interview questions and answers Archives

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025

Typical Job Interview Questions and Strong Example Answers for a Care Assistant

The UK labour market for care assistants is an important and growing sector due to the increasing demand for elderly care – people are living for longer so they require more care workers, and support for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

Demand for Care Assistants

The demand for care assistants has been consistently rising, particularly due to the aging population and the government’s focus on social care.
The UK has a large number of elderly people, with many needing assistance for daily activities, such as personal care, mobility support, and companionship. This is expected to increase as life expectancy rises.
Care assistants are employed in various settings, including residential care homes, nursing homes, domiciliary care (home care), hospitals, and supported living environments.

Entry Requirements – Skills and Qualifications

Basic qualifications: While no formal qualification is required for entry-level roles, employers often expect candidates to have GCSEs in English and Maths.
NVQs and Diplomas: Many care assistants complete vocational qualifications and/or apprenticeships, such as the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, which help increase employability.
Experience: Previous experience in a care role or similar settings can be very beneficial. Some people start as home care workers or volunteers before becoming full-time care assistants.
Specialised skills: There is a demand for care assistants with experience in dementia care, palliative care, or working with individuals with learning disabilities or mental health challenges. These specialised roles often come with a higher salary

How competitive is a Care Assistant job interview?

Job Opportunities and Job Outlook

The care assistant job market remains strong, with regular vacancies across the UK, particularly in the Midlands, North East, and North West regions.
The sector is expected to grow steadily, especially as the NHS faces pressure, and the demand for home care increases.
Many care providers offer career progression opportunities for staff, such as training to become senior care assistants or supervisors.
Job growth is driven by the need to support older adults and people with long-term conditions, and it’s also influenced by government funding for social care.

Location Trends

Larger urban areas, like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh, generally have more care assistant job openings due to the larger population sizes.
Rural and remote areas may have fewer job openings, but there can be a higher demand in certain specialized care sectors, such as elderly care in smaller communities.

Challenges in the Sector

Workforce shortages: The social care sector is facing a significant shortage of workers, partly due to low wages compared to other industries, and the demanding nature of the work.
Retention: High turnover rates are common, as the work can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Training and support: There is an emphasis on improving staff training and retention through ongoing professional development opportunities.

Employment Types

Many care assistants work full-time, but part-time and zero-hour contracts are also common in the sector.
Shift work: The nature of care work often requires evening, night, and weekend shifts, which is something to consider when looking for a job.

Where are the care assistant jobs in the UK?

1. Regional Job Opportunities

London and South East

Demand: High demand due to the large, diverse population and the aging demographic. There is also a greater number of private care agencies and care homes.
Salary: Typically on the higher end of the scale. Starting salaries can range from £10 to £12 per hour, with more experienced roles or specialized care positions going up to £25,000 or more annually.
Types of Jobs: Many care assistants work in residential care homes, while domiciliary care (home care) is also growing, especially for elderly clients who prefer to stay at home.
Opportunities: Look for local job boards or agency listings (e.g., Reed, Indeed, or local council websites).

North West

Demand: Growing demand, particularly in areas like Manchester, Liverpool, and other urban centers. The region has a mix of public, private, and charity-based care providers.
Salary: Average salaries range from £9 to £11 per hour, with slightly higher wages in urban areas and for specialized roles like dementia or palliative care.
Types of Jobs: Residential care, dementia care, and home care services are all in demand.
Opportunities: Many opportunities through NHS jobs, recruitment agencies, and local council postings.

Midlands

Demand: The demand for care assistants is strong in both rural and urban areas, with an emphasis on elderly care and care for individuals with learning disabilities.
Salary: Pay tends to be slightly lower compared to London but still competitive. Expect around £9 to £10.50 per hour.
Opportunities: Care assistants are needed in nursing homes, care homes, and home care. Look out for opportunities through both private providers and the NHS.

North East

Demand: High demand, especially in rural areas where care needs are more specialized and personalized.
Salary: Pay ranges from £8.50 to £10.50 per hour, with opportunities for progression into senior care assistant roles or management in care homes.
Opportunities: Plenty of openings in smaller, more specialized facilities or independent care providers.

Wales and Scotland

Demand: Both countries see a growing demand for care assistants, especially in rural areas where the elderly population is higher.
Salary: Similar to other regions but can vary slightly depending on location. Expect around £9 per hour in general.
Opportunities: Scotland, in particular, has seen initiatives aimed at improving care staff wages and conditions. Opportunities often available through local government or private care providers.

Tips for Entering the Care Sector

A. Qualification and Training

Entry-level: You don’t necessarily need formal qualifications to start, but having a good level of English and maths (GCSE or equivalent) is helpful. Employers often provide on-the-job training, including courses in manual handling, health and safety, and safeguarding.
Vocational qualifications: The Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is highly valued and can help you progress into more senior roles.
Additional Certifications: For specialized care roles (e.g., dementia care), consider additional training or certifications like Dementia Care Matters or End of Life Care training. This can make you more competitive, especially if you want to work in more complex care settings.

B. Volunteering or Work Experience

Gaining experience through volunteering in a care home or with a home care service can give you an edge. It allows you to understand the work environment and gain firsthand experience, which is highly valued by employers.
Many charities and non-profit organizations offer opportunities for volunteers to work alongside professional care assistants, and these experiences can lead to paid positions.

C. Register with Recruitment Agencies

There are many agencies that specialize in placing care assistants, particularly in areas of high demand. Examples include Hays Social Care, Recruitment Panda, and Bluebird Care.
These agencies can help you find temporary or permanent positions and may also offer additional training.

D. Apply Directly

Larger care providers, such as Care UK, Barchester Healthcare, and HC-One, often post job vacancies directly on their websites.
The NHS Jobs site also lists roles in the public sector, and local councils regularly post care assistant roles.

E. Be Prepared for Shift Work

Many care assistant roles, particularly in care homes or hospitals, require night, weekend, or holiday shifts. Ensure you’re comfortable with irregular hours before applying.
Some care providers offer more flexible working hours or part-time roles, so it’s worth asking during the application process.

F. Consider Career Progression

Many care assistants progress into roles such as Senior Care Assistant, Care Supervisor, or Registered Manager. With further qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management in Care), it’s possible to move into management positions.
The sector offers varied career paths, so keep an eye out for opportunities to take on more responsibility.

Job interview questions will vary depending on the job role’s specialty, with employers asking for examples and looking for high levels of knowledge around the specialism.

Interview Specifics:

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

Can you demonstrate the relevant knowledge and experience to pass a Care Assistant job interview?

sensitivity and understanding
a desire to help people
teamwork
patience and remaining calm in stressful situations
an attention to detail (especially when working with medicine)
emotional intelligence
strong communication and listening skills

Salary and Pay Rates

Care assistant salaries in the UK vary depending on location, the level of responsibility, and the type of care provided.
- National average: The salary for a full-time care assistant is around £18,000 to £22,000 per year.
- Hourly rate: Care assistants earn approximately £9 to £12 per hour, though this can be higher in some areas or for specialized roles.
- London and the South East: Wages are generally higher due to the higher cost of living. Salaries in these areas can reach £25,000 or more.
- Overtime and bonuses: Some care assistants may receive extra pay for weekend, night, or bank holiday shifts.

Check the average pay.

Follow the three rules of a successful job interview:

One – identify the skills and experiences of the care assistant role

Two – be a self-promoter by your personal qualities and experiences by using real examples throughout the job interview

Three – communicate confidently. Explain in detail your work experience and how it meets the job criteria

Get Interview Ready

To pass a job interview, it is important to predict the interview questions and practice delivering the interview answers confidently.

Mock interviews help to practice an interview in full
Re-writing interview answers helps with memory
Talking at a slower pace (as interviewees then speed up due to nervousness) helps the employer to record your experiences and skills

Why do you want to work as a care assistant?

Answer Example:
“I’ve always had a strong desire to help people, particularly those who are vulnerable or need support in their daily lives. In my previous role as a care assistant, I found it incredibly fulfilling to make a positive difference in someone’s day, whether it was helping with personal care or just providing companionship. I believe everyone deserves dignity and respect, and I find great satisfaction in being able to offer that support.”

Can you tell us about your previous experience in care?

Answer Example:
“I have worked as a care assistant for three years, mainly in a residential care home. My responsibilities included assisting with daily activities, administering medication under supervision, supporting residents with mobility, and maintaining their personal hygiene. I also had experience supporting individuals with dementia, which taught me patience and effective communication strategies. I’m passionate about delivering care that enhances quality of life, and I take pride in ensuring all residents feel valued.”

How would you handle a situation where a resident is refusing to eat or take their medication?

Answer Example:
“First, I would try to understand the reason behind their refusal. It might be due to a lack of appetite, discomfort, or fear of medication. I’d approach the situation calmly, offering reassurance and giving them the time they need. I would involve other team members, such as the nurse or dietician, if needed, to explore different ways to address their needs. Sometimes offering smaller, more frequent meals or discussing alternatives for medication could help. Ultimately, my focus would be on listening to their concerns and offering a solution that they are comfortable with.”

How do you ensure the privacy and dignity of the people you care for?

Answer Example:
“I always make sure to respect the personal space and privacy of the individuals I care for. This means knocking before entering rooms, covering them properly during personal care, and ensuring that they are comfortable at all times. I also maintain a confidential approach to their personal information and health history. Upholding dignity involves treating everyone with respect, listening to their preferences, and ensuring they are involved in decisions about their care.”

