stock becomes the responsibility of the warehouse.
    • 

  • Employers ask this question to help understand if candidates understand the process of receiving goods.
    • 

  • Explain how for each goods-in delivery that you check the number of actual goods against the delivery note. nd how you inspect for damage – and if damaged how you either refuse the goods or make a note on the delivery paperwork.
    • 

  • Also, discuss how any errors/damages are reported to the warehouse manager.
    • 



Do you have any questions for me?


    

  • What is an average day in terms of workload/tasks?
    • 

  • How large is the warehouse team?
    • 

  • Do you use any technology/equipment within the warehouse?
    • 

  • What training is available to new staff members?
    • 

  • Are there many promotional opportunities?
    • 




	


	





		

		
Posted on 
The 3 Interview Questions Everyone Struggles to Answer
	


	
	

		
Interviews are hard. They become harder when the job interviewer ask hard interview questions that everyone struggles to answer.


We have found the 3 common interview questions that most interviewees struggle to answer and provided you with an interview answer.


Tell me what you feel your biggest weakness is?


The question is designed to get you to answer negatively. The reason people fail job interviews is because the interview as a whole has highlighted their short comings.


To pass the job interview you need to frame each interview answer in the positive, especially the “weakness” question.


Preparation is key for this question. Write a list of weaknesses, as an example – you don’t work well when working alone.


Next to each weakness, write down the positive of this weakness. With the above example, not being able to work alone, the positive is that you are a team player.


Finally frame this positive into an interview question answer. “I am more productive working with in team than as an independent worker, within a team I able to motivate other members of staff to A, B and C (selling points) …”




Describe a bad experience you have encountered with a past employer?’


It is tempting to answer this question with “I have never had a bad experience with a past employer” but the employer wants to hear more then a simple commonly used answer.


This question is asked to see how you approach a situation when you disagree with a manager. To answer this question split your answer into 3 parts


    

  1. The situation
    2. 

  2. Your solution
    3. 

  3. The outcome
    4. 



Explain the situation – the reason for a disagreement IE your manger suggested using one approach for a project and you suggested a different approach


Solution – explain how you came to an understanding/solved the problem


Outcome – give the positive outcome; how this effected the business/project/profits/business relationships/etc


Give an example of your lateral thinking.


Lateral thinking is in essence thinking out of the box, being creative and using your intuition.


Similar to the last question; explain the problem, tell the employer how you use your creativity and give the solution to the problem/outcome.


Employers will only ask this question if lateral thinking is an essential criteria for the advertised position



	


	





		

		
Posted on 
12 Job Interview Questions and Answers for a Drug Advice Worker
	


	
	

		
12 Job Interview Questions and Answers for a Drug Advice Worker


Often out of 300 applicants only 6 candidates will be interviewed. In most drug advice worker job interviews you will be asked around 10 interview questions during a 45-minute interview. To increase your job chances of securing a job offer you will learn the answers to 12 sector-related job interview questions.


The key to passing a drug advice worker job interview in preparation and practice, this sounds obvious but is often overlooked, with the average interviewee spending around only 60 minutes preparing for their job interview.


This article will help you to prepare and to pass your next drug advice worker job interview in 3 separate ways.


1. You will learn over 10 common asked interview questions for your job position.


2. You will be given an explanation of the type of answer the interviewer is looking for ( a guide to what the employer wants you to discuss)


3. You will be given an example job interview answer for each individual interview question, allowing you to tweak this answer, making it relevant to your own experiences.




Job Interview Questions and Answers for a Drug Advice Worker 


Job Interview Question 1: 


“Tell me about yourself?”


One of the most common asked questions in interviews normally asked at the beginning of an interview, this question gives you the opportunity to deliver a short statement about your drug advice experiences and skills relevant to advising’s clients around the usage, the potential harm of drugs and how to become less dependent of substances.


