Common Asked Housing Officer Questions

A housing officer will often be employed for housing associations or the local authority, supporting clients with the assessment of needs in terms of housing applications.

The housing officer may also specialise in working with homeless people and/or service users with additional needs.

How competitive is a Housing Officer job Interview?

Medium in competitiveness

Interview Specifics

Structural job interview last 45 minutes with 8 interview questions being asked

This article will list the commonly asked job interview questions for a housing officer.

By understanding the job interview structure and by knowing the commonly asked housing officer interview questions, applicants can prepare answers that highlight their level of competencies within this industry.

Common Asked Housing  Officer Interview Questions 

Can you tell me about your housing officer experience?

This housing officer interview question is asked for two reasons; 1 it is an open question to get you talking/feeling relax at the job interview start. 2, to gain a general overview of your experience (generic because the follow-up questions will go into more detail)

To answer this job interview question, start by summarising your experience as a housing officer, your relevant qualifications and a key unique skill relevant to the industry – something that makes you stand out, this could be a specialism you have IE working to house homeless service users.

How do you assess the needs of a client?

This interview question is key because this is the crux of the job role.

Split this answer into two sections. Section one is your people skills; explain how you build rapport, how you use effective listening skills, how open and closed questions have a powerful impact, and how you remain calm in stressful situations. Give a short example to highlight your level of expertise and competencies.

Section two should explain the interview structure; the questions you should ask, the information you need to collate, and how you follow GDPR, data protection and confidentiality legislation.

What does customer service mean to you?

You may be asked several customer services-related interview questions.

In the housing association sector often the service users can be stressed or angry. Some service users may have alcohol or drug addiction. In some cases, you will be speaking to clients who are struggling with finances and have been turned down for financial support.

When answering interview questions relating to customer service and communication,  explain how you can handle these situations;

What was the situation – why was the service user angry or upset?

How did you handle the situation – what did you say or do to help calm down the client?

What was the positive outcome – how did the client respond to you?

What do you look for during a housing inspection?

Competency-based job interview questions require you to fall back on your experience.

Give an example of when you have carried out an inspection that had issues (you need to pick an inspection with issues to show that you can deal with this in a professional way)

In the example explain what you look for during a general inspection, the inspection process you follow and quote safeguarding regulations, and how you, when required, challenge a service user.

Follow this up with the example “one time during an inspection I saw…” Give details of what you found, the potential safeguarding issue, and what you did to address this

How would you have a positive effect on your colleagues and team? 

A big part of the housing officers’ job criteria is to have the ability to work as part of a close-knit team. You will be asked one way or another about your ability to work within a team.

Open the teamwork answer by simply explaining how you enjoy working as part of a team and how in all previous housing roles teamwork has been an important aspect of the role. This opening confirmation statement shows how you have this required skill.

Now you have ticked the ‘teamwork’ box, you need to give a real-life example. A good frame for this job interview answer is to give a ‘helper’ perspective.

Describe how a colleague was having a problem with a housing issue and how this problem affected the output of the whole team.

Go on to describe how you took action and explain the action you took. Follow this up with the positive outcome focusing on how the whole team benefited from your quick actions.

You can also talk about the larger team – in this role, you will need to work with a range of agencies and stakeholders, including social services, jobcentre plus, citizens’ advice service.

Which other agencies would you refer a service user to? 

Part of a housing officer’s job role is to work with the tenants to help them to be successful.

To be effective in this job duty you will need to work with, signpost or refer to a large number of partner agencies from social services to the local job center, from doctor surgeries to career advice officers.

In your answer list the relevant agencies you would partner with and give an example of when you would make a referral compared to signposting.

The example has to be specific. First, explain the service users situation and the key block that was holding them back. Explain the limitations of your roles and how the service user required expert advice.

Go on to explain how the service user had attempted to get support but had failed. End the interview answer by stating what you did to ensure the client got the support and advice they required.

Do you have any questions for me?

A guaranteed question is the “do you have any questions for me?” question. And your answer should be YES! Always ask a question.

Good questions to ask in a housing officer job interview are;

  • What is your approach to supporting service users with their many barriers?
  • What development opportunities do you have to help upskill a housing officer?
  • How many hostels/houses do the organisations look after?
  • What is the best part of your day?

Aristotles Teaches How To Persuasion in a Job Interview

Aristotle’s Persuasion Technique

Persuasion is the goal of the job interview.

In the job interview, you need to influence, persuade and motivate through the answers of your job interview answers. You naturally persuade all the time, through the words you say and how you say these words. The problem is you may persuade people not to recruit rather than persuade them to offer you the desired job position.