What would you do if you noticed a colleague wasn’t following proper care procedures?

Answer Example:
“If I noticed a colleague wasn’t following procedures, I would first consider whether it was due to a lack of training or misunderstanding. I would approach the situation professionally, either offering assistance or gently reminding them of the correct procedures. If the issue persisted, I would raise the concern with the manager to ensure that proper standards are maintained. It’s important to create an environment of mutual respect and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.”

How do you manage stress in a high-pressure environment?

Answer Example:
“Care work can be stressful at times, especially when there are multiple tasks to manage or a resident is in need of urgent support. I find it helps to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and keep a calm, positive attitude. Taking a few moments to breathe and refocus can make a big difference. I also ensure to communicate with my team and ask for help if needed, as care work is often collaborative. Managing stress effectively helps me maintain a high standard of care for the people I look after.”

Can you give an example of when you had to deal with a challenging resident? How did you manage it?

Answer Example:
“I worked with a resident who had dementia and would sometimes become agitated during personal care. I learned that their agitation was often triggered by changes in routine or feeling overwhelmed. I responded by speaking to them calmly and using gentle reassurance. I also made sure to establish a routine and give them the time they needed, avoiding rushing or forcing any tasks. Over time, this approach helped build trust and reduce their anxiety, and I was able to provide better care with their cooperation.”

How would you promote independence in a resident who is physically frail but still mentally alert?

Answer Example:
“I believe in promoting independence while ensuring safety. For a resident who is physically frail but mentally alert, I would encourage them to do as much as they can themselves, whether it’s dressing, eating, or exercising with assistance. I would set up their environment to be as accessible as possible, making sure mobility aids are available and offering encouragement. I’d always respect their pace and preferences, ensuring they maintain a sense of control over their daily activities.”

What does good teamwork mean to you in a care setting?

Answer Example:
“Good teamwork means communication, support, and collaboration. In a care setting, it’s crucial that everyone is on the same page to ensure the best care for the residents. I always strive to communicate effectively with my colleagues, sharing any relevant information about the residents’ needs, and asking for help when necessary. I also believe in supporting my colleagues, whether it’s assisting with a difficult task or providing emotional support. In a team environment, we all have the shared goal of providing compassionate, high-quality care.”

10. How do you ensure that you continue developing your skills as a care assistant?

Answer Example:
“I am committed to continuous learning and development. I keep up to date with the latest best practices in care through training courses and reading relevant materials. In my previous roles, I have taken advantage of opportunities for further qualifications, such as the Level 2 Health and Social Care diploma, and I plan to continue developing my skills. I also welcome feedback from colleagues and managers, as it helps me identify areas for improvement and ensures that I am providing the highest level of care.”

Need help? Book an interview coaching session.

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025

10 Key Job Interview Questions with Examples for a Mental Health Counsellor

Job interviews for mental health counsellors are often behavioral job interviews, where hiring managers ask about previous experiences.

The key to success is gained by the applicant’s ability to demonstrate both their technical expertise and their ability to connect with clients on a deeper level.

Job Outlook for Mental Health Counsellors – Growth Projections

The job outlook for mental health counsellors is generally strong, with demand expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of mental health counsellors is projected to grow by 22% from 2021 to 2031, and it’s a similar picture in the UK and Europe, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is primarily driven by:

Increased awareness of mental health: As public awareness of mental health issues continues to rise, more individuals are seeking professional help.
Expanded access to services: Healthcare reforms and insurance coverage expansions have made mental health services more accessible to a broader population.
Challenges related to mental health crises: The increasing prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders (often exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic) has created a heightened need for counseling services.

Where are the jobs? Geographic Variation in Demand

The demand for mental health counsellors can vary by geographic region. Some areas may have a higher demand due to:

Urban vs. Rural Locations: Larger cities typically have a greater demand due to population density, but rural areas may also have a shortage of counsellors, making them an attractive option for those willing to work in less populated regions.
State and Local Health Priorities: States or regions that have higher rates of mental health conditions (e.g., addiction, depression, trauma) may have a more significant need for counsellors. Additionally, states with greater public health funding for mental health initiatives may see higher demand.

How competitive is a Mental Health Counsellor job interview?

Specializations within Mental Health Counselling

The field of mental health counselling offers various specialized areas, and the demand for counsellors in certain specialties can influence job opportunities and salary potential:

Addiction Counselling: With the opioid crisis and other substance use disorders at the forefront, addiction counsellors are in high demand.
Trauma and PTSD Counselling: Counsellors specializing in trauma, particularly related to PTSD, are increasingly sought after, especially in regions with higher military or first-responder populations.
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT): Mental health counsellors who specialize in couples or family therapy may find a niche market in both urban and suburban areas.
School Counselling: There is growing demand for school counsellors at both the elementary and secondary levels, especially in districts with higher student-to-counsellor ratios.
Telehealth Counselling: The rise of telehealth has expanded opportunities for mental health counsellors, particularly for those willing to work remotely and offer virtual sessions.

Job interview questions will vary depending on the job roles speciality, with employers asking for examples and looking for high levels of knowledge around the specialism.

Emerging Trends

The mental health counselling field is evolving, and some key trends to watch include:

Telehealth: Virtual counselling services have become increasingly popular, especially post-pandemic, offering flexibility for clients and counsellors alike.
Integrated care: More counsellors are working in collaboration with other healthcare providers (e.g., doctors, social workers, and psychologists) to provide integrated care for clients.
Focus on preventative care: As mental health becomes a larger part of the public health conversation, more emphasis is being placed on early intervention and prevention of mental health issues, which could increase the demand for counselling services in schools, workplaces, and community settings.

Research prior to the job interview is vital to predict questions (and prepare interview answers) for questions around emerging trends. Tip: check if the organisation advertising the role use or plans to embed AI, robotics, technology, remote counselling, and integrate care in their practice. If so, there is likely to be an interview question relating to this.

Interview Specifics:

Can you demonstrate the relevant knowledge and experience to pass a Mental Health Counsellor job interview?

emotional intelligence and self-awareness, sensitivity, and empathy
keen observation skills
a broad-minded, non-judgemental attitude and a respect for others
be able to think clearly under pressure
listening, verbal and written communication skills
an ability to establish rapport with people from all backgrounds and to gain their trust
multiagency working
an understanding of GDPR
a belief in people’s inherent ability to change and develop

Salary Information

Median annual salary: According to the BLS, the median annual wage for mental health counsellors was around $49,710 (USA) in 2022. However, this number can fluctuate based on location, specialization, and experience level. In the Uk the median salary for a mental health counsellor is £38,000

Salaries for mental health counsellors can vary depending on location, education level, and experience. On average, mental health counsellors earn:

Check the average pay.

Mental health hiring managers will ask a variation of the common questions listed below, but it is important to follow the three rules of a successful job interview:

One – identify the skills and experiences of the counsellor specialism

Two – be a self-promoter by your personal qualities and experiences by using real examples throughout the job interview

Three – communicate confidently. Explain in detail your work experience and how it meets the job criteria

Get Interview Ready

To pass a job interview, it is important to predict the interview questions and practice delivering the interview answers confidently.

Mock interviews help to practice an interview in full
Re-writing interview answers helps with memory
Talking at a slower pace (as interviewees then speed up due to nervousness) helps the employer to record your experiences and skills

10 job interview questions and answers for a mental health counsellor

The template below is designed to be amended by the interviewee who can add more detailed (real) examples to the example answer below. It is important to ensure answers describe how previous roles meet the new job criteria for the advertised job role.

1. Can you describe your counselling approach and how you tailor it to different clients?

Your approach to therapy should be adaptable to meet each client’s unique needs. Interviewers are looking for counsellors who can customize their methods based on the situation at hand.

Example Answer:
“My counseling approach combines person-centered therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques. I create a non-judgmental, empathetic environment where clients feel heard and safe. For clients with anxiety, I may incorporate cognitive restructuring to help challenge unhelpful thought patterns. For trauma survivors, I might integrate mindfulness and grounding techniques to help them stay present and reduce anxiety. By adapting my approach to each client’s unique needs, I ensure that therapy is both effective and empowering.”

2. How do you handle a situation where a client is resistant to treatment?

Resistance can often occur, especially early in therapy. Employers want to know that you’re skilled in overcoming this challenge and building rapport.

Example Answer:
“When I encounter resistance, I first aim to understand the root cause. I might explore with the client whether they’re feeling uncertain or fearful about the process. I normalize that resistance is part of therapy, ensuring they feel heard. For example, with one client who was initially skeptical of therapy, I took time to explain the benefits and how it could work for them. Over time, they became more comfortable and opened up, allowing us to make significant progress.”

3. Describe a time when you had to manage a crisis situation. How did you handle it?

Counsellors often need to act quickly in crisis situations. This question assesses your ability to think on your feet and respond effectively.

Example Answer:
“In one instance, I worked with a client who had just experienced a traumatic loss and was at risk of self-harm. I stayed calm, practiced grounding techniques, and kept the conversation focused on the present moment to reduce their immediate distress. After assessing the level of risk, I contacted emergency support services and made sure the client had a safety plan in place. After the crisis was averted, we followed up with ongoing therapy to address grief and trauma.”