    

  • Start with a “selling” line that will highlight your main strength and/or achievement 
    • 

  • Keep each point brief and relevant 
    • 

  • End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for a new  drug advice job
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I’ve been working as a drug advice worker for adults for the past 10 years and have an exceptional record in reducing substance misuse with my clients. In all my previous drug advice roles I have used my rapport building skills to increase client retention and lower the appointment DNA rate, this was the secret to my success because the more sessions the users attended the more support and advice I could offer them.  I am now ready for a new challenge and for several years I have wanted to support teenage drug users which is why I applying for this position” 


Job Interview Question 2: 


“Why did you leave your last job?”


Be positive with this answer and smile – employers like to hear that you left for a good opportunity or reason, a chance to do something special or for a good career move. 


    

  • Start the answer with a look back 
    • 

  • Explain what you enjoyed about your previous role
    • 

  • Give a Positive reason for leaving
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I enjoyed working at Company Name and really enjoyed the interaction of working with a wide range of individuals-I feel I gained a lot of transferable skills from this experience, which I can use in this role. In my last role, we overachieved our KPIs and was recognised as a center for reducing the number of clients who were drug dependant. I left this position because the contract funding came to an end” 


Job Interview Question 3: 


“Why do you want this position?”


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 the substance misuse sector as you always wanted to (job criteria) and finally finish by explaining how your previous experience or qualifications will add value to the company.


Potential Interview Answer 


“I’m passionate about helping clients become less drug dependant. I have worked with adults for the past 10 years but now I would like to help teenagers. this is because most of my adult clients said they started to abuse substances in their teenage years, and I believe if I can support teenagers then fewer people will be drug users as adults” 




Job Interview Question 4: 


“Do you work well within a team?”


Some people are thrown when they are asked this question as many drug advice workers work one on one. Every company works as a team, but part of this team approach is to offer one to one drug advice session. Give an example of when you have worked well within a team.


Potential 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. In my last role as one of the more experienced drug advice workers, I would often mentor new employees, share my experience and answer any drug/client-related questions. I think this team approach is why we met our KPIs” 


Job Interview Question 5: 


“Did you get on well with your last manager?”


A dreaded question for many! When answering this question never give a negative answer. “I did not get on with my manager” or “The management did not run the business well” as this will show you in a negative light and reduce your chance of a job offer. Answer the question positively, talk about how as a drug advice worker you often worked independently. 


Potential Interview Answer 


“As an outreach drug advice worker, I often worked independently to support my clients. I would meet my line manager at least once a month to discuss my caseload and look at how we can support my clients. So in this way, I think we worked well together”


Job Interview Question 6: 


“How would you be an asset to the drug advice team?”


Think again about the job specification and the skills needed for this role. Have a paragraph prepared highlighting how you will be able to complete the main drug advice worker criteria and what you can bring to the team. It goes without saying that this paragraph should be positive.


Potential Interview Answer


“I have worked in this industry for 15 years and have made excellent contacts with support agencies and built good working relationships which will be of advantage to any employer who employees me. But I think the main quality I can bring to the organisation is my experience and my record of reducing substance misuse within my client group. I have undertaken, often privately funded, courses to upskill to support clients and I’m happy to share these skills, knowledge and techniques with you” 


Job Interview Question 7: 


“What are your strengths relating to the drug advice worker position?”


This is one of the most common questions you will be asked. Give an answer relevant to the skills and qualities relevant to being a drug advice worker. The interviewer is trying to find if your strengths match the job criteria for their organisation. 


Potential Interview Answer


“My ability to get clients to open up to me about the reasons and fears why they use drugs on a regular basis. Once clients discuss their fears I find that I can then support them to be less dependant on drugs more quickly then if I just jump into to quitting techniques” 




Job Interview Question 8: 


“What are your weaknesses?”


Again, another commonly asked question. A frequent mistake to make when answering this question is to say something negative like “I can sometimes let things get on top of me”. Be positive and sell yourself with every interview question, turn a negative into a positive. 