Aristotle was a master of the persuasive language. We have taken the leanings of Aristotle’s rhetoric and made it relevant to the job interview.

Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Ethos is your character, how you come across to the interviewer. In a job interview, you need to be seen as credible, an authority. If the job interviewer believes in you, they will listen to you, if they listen to you, they will want to buy you (offer you the position) Aristotle said “We believe good men more fully and more readily than others.”

An example of an ethical appeal: “What I have learned from working in this industry for over 28 years is…” Your duration of experience has a direct path to your Ethos.

Pathos creates an emotional response from the interview panel. In the job interview situation, you need to appeal directly to the interviewer’s emotions. The great interviewee controllers the employer’s emotions throughout the job interview, taking them on an emotional roller coaster.

An example of an emotional interview answer is “have you ever been in a situation when a multi-pound deal was just about to be lost….what I did to turn things around was…” By getting an employer to imagine/remember a negative situation stirs up their negative emotions, before you create a positive emotional pull, by explaining your positive outcome.

 

Logos is a way to use logic; reasoning, data, statistics and even debates and arguments. Imagery creates an emotional pull, logos allows you to give the facts to back up the story. “This technique increased profit by 35%..” “9 out of 10 people benefited from X”

Interview Test

Job Interview Questions You Need to Prepare For

How to prepare for the job interview questions

Do you have a job interview date fast approaching?

Are the fears starting to rise? How much help would it be if you knew what questions you were going to be asked? If you knew the interview questions, could you prepare better interview answers?

Of course, you could. Predicting interview questions is easy. Generally in the job interview, you will be asked around 6-10 interview questions. You will be asked some commonly asked interview questions, which I will share below, and you will be asked some specific job interview questions relating to the position you are applying for. Below, I will explain how you can figure out what these questions will be.

This article will help you prepare for a successful job interview outcome.

 Job Interview Questions You Need to Prepare for

So let’s start with the commonly asked interview questions. These are the job interview questions that you will be asked in every job interview. The examples below will in the reality of a real job interview be worded differently, but the meaning will be the same.

Job Interview Question 1 “Tell me about yourself?”

At every job interview, you be asked an opening question “Why did you apply for this job?” “What is your experience in this field?” “Tell me about yourself?” that asks for a summary of you and your experience.

You need to prepare a strong opening statement that will highlight your skills, talent, unique selling point and of course your experience in the sector. With this being the first job interview question you have been asked, you need to answer this question with confidence. To answer these opening questions, start by explaining your total years in the industry, your key achievements and one of your unique selling points.

What you are doing here is making it clear that you have the required criteria for the position, but that you also have something additional, something that makes you stand out.

   

Job Interview – example questions

The second section of the job interview is where you will be asked to give examples of the key skills required for the position. This is the competency section.

To answer these job interview questions you first need to set the scene. Explain the situation, goal or objective to ensure the interviewer understands the importance of the situation. Next explain the actions you took to achieve the required outcome.   The best way to deliver this is by explaining three things your undertook that had a positive impact on the outcome. Finally, summarize what you did and state the successful outcome.

Interview questions and answers

Interview End

At the end of the job interview, you will always be asked if you have any questions that you would like to ask them? To stand out you need to ask intriguing questions.

Here are a few examples

  • “what made you pick this job?”
  • “describe the best day in your job?”
  • “what do you like about working here?”
  • “how did you gain your role here?”
  • “what will you achieve in the next 2 years?”

Job Interview Questions for a Job at Rise in Manchester

Job Interview Questions for a Job at Rise in Manchester

 

Rise Manchester offers a tailor-made space for the FinTech community, drawing together the city’s vibrant startup culture and its rich industrial past. In staff they are looking for friendly and fun staff who know there coffee and who can improve their customers experience.

 

If you want a job at rise, here is some questions you will need to answer

 

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

 

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Job Interview Questions for a Job at Rise in Manchester

 

Job Interview Question 1: 

 

“Tell me about your customer service experience?”

 

The opening question at Rise, will be a generic interview question to gain an insight into your customer service and barista experience.  Summarise your experience and have a focus on the key skills required for this position; how you welcome customers, how you promote the rise philosophy and how you go above and beyond

 

Ensure you mention

 

  • customer service skills
  • strong written and spoken communication skills
  • the ability to solve problems
  • the ability to deal tactfully with customers
  • your friendliness and rapport building skills  

 

 

Job Interview Question 2: 

 

“How do you handle difficult customers?”