4. How do you ensure confidentiality in your work with clients?

Confidentiality is a foundational principle in counselling, and interviewers will want to know that you take it seriously.

Example Answer:
“I take confidentiality very seriously by storing all records securely, whether digital or paper. I make sure to explain the limits of confidentiality to clients at the start, especially in situations involving harm to self or others. I always obtain written consent if information needs to be shared with other professionals. Additionally, I’m mindful of privacy in conversations—ensuring that no sensitive information is shared inappropriately, even in casual settings.”

5. How do you assess a client’s mental health and develop a treatment plan?

Your ability to assess clients and develop a tailored plan is essential for effective treatment. Employers want to know that you have a structured approach.

Example Answer:
“I begin with a thorough intake assessment, which includes standardized assessments and open-ended questions to understand the client’s history and current struggles. For example, when working with a client experiencing depression, I might use a depression-specific screening tool to assess the severity. I then collaborate with the client to develop goals that are achievable and measurable. We regularly revisit the treatment plan to make adjustments as needed based on progress.”

6. How do you approach working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Cultural competence is a critical skill for counsellors in today’s diverse world. Employers want to know that you can work effectively with clients from all walks of life.

Example Answer:
“I believe in a culturally sensitive approach. I always make sure to learn about and respect each client’s cultural values and experiences. For example, when working with a client from a collectivist background, I might explore how family dynamics impact their mental health. I also recognize that some therapeutic practices may not align with a client’s cultural or spiritual beliefs, so I adapt my approach to ensure it feels respectful and appropriate.”

7. What steps do you take to maintain your own mental health and avoid burnout in this profession?

Self-care is essential for maintaining long-term effectiveness as a counselor. Interviewers want to see that you take proactive steps to preserve your well-being.

Example Answer:
“I prioritize my own mental health through a combination of supervision, peer support, and personal self-care. I have regular check-ins with a supervisor to debrief challenging cases, and I also participate in support groups with fellow counsellors. Outside of work, I ensure I take time for physical activities like yoga, and I spend time with family and friends to recharge. Setting clear boundaries with clients is also important to avoid burnout.”

8. Can you give an example of a successful therapy outcome you’ve had with a client?

This question allows you to highlight your achievements and demonstrate the positive impact of your work.

Example Answer:
“I had a client who struggled with social anxiety and had a deep fear of public speaking. Over several sessions, we worked on gradual exposure techniques and cognitive restructuring. By the end of therapy, the client felt comfortable speaking in front of small groups and even volunteered to lead a presentation at work. It was rewarding to see them gain confidence and take on new challenges.”

9. How do you handle working with clients who have severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder?

Dealing with severe mental health conditions requires specialized knowledge. Interviewers want to gauge your experience and comfort level in this area.

Example Answer:
“I work closely with psychiatrists and other healthcare providers when treating clients with severe conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. I use evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and psychoeducation to help clients understand their condition. For example, with a client who had bipolar disorder, I worked on building coping strategies for managing mood swings, and we discussed the importance of medication adherence in managing symptoms.”

10. What do you think are the most important qualities of a good mental health counsellor?

This is a great opportunity to express your values as a counsellor and emphasize the qualities that make you effective in your role.

Example Answer:
“I believe the most important qualities in a counsellor are empathy, patience, and strong listening skills. A good counsellor must also be flexible and open-minded, as each client brings their own unique experiences. It’s crucial to build trust and create a non-judgmental space. I also believe in continual professional development—learning new techniques and staying informed about the latest research to provide the best care.”

Preparing for a mental health counsellor interview requires more than just understanding technical knowledge; it’s about demonstrating how you connect with clients and approach complex situations. By practicing responses to these common interview questions, you’ll be ready to show your future employer that you’re not only a skilled clinician, but also someone who deeply cares about supporting others on their mental health journey.

Need help? Book an interview coaching session.

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Interview Questions and Answers for a University Graduate

Gaining work after completing a university degree is highly competitive as employers receive applicants from qualified graduates from around the UK.

Another barrier for the graduate job seeker is a lack of confidence in a job interview which results in poor interview answers that don’t often highlight a selling point or experience.

Graduate job market stats:

87.7% of working age (16-64 years old) graduates were in employment in 2023, compared to 89.4% of postgraduates and 69.7% of non-graduates.
67.0% of working age (16-64 years old) graduates were in high-skilled employment in 2023, compared to 78.9% of postgraduates and 23.7% of non-graduates.
£40,000 was the median nominal salary for working age (16-64 years old) graduates in 2023, compared to £45,000 for postgraduates and £29,500 for non-graduates (to the nearest £500).
£26,000 was the median real terms salary for working age (16-64 years old) graduates in 2023 (base year 2007), compared to £29,000 for postgraduates and £19,000 for non-graduates (to the nearest £500).
£6,500 was the graduate premium median real terms salary in 2023 (base year 2007), the difference between working age (16-64 years old) graduates and non-graduates average earnings (to the nearest £500).
£6,000 was the graduate gender gap in median real terms salary in 2023 (base year 2007), the difference between working age (16-64 years old) male and female graduates’ average earnings (to the nearest £500).

Source:

How competitive is a graduate job interview?

Interview Specifics:

Check the average pay.

The three rules of a successful job interview

One – identify the skills and experiences each employer requires you to possess as these will ultimately become the job interview questions

Two – be a self-promoter by highlighting skills, experiences, knowledge, and qualities the employer requires for the graduate position you are applying for

Three – communicate confidently – speak slowly, give detail, don’t waffle or use filler words. Pause, reiterate, and use public speaking skills to highlight your unique selling point

How to Pass a Job Interview

To pass a job interview, it is important to predict the interview questions and practice delivering the interview answers confidently.

Mock interviews help to practice an interview in full
Re-writing interview answers helps with memory
Talking at a slower pace (as interviewees then speed up due to nervousness) helps the employer to record your experiences and skills

Tell me about yourself.

Answer:
“I recently graduated with a degree in [your degree] from [University Name]. Throughout my academic journey, I developed a strong foundation in [key skills related to the job], and I’m particularly passionate about [specific area of interest]. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on projects related to [specific experience], where I enhanced my problem-solving and team collaboration skills. I’m excited to bring my knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to a professional setting and contribute to [Company Name]’s goals.”

Why did you choose this field of study?

Answer:
“I chose [your field of study] because of my passion for [specific aspect of the field]. I have always been fascinated by [related interest], and I wanted to deepen my understanding and gain the skills needed to pursue a career in this area. I enjoy solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions, which is why I felt this field was the perfect fit for me.”

What skills did you gain during your studies that will help you succeed in this role?

Answer:
“During my studies, I developed strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. I frequently worked on group projects, which helped me learn how to collaborate effectively and manage differing opinions to achieve common goals. I also gained expertise in [specific software or tools] and honed my ability to present ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally.”

Why do you want to work for this company?

Answer:
“I’ve done extensive research on your company, and I admire how [Company Name] is known for its [specific aspect of the company, e.g., innovation, commitment to sustainability, work culture]. The values and vision of the company align with my own career goals, and I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills] would be a strong fit for your team. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission and learn from the talented professionals here.”

How do you handle stress and pressure?

Answer:
“I manage stress by staying organized and breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. During busy periods, I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance, which helps me stay focused. I also find that maintaining a positive attitude and seeking support when needed helps me navigate challenges without feeling overwhelmed.”

What are your strengths?

Answer:
“One of my key strengths is my ability to quickly adapt to new situations. During my time at university, I worked on various projects where I had to learn new tools or approaches, and I was able to do so successfully. I’m also a strong communicator, which has helped me collaborate effectively with classmates and professors. Finally, I am highly organized, which ensures I can balance multiple tasks efficiently.”

What are your weaknesses, and how do you address them?

Answer:
“One area I’m working on is my tendency to be a perfectionist. Sometimes, I can get caught up in the details, but I’ve learned to balance quality with efficiency by setting clear time limits for tasks and asking for feedback when needed. I’ve found that focusing on continuous improvement helps me make more progress without getting stuck in overthinking.”

Tell us about a time when you worked as part of a team.

Answer:
“In one of my university projects, I worked on a team that was tasked with [project description]. We had to divide the workload based on individual strengths, and I was responsible for [your role]. I made sure to keep communication open by setting up regular check-ins and encouraging everyone to share their ideas. We were able to complete the project ahead of schedule, and I learned the importance of collaboration and clear communication.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Answer:
“In five years, I see myself growing within this company, contributing to major projects, and possibly taking on more leadership responsibilities. I’m eager to continue developing my skills and taking on new challenges, and I hope to be part of a team where I can contribute meaningfully to its long-term success while advancing my own career.”

Why should we hire you?

Answer:
“You should hire me because I bring a strong educational foundation, a proactive attitude, and a willingness to learn. I’m highly motivated to contribute my skills in [relevant area] and am excited to bring fresh perspectives to your team. I also have a strong work ethic and am committed to achieving results, which I believe will allow me to add value to your organization.”

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

Interview Answers for a Civil Engineering Job

There is a large need for civil engineers in the UK. As of the second quarter of 2024, approximately 96,600 civil engineers were working in the United Kingdom.

Civil engineer’s job duties include research and design, direct construction, and managing the operation and maintenance of civil and mining engineering structures. Job interview questions, therefore, will focus in on:

Mathematics
Design
Health and Safety
Project management
IstructE qualifications

How competitive is a Civil Engineer job interview?