Potential Interview Answer


“I was really keen to learn how to motivate clients, as I felt if I understand the psychology of motivation I would be better suited to supporting my clients. But my company didn’t offer this type of training so I paid for a course myself. If there is something I don’t know I generally look for the answer”


  Job Interview Question 9:


“Do you know anything about our organisation?”


Often one of the first questions you will be asked during the interview, employers want employees who will stay with the company, this question and answer will show the employer that you know the company’s history and feel they will be a good employer to work for. 


It also shows the employer that you think ahead and carries out research. Answer this question with:


    

  • The length the organisation has been operating for.
    • 

  • How the company started
    • 

  • Awards the company has won 
    • 

  • Where they are going (have they won any new contracts)
    • 



All this information is normally found on the internet; on the company home page or about us page.


Potential Interview Answer


“I know a great deal about your organisation, before I applied for the job position I researched the company. I really like how the company started small 10 years ago and has grown to a company of 25. You started by operating in schools offering one to one drug advice session and now you have grown and work with adults, children and offer a web advice service” 


Job Interview Question 10:


“Do you think you have enough drug worker experience for this position?”


If you’re asked this, then the interviewer does not believe you have enough experience. If you believe you have the required drug advice worker experience you need to make this clear to the employer so they have no doubts.


If you do not have the experience they stated, you need to show the employer you have the skills, qualities and knowledge that will make you equal to people with experience but not necessarily the skills. It is also good to add how quick you can pick up the routine of a new job role.


Potential Interview Answer


“Altogether I have 15 years experience in this industry, in my current role I work in one to one settings and deliver group work. My caseload is 35 adults aging from 18+, I sue a mixture of techniques and advice session to support my clients. I meet client face to face and speak to them on the phone and via e-mail”


Job Interview Question 11:


What is your biggest achievement?


We have all achieved many things throughout our career. Talk about how you had a goal you initially thought you couldn’t achieve and then through working hard you achieved your goal. Relate this goal, if you can, to a drug advice worker role. 


Potential Interview Answer


“I was working with one client who had been drug dependent for a long time before I became his caseworker. He was well known to the organisation, he would come for a few sessions, drop off the radar for 6 months and return to a drop-in session to start the cycle again. I decided to adopt a new approach that got the client to commit to a number of sessions, rather than allowing him to come and go as he pleased. These boundaries seemed to work and he attended on a more regular basis, this resulted in the client reducing in the first instance the number of drugs he used” 


Job Interview Question 12: 


“Do you have any questions for me?”


Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.




Conclusion 


Many people are afraid of job interviews. The truth is if you prepare for your job interview, by predicting the job interview questions, you can easily prepare your job interview answers.


If your job interview answers highlight your unique selling point, are stated in the positive and are said in a confident manner, then you can influence the job interview to increase job offer.


Interview Preparation Resources




	


	





		

		
Posted on 
3 Job Interview Questions Asked In Every Interview and How To Answer Them
	


	
	

		
3 Job Interview Questions Asked In Every Interview and How To Answer Them


Job Interview Question 1: 


“Tell me about yourself?”


One of the most common asked questions in interviews normally asked at the beginning of an interview, this question gives you the opportunity to deliver a short statement about your experiences and skills relevant to the job position you are applying for. 


    

  • 

      

    • Start with a “selling” line that will highlight your main strength and/or achievement 
      • 

    • Keep each point brief as you can explain each point again in more detail throughout the interview
      • 

    • You want to interest the interviewer and get them to want to know more about you
      • 

    • End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for a new job
      • 

    

    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I’ve been working in Sales for 8 years. I have a great understanding of selling insurance to the public and businesses. My innovative sale techniques have increased profits by 25% year on year for the past 3 years. I am now ready for a new challenge and with your company having a great reputation, I believe this is the opportunity I have been waiting to apply for”


Job Interview Question 2: 


“Why did you leave your last job?”


Be positive with this answer and smile – employers like to hear that you left for a good opportunity or reason, a chance to do something special or for a good career move. 


    

  • 

      

    • Start the answer with a look back 
      • 

    • Explain what you enjoyed about your previous role
      • 

    • Give a Positive reason for leaving
      • 

    

    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I enjoyed working at Company Name and really enjoyed the interaction of working with a wide range of individuals-I feel I gained a lot of transferable skills from this experience, which I can use in this role. It was a hard choice to leave but I felt that this great opportunity is the next obvious step for me”


 


Job Interview Question 3: 


“Why do you want this position?”


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.


Potential 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 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.”


BONUS*** COMMON ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTION 


Job Interview Question 4: 


“What are your strengths?”


This is one of the most common questions you will be asked. Give an answer relevant to the skills and qualities relevant to the position you are applying to. The interviewer is trying to find if your strengths match the job. For example, if you are applying for a job where accuracy is an important issue, one of your strengths could be that you have an eye for detail. It may useful to find different words to describe similar attributes and qualities in order to avoid repetition.


Potential Interview Answer


“I have often been told that I have an eye for detail and that I am very accurate and precise. This was very important during my last role where I worked on large business accounts”



	


	





		

		
Posted on 
10 Job Interview Questions and Answers for a Restaurant Manager
	


	
	

		
10 Job Interview Questions and Answers for a Restaurant Manager


Restaurant managers ensure that restaurants operate efficiently and profitably while maintaining their reputation and ethos – this should be the basis of your interview.


Job Interview Question 1: 


“Tell me about yourself?”


This question asked at the interview start, gives you the opportunity to deliver a short statement about your restaurant management experiences and skills relevant to the job position you are applying for. Keep this statement positive and relevant and when you can discuss your unique selling point. 


    

  • Start with a “selling” line that will highlight your main management strength and your restaurant achievements – this could be turning a failed restaurant into a highly profitable business or you could have helped the restaurant become a chain. 
    • 

  • Discuss your unique selling point as this creates intrigue 
    • 

  • You want to interest the interviewer and get them to want to know more about you
    • 

  • End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for a new job
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I’ve been working as a restaurant manager for 8 years. I have a great understanding of how to market a restaurant to the public, with me being responsible for turning a failed restaurant into a highly profitable business with a 12 month period. My innovative marketing techniques have increased profits by 25% year on year for the past 3 years. I am now ready for a new challenge and with your company having a great reputation, I believe this is the opportunity I have been waiting to apply for”


    Job Interview Question 2: 


“Why did you leave your restaurant?”


Be positive with this answer and smile – employers like to hear that you left for a good opportunity or reason, a chance to do something special or for a good career move. 


    

  • Start the answer with a look back at your management experience 
    • 

  • Explain what you enjoyed about your previous role as a restaurant manger 
    • 

  • Give a Positive reason for leaving
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I enjoyed working at Company Name and really enjoyed the interaction of working for a company that was committed to the customer experience. It was a hard choice to leave but I felt that this great opportunity is the next obvious step for me”


Job Interview Question 3: 


“What is your approach to strategic planning and day-to-day management?”


Here the employer is looking for your management style and often they are checking if you are organised and can manage the pressure of the job. Simply explain how you approach task, how you plan your time and how you achieve results.


Potential Interview Answer 


“In all my roles I have been involved in the strategic planning of the restaurant. I first look at the restaurants objectives and brain storm how I can achieve these desired results with the available resources. Once I have formulated a plan I break this plan down into segments, creating milestones, time-frames and delegating responsibilities.” 


    


Job Interview Question 4: 


“What is your approach to analysing and planning restaurant sales levels and profitability?”


If you are highly successful in this area you need to discuss your secrets and a new employer will be blown away with your answer and will be more likely to hire you. Every restaurant owner needs a manager who can increase profit. To boost your answer quote figures and percentages.


Potential Interview Answer 


“In my last restaurant I was able to double the profits within a 6 month period. The secret of my success was the co-operative approach with the head chef in the planning of menus and events. Also I would reflect on each project and ensure that we met our targets checking on what worked well and how we can improve the profits of each week, event and session” 


Job Interview Question 5: 


“How do you manage employees who work part time?”


Many restaurants hire part time staff. Employer asking this question will most likely have negative experience where staff don’t turn up for shifts  or don’t meet the high standards of the business. You need to explain your approach to staff recruitment, retention and staff development.


Potential Interview Answer 


“The secret to managing staff is in the initial recruitment stage. I use strength based interviewing to ensure I hire staff with good work ethics. As new staff start I pair them up with an experienced mentor to ensure they learn from members of staff I trust. I offer support and training to all my staff and have a “door open” policy”


  Job Interview Question 6: 


“How would you be an asset to us?”


Think again about the job specification and the skills needed for this role. Have a paragraph prepared highlighting how you will be able to do the job and what you can bring to the team. It goes without saying that this paragraph should be positive.


Potential Interview Answer


“I’m the type of person who likes to get a task completed; I am driven, hard working and have excellent time management. I have worked in this industry for 8 years and have made excellent contacts and built good working relationships to will be of advantage to any employer who employees me”


Job Interview Question 7: 


“What are your strengths?”


This is one of the most common questions you will be asked. Give an answer relevant to the skills and qualities relevant to the position you are applying to. The interviewer is trying to find if your strengths match the job. For example, if you are applying for a job where accuracy is an important issue, one of your strengths could be that you have an eye for detail. It may useful to find different words to describe similar attributes and qualities in order to avoid repetition.


Potential Interview Answer


“I have often been told that I have an eye for detail and that I am very accurate and precise. This was very important during my last role where I was responsible for the restaurant accounts as well as the day to day management of the whole restaurant”


Job Interview Question 8: 


“What are your weaknesses?”


Again, another commonly asked question. A frequent mistake to make when answering this question is to say something negative like “I can sometimes let things get on top of me”. Be positive and sell yourself with every interview question, turn a negative into a positive. For example,


Potential Interview Answer


“In the past when I first got into management, I felt I needed to improve my accounts skills. To develop myself I self funded an accounting course. This paid of as I soon learnt how I could use this knowledge to save the company money on overhead cost. This is my approach to weaknesses, I first recognize them before taking action to develop myself”  


This will show that you can identify your weaknesses but at the same time, you are willing to improve. Most importantly: do not mention a weakness that is any way related to the job you are being interviewed for! This might sound obvious but it is a common mistake!


  Job Interview Question 9:


“Do you know anything about this organisation?”


Often one of the first questions you will be asked during the interview, employers want employees who will stay with the company, this question and answer will show the employer that you know the company’s history and feel they will be a good employer to work for. 


It also shows the employer that you think ahead and carry out research. Answer this question with:


    

  • The length the organisation has been operating for.
    • 

  • How the company started
    • 

  • The restaurant style/customer base 
    • 

  • All this information is normally found on the internet; on the company home page or about us page.
    • 



Potential Interview Answer


“I know a great deal about your organisation, before I applied for the job position I researched the company. I really like how the company started as a partnership company 10 years ago and has grown to a company of 70 staff working throughout 18 countries.”


Job Interview Question 10: 


“Do you have any questions for me?”


Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.



	


	





		

		
Posted on 
12 Job Interview Questions and Answers for Greggs
	


	
	

		
12 Job Interview Questions and Answers for Greggs


This article will help you to prepare and to pass your next job interview in 3 separate ways.


1. You will learn over 10 common asked interview questions for your job position.


2. You will be given an explanation of the type of answer the interviewer is looking for ( a guide to what the employer wants you to discuss )


3. You will be given an example job interview answer for each individual interview question, allowing you to tweak this answer, making it relevant to your own experiences.


Job Interview Questions and Answers for Greggs


When applying for a job with Greggs you first have to complete an online application form – this takes around 30 minutes and is relatively easy to complete. Following this you will be asked to complete a Right Fit Quiz.


“Applying for Retail and Bakery roles will include a set of questions designed to assess how you respond in certain work situations. If you’re successful at this stage, you can then complete our Right Fit Quiz to help you decide if the role you are applying for is right for you. ”


Source


Successful applicants will then attend an interview and/or assessment day.


These 12 questions will help you prepare for your job interview


Job Interview Question 1: 


“Tell me about yourself?”


One of the most common asked questions in interviews, normally asked at the beginning of an interview, this question gives you the opportunity to deliver a short statement about your experiences and skills relevant to the Greggs job position you are applying for. 


    

  • 

      

    • Start with a “selling” line that will highlight your main strength and/or achievement 
      • 

    

    • 



    

  • Keep each point brief as you can explain each point again in more detail throughout the interview
    • 



    

  • You want to interest the interviewer and get them to want to know more about you
    • 



    

  • End this answer with a reason why you’re looking for a new job
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I’ve been working in retail for 8 years. I enjoy the interactive and customer service part of my role. In all my roles I have used my personality to build relationships with customers which results in higher customer retention increasing profits. I have researched Greggs and I believe this is the opportunity I have been waiting to apply for”


Job Interview Question 2: 


“Why did you leave your last job?”


Be positive with this answer and smile – employers like to hear that you left for a good opportunity or reason, a chance to do something special or for a good career move. 


    

  • 

      

    • Start the answer with a look back 
      • 

    

    • 



    

  • Explain what you enjoyed about your previous role
    • 



    

  • Give a Positive reason for leaving
    • 



Potential Interview Answer 


“I enjoyed working at Company Name and really enjoyed the interaction of working with a wide range of individuals-I feel I gained a lot of transferable skills from this experience, which I can use in this role. It was a hard choice to leave but I felt that this great opportunity is the next obvious step for me”


Job Interview Question 3: 


“Why do you want this position with Greggs?”


Your research will pay off with this question; explain you have always wanted to work for Greggs 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.


Potential Interview Answer 


“Since working in retail my goal has been to work for Greggs, as I believe my vision is in line with your company mission and values. I have always enjoyed baking and customer interaction and for me Greggs offers both of these. My long term goal is to work towards becoming a manager of a Greggs store” 




Job Interview Question 4: 


“Do you work well within a team?”


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. Greggs are very keen on the team approach and you need to highlight how you are a team player in the Greggs interview. 


Potential 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 improve sales, by sharing all our experiences and ideas we were able to come up with an achievable action plan”


Job Interview Question 5: 


“Did you get on well with your last manager?”


A dreaded question for many! When answering this question never give a negative answer. “I did not get on with my manager” or “The management did not run the business well” will show you in a negative light and reduce your chance of a job offer. Answer the question positively, emphasising that you have been looking for a career progression. Start by telling the interviewer what you gained from your last job


Potential Interview Answer 


“I enjoyed my last job, I quickly learned how to multi-task and prioritize work and over the last 3 years I have seen myself grow. I am now ready to take the next step up the ladder with my career and feel I would suit working for company such as this” 


If you were made redundant, let the interviewer know, this is not a negative!


  Job Interview Question 6: 


“How would you be an asset to Greggs?”


Think again about the job specification and the skills needed for this role. Have a paragraph prepared highlighting how you will be able to do the job and what you can bring to the team. It goes without saying that this paragraph should be positive.


Potential Interview Answer


“I’m the type of person who likes to get a task completed; I am driven, hard working and have excellent time management. I have worked in this industry for 5 years and I possess string customer service and team work skills, for me I feel my key skill is encouraging repeat customers.” 


Job Interview Question 7: 


“What are your strengths?”


Give an answer relevant to the skills and qualities relevant to the position you are applying to. The interviewer is trying to find if your strengths match the job. For example, if you are applying for a job where accuracy is an important issue (Greggs Management), one of your strengths could be that you have an eye for detail. It may useful to find different words to describe similar attributes and qualities in order to avoid repetition.


Potential Interview Answer


“I have often been told that I have an eye for detail and that I am very accurate and precise. This was very important during my last role where I managed a large retail team. An example of this is when I A, B and C….”


Job Interview Question 8: 


“What are your weaknesses?”


Again, another commonly asked question. A frequent mistake to make when answering this question is to say something negative like “I can sometimes let things get on top of me”. Be positive and sell yourself with every interview question, turn a negative into a positive. For example,


Potential Interview Answer


“In the past I felt I needed to improve my product knowledge, to improve this I requested to attend a training course which taught my all I needed to know. From this I found that I increased sales and customer satisfaction.” 


This will show that you can identify your weaknesses but at the same time, you are willing to improve. Most importantly: do not mention a weakness that is any way related to the job you are being interviewed for! This might sound obvious but it is a common mistake!


  Job Interview Question 9:


“Do you know anything about this Greggs?”


Often one of the first questions you will be asked during the interview, employers want employees who will stay with the company, this question and answer will show the employer that you know the company’s history and feel they will be a good employer to work for. 


It also shows the employer that you think ahead and carry out research. Answer this question with:


    

  • 

      

    • The length the organisation has been operating for.
      • 

    

    • 



    

  • How the company started
    • 



    

  • What services/products the company offers
    • 



    

  • Where they are going (have they won any new contracts)
    • 



    

  • All this information is normally found on the internet; on the company home page or about us page.
    • 



Potential Interview Answer


“I know a great deal about your organisation, before I applied for the job position I researched the company. Greggs originally started by delivering yeast and eggs to local families before John Gregg opened a small bakery on Gosforth High Street in 1951. Following the death of his father, Ian Gregg took over the family business in 1964. Under Ian’s leadership, Greggs developed a reputation for good quality and great value by the 1970s there were shops in Scotland, Yorkshire and the North West.


By 1984, Greggs had more than 260 shops in four main areas of the country and continued to expand, opening shops in the Midlands, Wales and North London. Today, Greggs has nearly 1,700 shops. The reason for Greggs success is quality and the friendly faces you see behind the counter at Greggs, this was one of the reasons why I applied for the position”


Job Interview Question 10:


“Do you think you have enough experience?”


If you’re asked this, then the interviewer does not believe you have enough experience. If you have you need to make this clear, explain about your previous experiences and give detail to the parts that are relevant to this new job role.


If you do not have the experience they need, you need to show the employer you have the skills, qualities and knowledge that will make you equal to people with experience but not necessary the skills. It is also good to add how quick you can pick up the routine of a new job role.


Potential Interview Answer


“All together I have 8 years experience in this industry, in my current role as a sales assistant I am responsible for working in a busy shop, creating a warm and friendly experienced and ensuring that customers receive quality products. I possess excellent customer service skills and work well within  a team, this is why I have been so successful in all my previous roles”


Job Interview Question 11:


What is your biggest achievement?


We have all achieved many things throughout our lives, from losing weight to passing a driving test. If you make your answer relevant to the job you are applying for. Talk about how you had a goal you initially thought you couldn’t achieve and then through working hard you achieved your goal.


Potential Interview Answer


“I was once asked to give a presentation, at first I thought I wouldn’t be able to deliver it without embarrassing myself. I wrote the presentation and practiced it in front of small groups, until I had the confidence to deliver it to a large group. I was really pleased with the result on the day and I was good feedback from my line manager.”


Job Interview Question 12: 


“Do you have any questions for me?”


Good interview questions to ask interviewers at the end of the job interview include questions on the company growth or expansion, questions on personal development and training and questions on company values, staff retention and company achievements.


Conclusion 


Once you have completed your interview Greggs will let you know the outcome often within 48 hrs.


Many people are afraid of job interviews. The truth is if you prepare for your job interview, by predicting the job interview questions, you can easily prepare your job interview answers. If your job interview answers highlight your unique selling point, are stated in the positive and are said in a confident manner, then you can influence the job interview to increase job offer.