 

For situational job interview questions, answer using a real life story or example

  • state the situation – why the customer was angry/difficult 
  • explain how you remain calm and how this calmed down the customer
  • discuss what you did to support the customer while following processes and procedure 
  • explain the outcome of the situation ***ensure this is positive 

 

 

Job Interview Question 3: 

 

“When have you gone and beyond to help a customer?” 

 

Rise isn’t just a coffee shop, its an experience. In an employee Rise are looking for staff members who go that extra mile. Answer this interview question by first stating your work ethic and your temperament. Second give a real life example of when you went above and beyond to help a customer. Remember at Rise the customer base isn’t just shoppers, in fact the percentage of customer are entrepreneurs who spend their day at Rise working

 

   

Job Interview Question 4: 

“What questions do you need when booking a room for a customer?”

 

Many customers book rooms and the stage area. This task requires a level of organisation. When answering this questions explain your strategy for   keeping the administration side of things on point. How do you ensure that you have the correct details; customer detailsl, booking details

 

 

Job Interview Question 5: 

 

“Why do you want to work at Rise?”

 

Be honest when answering this question – Rise has to be the right fit for you, and you need to be the right fit for Rise. What made you apply for this role? Why do you like the environment? To answer this question, start with “The three reasons I want to work at Rise are…” and then give 3 real reasons.

 

 

 

 

Interview questions and answers

 

 

 

 

 

Job Interview Question 6:

“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

 

Other People Who Read This Article Also Read:

 

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Out Of The Box Interview Tips

Think Out Of The Box To Pass a Job Interview

Run of the mill interviewing techniques are becoming talk of the past.

Tell me about yourself”?, A question that has been out there for so long that candidates tend to just learn the answer to it by heart with minor tweaks here and there.

If the questions aren’t going to change so will the same patented responses will be given during interviews. There is no advancement in the interviewing procedures and no learning for graduates coming fresh out of the universities.

career

Let’s consider a situation where a candidate (you) gets the call from HR representative of the company you applied to.

A unique feature about this call would be (we’ll get into that) but how normally a candidate would respond to one such call:

HR: “Hi, is this Mr. X I’m speaking to?

Mr. X: Yes, who’s this?

HR: “This Ms. Y from ABC Co., you applied for the position of XYZ. Have you got a minute, I have to ask a couple of questions?

Mr. X: Please go on

HR: Ok, so have been you working somewhere?

Mr. X: Both yes and no, actually I resigned from my previous employment and am currently serving my notice period”

HR: Ok, it says here you’ve been with the firm for last 5 years, what makes you want to switch?”

Mr. X: Although, I have had no issues here during the tenure of my employment, all I feel is a bit stagnant where I’m and want to challenge myself in pursuit of new and better opportunities”

HR: Alright, let me schedule an interview with you tomorrow say at 11am?

Mr. X: Sounds good to me, will be there.

HR: The directions to our office will be emailed to you shortly.

Mr. X: Sure thanks. Bye.

That is how a normal telephonic interview appears as. But if we could improvise and candidate can earn the seat in front row? Startling? We pick it up from point no. 10 above and see how it changes.

   

Mr. X: “Can I suggest a date, as I have some things to take care of in the days to follow? Hence I won’t be able to squeeze time for the meet.”

HR (based on the availability): When it would be possible for you to visit, then?

Mr. X: On so and so date (suggest a date for 2-3 days ahead)

The idea is to buy time so you can thoroughly search about the company, its stakeholders, review their profile on LinkedIn and prepare yourself well.

HR: How does day after tomorrow sound?

Mr. X: Great!

Now if the counter argument is not up to your liking, best lock in the day as it maybe that the organization is interviewing other candidates or the interviewing authority may not be available in those days.

At least by making a request you have made your presence felt and that you are not typical instead expressive. Just that is the purpose of asking to schedule at a later date. This gives you leverage in negotiations at the time of offer.

You don’t need to insist on scheduling for the day/date you have in mind or you’ll lose the opportunity, altogether. An attempt suffices and generally employer allows for a day or two in scheduling meets for candidates.

Interview questions and answers

Secondly, the questions needs to be revisited to allow candidates to speak open-endedly and when someone is provided the platform to speak, their frame mind is reflected and the person interviewing can gauge whether or not the person would be a suitable fit for the organization.

Questions could be:

How much element of fun is part of your life?”

“Do you cater to sarcasm?”

“What if I were to ring up a close friend of yours, will he/she be able to tell me your weaknesses?”

Author Bio

Rayanne Dany is an HR consultant and can be reached for assignment writing service via her twitter handle. She has tons of experience in different organizations amounting to a total of 10 years. Her insight over the years as an HR professional has paved way for writing improvement techniques.