Interview Specifics:

Can you demonstrate the relevant knowledge and experience to pass a Civil Engineer job interview?

technical competence
excellent numeracy and IT skills
strong communication and teamwork skills
the ability to supervise and lead others
the capability to work to budgets and deadlines
an understanding of relevant building and health and safety legislation
a creative approach to problem-solving
a flexible approach.

Check the average pay.

All civil engineer hiring managers will ask a variation of the common questions listed below, but it is important to follow the three rules of a successful job interview:

One – identify the skills and experiences each civil engineer employer requires you to possess

Two – be a self-promoter by highlighting design, mathematics and project management skills and experiences

Three – communicate confidently. Explain in detail your work experience and how it meets the job criteria

To pass a job interview, it is important to predict the interview questions and practice delivering the interview answers confidently.

Mock interviews help to practice an interview in full
Re-writing interview answers helps with memory
Talking at a slower pace (as interviewees then speed up due to nervousness) helps the employer to record your experiences and skills

What is the difference between civil engineering and structural engineering?

Answer: In my experience, civil engineering is a broad field that encompasses various types of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water systems. I’ve worked on projects that involved the design of transportation networks and drainage systems. Structural engineering, on the other hand, is a more specialized area that focuses on ensuring buildings, bridges, and other structures can withstand the forces acting on them, like gravity, wind, and seismic forces. When I worked on a bridge project, I collaborated closely with structural engineers to ensure the design could handle heavy traffic loads and extreme weather conditions.

Explain the concept of the “dead load” and “live load” in structural design.

Answer: I’ve worked on multiple projects where understanding dead load and live load was crucial for the structural design. In simple terms, dead load refers to the constant weight of the structure itself—things like beams, floors, and walls. When I worked on a multi-story office building, calculating the dead load was essential to ensure the foundation could support the weight of the entire structure. Live load, on the other hand, refers to temporary loads, such as people, furniture, or equipment. During my time on a hospital construction project, we had to account for live loads like the movement of medical equipment and patients to ensure the floors could handle those fluctuating loads.

What is the importance of soil testing in civil engineering projects?

Answer: I can’t overstate how important soil testing is. On one particular project I worked on, we were building a commercial complex on a site that had a high water table. The results from our soil testing informed us that we needed to design deeper foundations to avoid issues with settlement. In another case, we found that the soil was prone to liquefaction, so we had to take extra precautions when designing the foundation to ensure the structure wouldn’t be at risk during an earthquake. Soil testing has always been a critical part of my planning process to avoid costly mistakes down the line.

Can you explain what “FEMA” stands for and its relevance in civil engineering?

Answer: FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has played a vital role in a number of my projects, especially those in areas prone to natural disasters. For example, I was involved in a project where we had to design a community center in an area vulnerable to flooding. By following FEMA’s guidelines on flood-prone areas, we elevated the building above the base flood elevation to ensure the structure would be safe in the event of a flood. FEMA’s standards for disaster-resilient design are something I always consider when working on projects in at-risk areas.

What is the difference between reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete?

Answer: In my experience, reinforced concrete is the go-to material for many projects because it’s versatile and cost-effective. I worked on a parking garage where reinforced concrete was used to form the slabs and columns. Prestressed concrete, however, is used in situations where higher strength is required, and it’s more efficient at resisting bending and cracking. On a recent highway bridge project, we used prestressed concrete beams because the span was large, and we needed to reduce deflection and improve load distribution.

What are the basic steps involved in a construction project from start to finish?

Answer: From my experience, the steps of a construction project typically start with careful planning and design. For example, during the design phase of a recent residential complex, we worked closely with architects to finalize the blueprints and get the necessary permits. After that, site preparation was key—on one project, we had to deal with a lot of rock on the site, which required extra excavation. During foundation construction, I closely monitored the pouring of concrete to ensure it was done correctly. The next stages involved building the structure, installing utilities, and finishing the interior and exterior. I always ensure that regular safety checks and inspections are part of the process to avoid any delays or issues before handing the project over to the client.

What are the most important factors to consider when designing a bridge?

Answer: In my experience working on bridge projects, I always start by assessing the site conditions, such as soil type, water levels, and potential seismic activity. For instance, when we designed a bridge across a river, we had to account for fluctuating water levels, which influenced the type of foundation we used. Load-bearing capacity is another key factor—on one project, we had to design for heavy vehicular traffic and high pedestrian volumes. Material selection is also important to balance durability, cost, and aesthetic considerations. I remember working with a team to select the right steel for a bridge in a coastal area, which had to resist corrosion from saltwater.

How do you manage project timelines and costs in civil engineering projects?

Answer: Managing timelines and costs is something I’ve always had to stay on top of. For example, on a large infrastructure project I was involved in, I used project management software like Microsoft Project to develop a detailed schedule, breaking down tasks into phases. I worked closely with the procurement team to ensure materials were delivered on time and within budget. One thing I’ve learned over the years is to have contingency plans in place. On one project, unexpected weather delays set us back, so we adjusted the schedule and increased labor during the good weather days to make up for lost time.

What is the purpose of using BIM (Building Information Modeling) in civil engineering?

Answer: I’ve found that BIM has been an absolute game changer in improving project efficiency and collaboration. In one of my recent projects, we used BIM to visualize the entire building before construction started. This allowed us to identify potential clashes between systems, like HVAC ducts and plumbing, early in the design phase. BIM also made it much easier to communicate with the contractor and stakeholders, which streamlined decision-making. By using BIM, we were able to cut down on rework, which saved both time and costs.

How do you ensure safety on a construction site?

Answer: Safety is always a top priority in every project I’ve worked on. In one of the large-scale projects I was involved in, we had weekly safety meetings where the team would review potential hazards and discuss preventive measures. I’ve made it a point to ensure that workers are provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, gloves, and safety boots. On-site inspections are part of my routine, and I always ensure that safety barriers are in place around dangerous areas like excavations and high structures. When accidents or near misses have occurred, I’ve made it a priority to address the issue immediately, conduct a root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

March 29, 2022March 29, 2022

Final Interview Questions and Answers

High skilled positions often come with a long recruitment process, consisting of several interview stages:

AVI – asynchronous video interview (a virtual job interview conducted by an AI bot) used to screen applicants
Technical interview to check a candidates competencies – this may include practical tests
Group interview and/or values interview to review suitability/company culture fit
Final interview for shortlisted candidates

A large number of career professionals on platforms such as LinkedIn express their concern over the high number of interview rounds – or ‘hoops’ they are made to jump through to secure a job offer.

So, why do employers have multiple interview rounds?

From the employers perspective, when paying a high salary for a highly skilled role, the hiring manager needs to ensure they recruit the right person. Often a single interview gives an indication of a persons suitability but doesn’t always highlights the individuals temperament, skills, knowledge, work-ethic, and values.

For low to medium skilled roles, most employers will have one or two interview rounds. For leadership positions, high-skilled roles, technical jobs the recruiters must hire someone who can add value, this requires a more in-depth recruitment process.

What does a final job interview mean?

Research shows how the top three candidates in a job interview will only have one or two points between them – the structured job interview is a close run thing.

Having such a close match can result in the interview panel being influenced by an unconscious bias. Rather then being forced into a decision, the recruitment team, often led by a human resources hiring manager, will invite the top performing interviewees to a final interview.

The final interview means that all the candidates are employable, they all meet the essential criteria and can add value to the team.

Only three to five applicants are offered a final interview round. This shortlist of candidates will all hold relevant industry qualifications , many years of sector experience and the confidence to delivery high-scoring job interview answers during the recruitment process. In short, they have a strong interview identity.

Competition, therefore, is high in terms of quality but low in terms of quantity – as the weaker candidates have already been dismissed.

Border force job interview is competitive

Interview Specifics:

Can you demonstrate the relevant knowledge and experience to pass a final job interview?

Do you give detailed examples?
Do you state measurable data during examples?
Do you reference industry models and theories?
Do your answers meet the job criteria?
Are you a self-promoter?
Are your answers delivered confidently?
Do you use an excessive number of filler words?
Does your unique selling point stand out during the interview?

Check the average pay for your job role.

How to prepare for a final interview?

The biggest mistake most career professionals make during a final interview is not repeating examples from previous job interview rounds.

For all rounds, the job interview panel must score applicants based on the answers given in that interview round. Remember that each interview round maybe conducted by a different interviewer.

Not that all previously used examples will be needed. Each employer has their own way of conducting a final interview.

Some employers, will ask similar questions throughout all the interview rounds (worded a little different) to check that the applicant does possess the required skills and knowledge for the job vacancy.

In this approach, the final interviewers – often trained HR and senior leaders will ask more specific interview questions looking for data and evidence that they can measure.

As an example:

Interview round 1 question: “Tell me about a time when you worked with stakeholders?”
Interview round 2 question: “Tell me about a time when you had to influence a stakeholder?”
Interview round 3 question: “Give me an example of when you have influenced a senior stakeholder to overcome an objective on a collaborative project?”
Interview round 4 question: “Explain the specific steps you took to get a stakeholder with an objective to a project to agree with a proposal you had created?”

In other organisations, the final interview round will be focused on added value. The interview questions maybe open, even informal, to understand how an applicants experience will make a difference in the current team, on a project, and/or to achieve the company vision.

The employer is looking for:

Unique selling points
How an (experience) can be used to improve production or output/increase profit
What industry related knowledge can help progress the company
Specific skills and how they can be used to influence the workforce/achieve an objective
How the (applicant) can raise the bar

Final job interview tips

By the final interview stage, the employer has a high opinion of the candidate. The opinion must be reinforced.

It is often the confident, the charismatic interview identity, who is finally offered the role.

This is because employers value confidence. A self-assured employee gets things done. Humans also associate other positive personality traits to confident people. We believe they are hard-working, skilled, knowledgeable, and that they possess good personal skills; communication, listening, teamwork.

To be viewed as confident:

Be assertive with your communication
Use the power of a pause – don’t rush your answers
Add characters and storylines to your examples – entertain as we as explain
State researched information about the company within the interview answer
Be a master of the basics; eye contact, positive posture, power voice

Be ready to answer scenario interview questions.

Employers recruit for a reason – there is a recruitment to gain a person with the knowledge and experience to achieve a key objective.

The final job interview often focuses on the candidates abilities to achieve these objectives. The questions asked can be both open or closed:

What do you know about X?
What would be your 5 step plan to achieve (objective)?
We are facing a (barrier) who would you turn this around?
Describe the operational plan, over a 5 year period, you would implement to achieve (objective)?
Tell me more about that?

The employer leaves it to you!

In the final interview, don’t wait to be asked follow up questions. If questions are ambiguous:

Tell me more about that (often used in informal job interviews)
Describe your leadership style
Give me an example of success

It is up to the interviewee to provide the detail. Research shows how the higher number of words per answer often results in a high number of job offers.

Give detailed and specific answers as this increase word count. This can be achieved by:

Talk about the pro’s and con’s of a situation, management style, product, machinery, process
Use multiple situations in answers. As an example, to answer a ‘leadership style question’ talk about using different leadership styles in different (sector related) environments
State a theory or model and give an example of the theory/model in use
Embed short metaphors and examples into a longer example, ensuring their is a golden thread

Create a conversation.

Dont wait until the end of a job interview to ask the employer questions about the company.

Ask questions throughout the recruitment process and use the answers to give your own suitable replies. As an example if, by asking the interview questions, it is clear that the company value innovation, ensure you reference times you have been creative and innovative.

Mirror the language an employer uses; build on their metaphors, copy jargon and acronyms. By using a similar level of language a stronger level of rapport will be built.

Final job interview questions and answers

Final job interview question: Tell me what would you do in the first 3 months of working for the organization?

The interviewer here, is checking that the applicant is a self-motivated individual who can get things done.

Explain:

Understanding the vison/project brief
Planning for risk
Reviewing budget spend
Team motivation
Taking action
Being results driven

Final job interview question: How will you motivate the team to achieve the objective?

A leader creates a vision that the team work to achieve. The two parts vision and action(s) come together by ‘motivation’.

Discuss:

Different leadership styles
Staff motivation models
Operational plans
Previous examples of motivating teams

Final Interview Questions: What problems do you foresee?

Nothing is streamless in the world of work.

All managers, senior leaders and project managers can predict and manager risk. To answer the ‘problem’ question:

State potential problems
Discuss risk management models
Give solutions to common industry problems
Explain reactive and proactive approaches
Talk about risk budgets

How competitive is a final job interview?

Final job interviews aren’t competitive in terms of numbers.

The average number of applicants per vacancy is around 250. The average number of interviewees for each role is 8-10. The average number of final interviewees is just 2.

The two final interviewees will be highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced. In these terms competition is high, because both job candidates are equally matched.

Often, the job offer goes to the candidate who has best prepared, and therefore the most confident in delivering high-scoring interview answers.

For a final job interview, high scoring answers are the answers that give specific and measure data that highlights the candidates competencies relevant to the job criteria and beyond.

March 11, 2022March 15, 2022

How to Answer Interview Questions Confidently

The ability to confidently communicate competencies during the job interview will give the interviewee a significant advantage over other, less confident, applicants.

Highly skilled and highly experienced career professionals often fail job interviews due to stress created by wanting to be viewed as knowledgeable.

It is the fear of being rejected by the hiring manager that creates job interview anxiety. Anxiety, sometimes at a subtle level, changes the candidate’s behavior which in turn creates a weak interview identity.

This article will explain how to reduce anxiety during the recruitment process to help answer job interview questions confidently.

Are you worried about the hiring manager’s opinion?

Humans worry about employers’ opinions as they don’t want to be seen as incompetent. Someone who consistently worries about other people’s opinions can become depressed.

Belonging is hardwired in the human psychic, to belong is to be safe. The desire to belong comes from our ancestors, the hunter, and gathers. Back in time when humans roamed the earth competing for food with wild animals, humans needed to be part of a tribe to survive.

A group of hunter and gathers were stronger together, but if one of the tribe rejected their survival rate diminished. Tribes were created on shared beliefs, values and through the individual skills, each person brought to the tribe.

In the job interview, how an interviewee thinks affects their behavior.

Research into the recruitment of staff has shown how applicants with low self-esteem have an internal focus, worrying about the hiring manager’s opinion. Whereas, a confident candidate is externally focused – giving the same quality of answers no matter how the employer acts in the job interview.

The research shows how the more confident a person the less they care about the opinions of others because self-worth out powers the self-worry.

Eggs in One Basket

Caring about a hiring manager’s opinion increases depending on context.

The advice that an interview coach would give, is to apply for new roles while in a position you are happy with.

Being employed in a good job takes the pressure off during the recruitment process, as the belief that ‘if I’m not successful I still have a job I like’ creates a win-win situation.

The increased confidence gained from the win-win scenario has a slight change in the candidate’s interview behavior. Confident interviewees will:

Give detail examples
Share their opinions rather then looking to agree with the interviewee panel
Stand up for themselves
Be a self-promoter
Have an open conversation
Tell the employer what they want from a job

In most cases though, career professionals look for new positions because their current job role is one they now detest. Many interviewees are desperate to leave their current employer and/or are highly stressed.

The new job role is viewed as a ‘last chance’ with applicants saying ‘if I’m not successful i don’t what I will do!’

A last chance mind-frame has an effect on the candidate’s attitude, as they focus more on the employer’s opinions than focusing on showcasing their skills and experiences.

Employers hiring decisions are emotionally led, which means the psychology of a job interview plays an important part in the recruitment of new staff. This includes:

Unconscious Bias
The power of likeability
Prejudices
Commonality and rapport
The applicants language and word choice

Action – apply for jobs while in a position you love

Answering Interview Questions Confidently

The first task then is to have an external focus – a focus on the delivery of high-scoring job interview answers.

Low confident interviewees use generic statements:

‘I’m not good enough’
‘Others are better skilled then I am?
‘I have less sector knowledge than other people’

Limiting beliefs limit the possibilities of a successful job interview outcome.

To change a limiting belief requires challenge. Question the belief, look for evidence to the contrary, request specifics.

Ask specifics:

‘Not good enough of what specifically?’
‘Good enough compared to whom?’
‘Who are these other people?’
‘Which skills in particular?’
‘Name your own strengths’

Language shapes our reality. Challenging oneself (a technique used by career and interview coaches) changes perception. Perception creates confidence. Confidence creates a stronger interview performance. A stronger interview performance increases job offers.

The language used to describe an interview also influences an applicant’s interview confidence.

Some confident career professionals view the job interview as a:

Meeting
Discussion about their experience
An opportunity to find more out about the employer

The frame of an interview, a life or death situation (if I don’t succeed in this job interview I will have failed), or an opportunity (a chance to develop my career), changes the candidate’s approach to the recruitment process.

Interview Questions and Answers

Repetition is the key to mastering a skill.

A job interview – communicating high-scoring answers confidently, is just another skill. A job interview is essentially a public speaking engagement. Many people initially fear public speaking but become more confident once they practice their oration skills.

One of the biggest barriers to a successful job interview is the lack of practice. The fear of rejection creates procrastination, which can increase anxiety if the applicant suffers from imposter syndrome.

First-choice applicants – career professionals who receive a high number of job offers, will follow the three rules for passing a job interview.

Identifying the job criteria
Being a self-promoter
Communicating confidently

The more an interviewee predicts the job interview questions, craft high-scoring job interview answers, and practices the delivery style of those answers, the more they are likely to feel confident throughout a hiring process.

5 Steps for Practicing Job Interview Answers

Step 1 – Turn each essential job criteria into an interview question

Step 2 – Draft an interview answer for each question

Step 3 – Rewrite the answer by adding an example

Step 4 – Tweak the answer 3-4 more times embedding positive language

Step 5 – Practice, out loud, saying the answer as you would in a job interview

Feeling Confident

The more an applicant feels confident, the more confident their interview answers will be.

Pre-interview preparation can help to increase confidence. Some basic advice includes:

Stay hydrated drink lots of water prior to the job interview
Exercise on the morning of the interview
Use mindfulness or a positive visualization to feel more relaxed

The candidate’s mindset is key to building confidence. Self-worth increases self-promotion. Become aware of your skills, qualities, and experiences by:

Re-read passed appraisals and make a list of all the skills, strengths and qualities a passed employer has stated
List of the key project you have been part of – focus on what you did to make the project a success
Breakdown your personality – What are you naturally gifted at? How do you work best? What are your natural strengths?

It is important to remember the power play of a job interview.

In the main, the job applicants frame is that the employer has something they want (the job role) rather than the realization that the candidate has what the employer needs (that is why the employer is currently recruiting).

The candidate’s frame – how they view the job interview, changes how they perceive the power balance themselves and the employer.

The Formula for a Confident Job Interview

Confidence, therefore, is created by perception – how the candidates view the job interview and the number of hours of interview preparation.

Mindset x Practice = a confident job interview

If we summarize the above advice, to answer job interview questions confidently:

Create an external focus – a focus on the delivery of high-scoring job interview answers
Decrease the internal focus – worrying about the hiring managers opinion
Apply for jobs while in a position you currently enjoy as this releases stress
Challenge limiting beliefs by asking for specifics
View the interview as a conversation or meeting
Follow the three rules for a successful job interview and practice answering interview questions
Identify your own skills, strengths and qualities
Use meditation, exercise and staying hydrated to increase confidence
Remember the employer needs you more then you need them – be in charge of the power play of the recruitment process

March 2, 2022March 17, 2022

Common Interview Questions for Entry Level Jobs

In years gone by having a degree open the doors to a new career.

In more recent times the number of people attending university has risen meaning having a degree alone isn’t enough to secure an entry level position.

One study precited that ‘the number of young people aged 24 to 34 completing a tertiary degree across OECD and G20 countries is expected to increase to 300 million by 2030, up from 137 million in 2013‘

This is because the data shows that having a degree will:

Increase your chances of employment
Help gain a high-skilled job role
Increase earnings compared to non-degree employees

An entry level job role is a the starting position on the career ladder. Employers, in the main, will create an entry level position with additional support, training and mentoring to introduce the new employee to the word of work even though they lack industry experience.

With an increase in degree level applicants an increase in competition has become common, with job offers going to the candidates who perform best in the job interview.

This article will explain what a graduate can do to pass an entry-level job interview.

How competitive is an Entry Level job interview?

Interview Specifics:

Informal job interview lasts around 30 minutes with 6 questions being asked

Can you demonstrate the relevant knowledge and experience to pass a Entry Level job interview?

Relevant qualifications
Any sector related experience including placements, internships, and work experience
Personal skills and work ethic, related to the job role
Knowledge of industry related model and theories
Being a life long leaner
Commitment to organization as they invest time and money into the graduate
Skills gained from being a graduate
Any unique selling points

Check the average pay for an entry level job role.

Job offers are given to the graduate who is viewed by the employer as being the best fit. This means the way a candidate is perceived by the interview panel, the applicants interview identity, which is based on their perceived level of knowledge/experience vs their level of confidence, is an important aspect of the hiring mangers decision making process.

In fact, the applicants interview identity for an entry level position is important for a second reason. On average, all the interviewees will have a similar level of qualification (the sector related degree) and therefore a similar level of knowledge.

Each candidate, in the main, wont have in-depth experience of recruitment processes, so will be nervous during a job interview. And most will have equal work experience and/or placements.

In short, an entry level job interview is a level playing field. That means the interview performance can be the difference between or job offer or job rejection.

Job Interview Questions and Answers for an Entry Level Job Role.

Most employers adopt an informal job interview process for an entry-level job role. This is because, in many cases, the candidates wont have enough experience to answer behavioral job interview questions.

An informal job interview is a 30-45 minute job interview where the employers ask several planned job interview question that create a conversation, before asking follow up question depending on where the conversation is leading.

Whereas, a structured job interview – the most common type of job interview will ask the same questions to all applicants, with no ad-hoc follow up questions.

Entry Level Job Interview Question 1 – why did you apply for this position?

Before planning the answers to interview questions, it is wise to first think about the interview environment.

Has the employer requested a virtual or a face to face interview? Tips for a virtual interview can be found here: Online Job Interview Advice

The most commonly asked entry-level job interview question is the ‘why this position?’ question, sometime framed as ‘Tell me about yourself and whey you applied for this role?’

Unstructured job interview questions are often ‘open’ allowing the interviewee to discuss anything they think may be relevant.

Two mistakes graduates make is either 1) not giving enough information and detail, or 2) discussing experiences and skills irrelevant for the advertised position.

To answer the initial opening question discuss three key elements:

Your character
Your journey
Your reason for applying

“I have always had a passion for (industry) this is due to (give reason). What I particular interested in is (give a specific element of the job sector that you care about). My experience (in university studying an X degree/working in job sector) has given me an in-depth knowledge on (job sector criteria) as an example (state 1 or 2 job sector relevant data/knowledge)

I recently completed my (qualification) at (university name) where I (give selling point: achieved a 2:1 or had a work placement at (famous company). In addition to studying I also (describe relevant work experience gained)

People describe me as a (name three qualities). This is because (give reason for the character reference). The reason I applied for this position is because of the company reputation. I am looking to work for an organization that (add facts about the company) which is why I want to work here. I was also impressed with the company vision (state company vision) which is something I also deem important”

Entry Level Job Interview Question 2 – how do you develop yourself?

Employers understand that entry level employees lack sector knowledge and industry experience.

The reason for the lower waged than a more experience career professional is due to the fact that the employer will train, mentor and support the graduate in the position.

Hiring managers are looking to recruit staff members that are life long learners. Technology, politics, customer demand, globalization, among other things, are the drivers of change that evolve each industry.

In time gone by these same drivers of changed happened, but at a slower rate. The fast pace rapid sector changes require a flexible workforce who can absorb new knowledge, changes in industry policy and quick adopt to new ways of working.

On a smaller level, a graduate new to the world of work needs to have the ability to pick business-as-usual tasks and job duties quickly. Over a 3 year period, an entry level employee will learn the same level of knowledge as they did during their degree course.

In short, employers need applicants to demonstrate they are keen on professional development and learning.

“I’m a life long learner who values personal and professional development. Over the past three years I studied for my degree where I gained a (qualification level). As well as attending the lectures, I also decided to improve my sector knowledge by (add any additional studying; attending online courses, watching additional lectures on YouTube or attending study groups). Because I have a clear career direction, I also applied for and gain a (part-time sector job, placement, internship, etc) where I learned about (describe a sector related knowledge).

Because I value development, I often reflect on my strengths and weaknesses and attend short training courses to improve skills and knowledge. Recently I felt I could do with improving a (soft skill) as I knew this skill would be important when (completing a job duty) so I attending a (course) which helped me to (course objective).”

Entry Level Job Interview Question 3 – what can you bring to the team?

The informal job interview is designed to get to know the applicant.

The goal of the informal interview is to find out what the candidate can bring to the team and if they would work well within the company culture, which is why many employers directly ask ‘what can you bring to the team?’

To answer the interview question well, a candidate must remember the tree rules for a successful job interview outcome:

Identify the job criteria – the skills, qualities and experiences an employers deems relevant for the job role
Be a self-promoter – detailing experiences, explaining knowledge and using self-promoting language
Communicate with confidence – delivering interview answers in a clear, concise and confident way

One barrier to gaining a job offer is the relevance of a job interview answer. Some applicants will give detailed and self-promoting answers but still struggle to gain a successful job interview outcome.

The reason is the content of the interview answer. By identifying the job criteria (knowing what the employer is looking for in a new team member) helps to craft an answer that references the job criteria.

“The three key elements that I can bring to the team are X, Y and Z. I’m am highly skilled at X, which means I can (describe how being skilled in X will be a benefit to the organisation). My key strength is Y. As a team member I can use this strength (to gain a positive outcome). And finally, being highly knowledgeable about Y can help in (describe a future scenario where the knowledge would be of high importance).”

Entry Level Job Interview Question 4 – tell me about your course/degree?

The trap, most entry level applicants, fall into when asked a question about their time at university is that the interviewee will simply describe the duration of the course, the course content and their opinion of the degree.

What an employer is really asking is: ‘what skills and knowledge did you gain from studying a degree and how will those skills and knowledge help you in this job role?’

Again, as with all job interview questions it is important to first identify the skills, qualities, and experiences and employer deems to be important and then to reference these throughout the interview answer.

“What I really enjoyed about the course was how it improved my knowledge in (a specific area). As an example, I know have a level of understanding about (technical element of the job role) that would be of great use when (describe relevant work-based scenario). I also have a great knowledge based of (describe three additional knowledges).

Throughout the course, I also able to recognize and build upon some of my skills and qualities. In particular, one of my key strengths is (add strength). On the course I (describe a situation/problem). To overcome this barrier I (state three actions took, describing in detail how yo use your strengths, skills and qualities). This resulted in (state a positive outcome).”

Entry Level Job Interview Question 5 – what were your favorite classes and why?

The ‘favorite classes’ job interview question is asked as an alternative to the ‘tell me about your degree’ question. It is mainly asked in apprenticeship job interviews.

The format of the interview answer is the same for both questions – a focus on how a particular class or classes gave the interviewee the skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the job role.

The above interview answer template can be tailored for both questions.

Entry Level Job Interview Question 6 – what do you like to do outside of university/work?

Businesses complete risk assessments on all aspects of the business, including recruitments.

Hiring a highly experienced and qualified employee is deemed as low risk, as the cost of recruitment vs the experienced gained is viewed as beneficial.

The risk of recruiting a graduate with no industry experience and therefore no way of knowing how the react the pressure of a job role, how they work within a team and their work ethic is viewed as high risk.

In addition, employers spend time and money to support and develop entry level employees. The pay off, for the employer, is that they get to train the new employee to work in a way that suits the culture of the organization.

But culture fit also depends on an applicants personality. By asking ‘what do you do outside of work?’ is an indicate to that persons temperament.

Stay ways from answering the question with anything to do with:

Drinking
Staying in bed
Parties

“I like to make the most of my time. I spend a lot of my evenings exercising, going for short runs, walks and doing yoga. Exercise is one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy but also helps to build a positive mindset.

I mentioned previously that I enjoy professional development. I am currently applying to attend (short course) that will teach me (state course objective).

I also enjoy (describe hobby). What is interesting, even though the hobby doesn’t directly related to the job role, is that this hobby helps me build up (a skill) that can be used when (job duty).”

Entry Level Job Interview Question 7 – Do you have any questions for me?

Each hiring manager during all job interviews will ask each interviewee if they have any questions for the employer.

Knowing that the final ‘ask me’ question will be asked, a set of questions needs to be prepared.

What will the first few weeks as an entry level employee look like?
How would you describe the team?
What have previous graduates gone on to do in your company?
Why do you proactive employee graduates?
Do you offer training for new employees?

This site uses the ‘LMI for All’ online data portal to access official government ‘big data’ sources. This powers the labour market data provided on this site.

February 8, 2022February 8, 2022

Best Job Interview Books for 2022

2022 will see an increase in job interviews as employers recover from pandemic and great resignation.

Already there has been a significant rise in job vacancies. The office for national statistics said “The number of job vacancies in October to December 2021 rose to a new record of 1,247,000, an increase of 462,000 from the pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic level in January to March 2020”

Source.

Competition for job roles is at an all time high, with a higher number of degree-level qualified career professionals looking for new career opportunities.

Technology and remote working has open the job market up to a global audience.

To be successful in a job interview, the candidate not only has to have the best experience, skills and qualifications, they also have to be the best interviewee.

Below is a list of the 5 best job interview books for 2022 to help you land your next job role.

Job Interview Book – what is your interview identity?

Pre-released at the end of 2021, the interview book ‘what is your interview identity, both paperback and hardback versions, were in top ten of Amazons new release books list.

The books explains the psychology of the recruitment process and how an employers perception of an applicant at the interview start creates a lasting impression that influences the scoring of the candidates job interview answers.

The ‘interview identity’ is the Myers Briggs of job interviews. The book also discusses the power of unconscious bias and explains the academic research findings of what creates a successful job interview.

Suitable for all job sectors, a must have for any career professional.

Amazon link – what is your interview identity

Job Interview Book – Cracking the Coding Interview

The programming sector, and the technology industry as a whole, is one of the biggest recruiters,

In tech job interviews you are asked very specific tech related job interview questions. To prepare for a programming job interview it is important to have technical interview answer prepared.

Cracking the code shares 189 programming interview questions and solutions to help any programming interviewee prepare for the job interview.

Amazon link – cracking the coding interview

Job Interview Book – Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

With over 4 million copies sold, the crucial conversation book is a wide read book.

Crucial conversations explains how to communicate in high stake situations. The book delves into the emotional reactions of individuals helps to influence and persuade.

The book explains the seven step model for crucial conversations; start with the heart, stay in dialogue, make it safe, don’t get hooked by emotions, agree mutual purpose, separate facts from the story and agree a clear action plan.

Amazon link – Crucial Conversations

Job Interview Book – Why You 101 Job Interview Questions

The forth book in the list is why you – 101 interview questions that explains an approach to answering the various job interview questions from the classic ‘tell me about your weakness’ to the famous sales job interview question ‘sell me this pen’

Amazon Link – Why You – 101 job interview questions

Job Interview Book – How to get hired

The how to get hired book covers more than just interviews, talking about the application process, identifying the right job and salary negotiation.

The book is framed as an inside guide (from an experience recruiter) on what works across the whole recruitment process to find career success.

A clearly written book that touches upon the various ways a candidate can successfully land a job of their dreams.

Amazon Link – how to get hired

February 7, 2022February 7, 2022

Interview Questions for Retail

Retail is one of the largest job sectors with over 2.9 million employees in the UK alone.

This article will focus on the job interview questions for a retail worker which incldues:

Shelf-stacker
Till operator
Customer service

Retail supervisors and managers attend a more structured job interview where they are asked leadership questions.

A third of retail staff are under the age of 25 and over half are part-time employees. This role attracts both students, looking for a part-time income and full-time retail staff looking for a career in retail.

In the main, the larger retail organizations have an ongoing recruitment campaign and like to hire a diverse workforce.

Due to the time spend on recruitment, many employers deliver short informal interviews that are designed to check a applicants work-ethic, attitude and personal skills.

This article will list the commonly asked interview questions for a retail position, and explain the best way to answer each question.

How competitive is a Retail job interview?

Interview Specifics:

Can you demonstrate the relevant knowledge and experience to pass a Retail job interview?

Customer service skills
Communication skills
Numeracy and literacy
Reliability
Flexibility
Teamwork
Till/handling cash experience
Stock rotation knowledge
Sales techniques (for some roles)

Check the average pay for a Retail job role.

Retail job interview questions will vary from one retailer to the next. As an example a food retailer will ask about stock rotation and food hygiene awareness, whereas a clothing company will focus their interview questions on personal skills – being helpful, smart in appearance and communication skills.

All retailers will ask a variation of the common retail questions listed below, but it is important to follow the three rules of a successful job interview:

One – identify the skills and experiences each retailer requires you to possess

Two – be a self-promoter by highlighting customer service skills, reliability and your work ethic

Three – communicate confidently. In retail communication and customer service is a key skill. The whole of the job interview is an assessment of how you come across to a potential customer.

Job Interview Questions and Answers for a Retail Position.

To pass a job interview for a retail position is relatively easy.

Employers don’t ask tricky interview questions, they are rarely ‘scary’ and in the main try to create a relaxed environment to help the interviewee to open up.

At the bottom line, the interviewers want to get to know the potential employee.

The barrier here then is the number of applications each employer receives, which is much higher then the number of job vacancies.

To pass a retail job interview, it is important to predict the interview questions and practice the delivery of the interview answers.

Mock interviews help to practice an interview in full
Re-writing interview answers helps with memory
Talking in slower pace (as interviewees then to speed up due to nervousness) helps the employer to record your experiences and skills

Below is a list of retail questions and an explanation of how to answer each question.

Retail Interview Question 1. Tell me a little bit about yourself?

In all retail job interviews, the hiring manager will ask a generic opening question:

“Tell me about yourself?”
“Do you have any retail experience?”
“Give me an overview of your relative experience?”

The idea with asking a generic interview question is for the interview panel to get to know the job applicant, while at the same time getting them to open up.

By talking about oneself often gives confidence to the candidate, which helps later in the recruitment process when the hiring manager will ask more specific questions.

Employers will make a hiring decision based on the interview answers each candidates give. For a retail job role, the employer using a applicants retail/customer service experience as well as their personality/confidence to create an opinion.

We call the the interviewees Interview Identity.

Interview Answer Template.

“I have worked in (retail/customer service) roles for ‘X’ number of years. I really enjoy the (state a positive challenge) aspect of the role.

One of my key skills is (add retail related skilled IE customer service, sales, problem-solving) an example of this is when I was working as a (job role) at (company). A customer (describe action) to help get a positive result I (describe actions). The outcome was (positive outcome)

People describe as (list qualities). In my last role I was known as the employee who would (add quality; arrive on time, help customers, go above and beyond).

I am currently (studying full-time/looking for a career in retail) and I applied for this position because of (reference a positive aspect about the company)”

Retail Interview Question 2. Why did you apply for a job with our company?

Retail managers know that there is a vast amount of retail job roles, all with varying pay and conditions, available for people to apply for.

With this in mind, a high number of hiring managers will ask the reason why a candidate is applying for their vacancy rather then another.

The reason for this interview question is due to staff retention. The longer a staff member/retail team work for one company the more skilled that team will become (as well as saving on recruitment cost).

Don’t answer the ‘why us’ question with any of the following reasons:

Financial
Near to my home
I just need a job
Don’t know

Instead create an interview answer that highlights how the company values, vision and culture appeal to you.

Interview Answer Template.

“When I started job searching I saw a high number of retail vacancies, but when I saw that your company was advertising I knew I had to apply.

What I like about your company is the fact that you (add a company value/vision). This is something I can relate to. I also am passionate about (add a passion that relates to the company value/vision).

I also like where the company is heading. When I was researching the organization I read how you are (add a recent quote from a media source) I think this is a great idea as more people are (give a future action related to the quote IE shopping online).

One of the main reasons I applied for the role, is because I shop at your company and I love (the products/the way customer are treated/the environment)”

Retail Interview Question 3. What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service is a fundamental part of any retail job role.

Retail employers always ask a customer service related interview question:

“Tell me about your customer service experience?”
“What would you do if a customer did X?”
“Give me an example of going above and beyond for a customer?”

An article on Salesforce talked about the 8 principles of customer service:

Teamwork
Listen and share
Friendly
Honest
Improved empathy
Deep product knowledge
Timeliness
Improving processes

One way to answer the customer service interview question is by stating what makes good customer service and then giving an example of delivering excellent customer.

Interview Answer Template.

“For me, customer service is the key part of my job role. Good customer service includes being a great listener and communicator, while being able to build rapport. It is also about being a time-sensitive problem solver and looking at a customer problem from their viewpoint, and most importantly its about helping to create loyal customers.

I have always had a natural ability to give great customer service, as I am a natural peoples person. An example of this was when I was (describe a situation), to help the customer I (add 3 steps: Listened to the issue, discussed options and used my personal skills to get a positive outcome)”

Retail Interview Questions 4. How would you handle a rude customer?

Helping a pleasant customer is easy, they ask for help, help is given and everyone is happy.

On the other hand, having to deal with an angry, rude or disruptive customer is much more difficult.

In fact, the whole reason that customer service is the hot topic in retail job interviews is because of the fact the employers need to hire retail staff that can respond professionally to any customer service situation.

An article on MindTools explains 5 steps to dealing with a rude customer:

Stay calm and don’t react
Don’t take it personally
Listen and apologise if needed
Stand firm
Solve the problem

Interview Answer Template.

“I have helped many rude customer in the past. I don’t get affected by a rude customer as I don’t take the rudeness personally. I know that many customer s act rude because they are frustrated and once they see that I am willing to help them resolve their issue, they will calm down, often applogise and become helpful.

An example of helping a rude customer is when I worked at (company name) and a customer was angry because of (state issue). First I stayed calm and listened to their complaint without interrupting. I then summarised their problem and asked what outcome they wanted. I then though about two options (describe options) and asked the customer a few questions to help them decide which option was best. By being calm, patient and by wanting to solve their problem I was able to get a customer, who initially was rude, to leave a positive comment on a store feedback card.”

Retail Interview Question 5. Do you work well within a team?

A retail store is a well oiled machine.

All the various cogs; shelf-stackers, cahiers, cleaners, security guards, customer service desk, buyers, warehouse staff, etc, etc work together to display products that customers want to buy.

The team collectively works well when all team members embrace being team.

Many retail company’s will create a team culture through teambuilding activities, team meetings and highlighting team achievements.

In a retail recruitment process, the hiring manager isn’t just looking for a skilled worker they are searching for a team player.

The best answer to give is to share an example of teamwork in action. When sharing a teamwork example it is important to explain the problem the team were facing before the candidates shares what actions they took to help the team achieves its goal.

Interview Answer Template.

“I really enjoy working within a team. I like that everyone helps and supports each other to achieve a common goal.

An example of me working within a team is when I worked at (organisation). The team had to (achieve an objective) but the problem was (describe a barrier the team faced).

The team didn’t know what we should do, so I suggested that everyone should share an idea. We all did, and that led to a natural discussion. I took the lead and asked my team mates for their opinions on the ideas and before long it was clear that we all wanted to try a particular suggestion. We the divided up the jobs, I was responsible for (task) and went to work. By the end of the (day/project/task) we had (positive outcome).”

Retail Interview Question 6. Do you have any questions for me?

Each hiring manager during all job interviews will ask each interviewee if they have any questions for the employer.

Knowing that the final ‘ask me’ question will be asked, a set of questions needs to be prepared.

Can you talk me through the training that you offer new staff members?
What are the busiest times of the year?
How would you describe an average day?
How would you describe the culture of the company?
How many staff work full time and part time?

This site uses the ‘LMI for All’ online data portal to access official government ‘big data’ sources. This powers the labour market data provided on this site.

January 31, 2022January 31, 2022

Four Day Work Week Job Interview Questions

A six month pilot, to test the benefits of a four day work week, has seen hundreds of businesses register their interest.

If a four day week becomes the norm, employers will want to know how employees will adopt to working less hours. It will be in the job interview where hiring managers ask about productivity in the hour-day week world.

In this article, we will list potential four-day week job interview questions and answers.

Less hours equals more productivity?

The 4 Day Week Global will see a reduction in the number of hours an employee with the hope of increasing production.

Three universities; Oxford, Cambridge and Boston college (US) plan to sign up around 30 companies during this new initiative. The idea is that less work equals less stress, and less stress increases productivity.

The trio of universities will collect data from the trial, including evaluations via an interview method, to check the advantages and disadvantages of working just 80% of the (current) working week.

Currently three official businesses have signed up to the trial, with the experiment needing a variety of job sectors to participate to test the impact of a reduction in working hours. MLB Seminars (a training company), Yo Telecom and Hutch Games (computer) are currently testing the four day week.

The data gained from the UK companies will be assessed along side data taken from similar experiments across the globe. It is predicted that different sectors will have to vary how they adapt the four-day week to meet the needs of their industry.

In a four day week trial in Iceland the results show how reducing working hours increased smarter working, with staff managing their time better, reducing time spent in meetings and improving internal communications.

Employee wellbeing had a significant improvement, with staff stating how they felt more positive and happy. Experiments has shown this before, where overworked staff working more hours are less productive then staff working the average number of hours per week.

The goal is to offer employees less hours with the same pay (rather then compressed hours in a four day week), not to decrease hours and pay. The concept is referred to as the 100:80:100 model. Employees receive 100% of pay for 80% in exchange for 100% productivity.

As AI becomes more embedded within organizations, a 20% cut in working hours could easily be accommodated with technology automating business as usual low skilled tasks. The pandemic has taught businesses time-saving lessons, as an example virtual project meetings has reduced the total number of travel hours, to and from the meeting, of the participants.

Looking at the wider picture, a four-day week can also support the green agenda. In 2019, Microsoft Japan’s trailed a three-day weekend that resulted in a recorded 40% productivity but also increased efficiencies, such as 23% electricity savings.

Employers look for productive staff

Each recruitment process is designed to predict the job performance of the interviewee, their productivity.

The evidence is clear, happy fulfilled and trained employees are more productive. Whereas a stressful working environment reduces each employees productivity.

From an employees perspective, the workers expect that employees create processes and procedures that help create a productive workforce. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory states that their are two categories for workplace motivation:

Motivation factors that give employees a sense of satisfaction

Work that has a purpose
Greater autonomy
Recognition

Hygiene factors that determine the basic level of stability and job security:

Pay
Job security
Working conditions

On the other hand, employers expect a level of output from a paid employee. In the job interview the job candidate, through their answers, makes a pledge of their skill set and work ethic which the hiring decision is based on.

As with all new initiatives that get launched, the organizations that take part in the trail will have a vested interest in the initiative and happy to work within the guidelines. As the initiative becomes common place, other organizations get on board rather then being seen to rock the boat.

The problem here is that the latter employers may need commitment from the interviewee, at the interview stage, that they can and will offer 100% productivity during a four-day week.

Four day week job interview questions

In the main, employers will ask four day week job interview questions that come under one of three categories:

Time management
Output
Wellbeing management

How will you maximize output while working a four day week?

Employers are looking to hear what tasks or last time activities can be reduced to increase productivity.

Job interview answers should cover time management processes, the use of automated technology/systems and task priority.

Job Interview Answer:

“Output is improved through the management of tasks. The time management matrix explains how tasks can be prioritised based on their urgency vs importance. Tasks that are highly urgent and important must be completed straight away, this could include (example).

One of the common task in our sector is (add task) which often takes up (number of hours per week) but can easily be automated through (system/procedure/software). Another common task is (second task and third task) which is required in several departments. I propose, to save time, that these tasks are job shared. With one department completing all (task one) and the other all (task two).

One the reasons why I always have a high level of productivity is due to my wellbeing management. The research shows how stressed employees have less production, whereas motivated staff are highly productive. Personally, I keep motivated by regularly (add activity)”

What ways can you think off that will help reduce time spent on non-productive tasks?

Each sector varies, but generally speaking their are a number of ways to reduce time.

When answering the time saving interview question, it is important not to use examples that make the candidate to be viewed as lazy IE ‘I would talk less’. Instead think more strategically, as an example having ‘task and finish’ team meetings or shared calendars that reduce planning time.

Job Interview Answer

“Thinking about our industry there are two areas that could be changed to reduce the amount of time spent on non-productive tasks. The first is (add specific situation). Time is wasted here because of (give reason), instead we could save time by (give solution).

The second area is (add specific situation). A number of hours are wasted because of the amount of people who do (add time wasting task) Instead if we were able to implement (solution) we could save a (give percentage) of time.”

An example of a solution to a time wasted tasks is in the recruitment sector, where many companies are now using AI bots to read job applications rather then leaving it to humans.

Give me an example of how you managed your stress levels during a busy period?

When giving a real life example of part of a job interview answer, it is important to create context by describing the situation – the why this was happening.

Then, specifically explain what actions were taken to create a positive outcome. Ideally, the example used must be relative to the position being applied for.

Job Interview Answer.

“A couple of years back, I was working at an organization named (company name). I was part of a team working on (a specific project). The project was highly important as (describe how the successful completion of the project would have a benefit to the employer).

The timeframe for the project was tight, we had to complete (task) within a (add timeframe). the reason this was difficult was (give specifics).

It was a very stressful time for everyone, but I was always able to manage my stress and stay motivated and productive.

To stay motivated and to have good wellbeing I (generic stress management technique). When on a tight deadline I always (stress management technique)which helps me to stay on track. When working in a stressful environment or when other colleagues are stressed I will (stress management technique).”