101 Interview Questions

101 Interview Questions

 PDF VERSION

What Interview Questions you will be asked in a job interview.

Knowing the questions you are going to be asked during an interview is essential, once you know the interviewers question you can prepare your interview answer.

I would add what is more important than knowing the interview question is knowing why they are asking the question in the first place, as this will tell you what experience or skill you need to highlight with your answer.

Today you will learn the most common 101 interview questions; all you need to do is prepare your answers.

101 Job Interview Questions

  • Tell me about yourself?
  • Why did you pick our company to apply for?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What is your current experience in this role?
  • What are your strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • If you could sum yourself up in one line, what would it be?
  • Do you have any questions for me?
  • Have you ever done anything you are embarrassed about?
  • Why do you want to work here?
  • Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
  • Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
  • What has been your greatest accomplishment?
  • What is your long-term goal?
  • Why are you a good communicator?
  • Do you consider yourself to be a good manager?
  • What is your definition of great customer service?
  • Describe a time when you dealt with conflict.
  • Why did you leave your last position?
  • How would your co-workers describe you?

Tricky Question, Killer Answers

  • How would your manager describe you?
  • Are you a team player?
  • What is your philosophy towards work?
  • Can you work well under pressure?
  • How do you manage projects?
  • Do you consider yourself successful?
  • Give an example of when you have had to work alone
  • How do you motivate people?
  • Have you ever delivered a presentation?
  • Describe a situation you took full responsibility for a project
  • How do you define success?
  • What motivates you to do your best on the job?
  • How do you establish a working relationship with new people?
  • How long do you expect to work for us?
  • What are some of your expectations for your future employer?
  • How do you handle that stress?
  • Describe a work-related problem and how you solved them.
  • Do you possess any relevant work experience?
  • Have you ever dealt with an unsatisfied or angry customer?
  • How do you think you will compensate for your lack of experience?

How to answer any interview question

  • Why did you choose your career?
  • How have you changed during your career?
  • How do you approach challenging problems?
  • How do you evaluate yourself?
  • How do you ensure you meet sale targets each week
  • If you disagree with your supervisor on an important issue of the job, what will you do?
  • What do you know about our company?
  • Do you understand the meaning of equal opportunities and diversity?
  • How to answer tricky interview questions    
  • Tell me about a suggestion you have made and the outcome from this  
  • Tell me about a time that you contribute to a team activity
  • What is your main career aim?
  • How can social media websites promote our business?
  • What was the most useful criticism you received? Who was it from?
  • How would you describe the pace at which you work?
  • Describe a typical workday.
  • What amount of money are you worth?
  • What has disappointed you in a job?
  • What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
  • Are you willing to travel?
  • What do you feel about diversity in the workplace? Do you think it is important?
  • Do you consider yourself overqualified for this position?
  • Do you know anyone who works for us?
  • What one word describes you?
  • Do you possess a criminal record?
  • How do you prioritize your work to meet deadlines?
  • What is your typing speed – words per minute?
  • How do you handle rejection?
  • How long have you been looking for a job?

How to answer tricky interview questions   – over 60 questions and answers

  • Tell me the difference between good and exceptional.
  • What is more important to you, the money or the work?
  • What did you do when you had a deadline and didn’t make it?
  • Would you consider yourself an organized person?
  • What ITC packages can you use?
  • Describe what qualities would you like to see in a supervisor?
  • What new skills have you developed recently?
  • Would you say you are under qualified?
  • How do you relate to your co-workers?
  • Please explain the gap on your CV?
  • Give me an example of when you have handled large amounts of money
  • How do you relate to your boss?
  • How would you promote our services?
  • If you were hiring someone for this job, what would you look for?
  • What position do you take when working on a team?
  • Have you ever been fired?
  • Can you explain how you initiate communications with customers?
  • What can you contribute to our company?
  • Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
  • What would you do if your employer instructed you to do something that was unethical
  • What significant trends do you see in our industry?
  • Do you know the history of this industry?

How to answer tricky interview questions    

  • In hindsight, how could you have improved your performance at previous jobs?
  • Why did you stay in this position for such a short time?
  • Name reasons why you would leave a job?
  • Tell us about a time when you failed to meet a deadline
  • What does excellent customer service mean to you?
  • What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
  • Please list three areas of yourself,  you feel have opportunities for improvement
  • What would you consider as your biggest achievement to date?
  • Please tell us about any relevant experience.
  • What do you like least about your job?
  • Can you provide examples of when you have given outstanding customer service

 Tricky Questions Killer Answers

Interview Additional Support: