Tag: job interview

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Wired Job Interview Questions

Why do employers ask weird interview questions?

For competitive high-salary job roles employers want to ensure that the interviewee hasn’t Googled “common interview question answers” Left field interview questions can’t be predicted and these seemingly random interview question have a key purpose.

Weird interview questions are designed to be deliberately testing and are actually relevant to the job role. Questions such as “name 5 usages for a tin opener apart from opening tins” test the creativity of interviewees.

And common weird interview questions such as “how many golf balls can fit inside a school mini bus?” (This question was asked at a Google interview) test your ability to solve problems mathematically.

Before answering any weird job interview question, first ask yourself two key questions – 1. What does the company do or what will be my duties or required skills? 2. What is the aim of this question? What skill will this question uncover or test?

We have record ten previously asked weird job interview questions to help you prepare for the unexpected.

  • How many times a day does a clock’s hands overlap?
  • How would you get an elephant into a refrigerator?
  • How many cows are there in the UK?

  • If you were a Microsoft Office Programme which one would you be?
  • Will this company succeed? Why or why not?
  • On a scale from one to ten, rate me as an interviewer
  • You need to check that your friend, Bob, has your correct phone number but you cannot ask him directly. You must write the question on a card and give it to Eve who will take the card to Bob and return the answer to you. What must you write on the card, besides the question, to ensure Bob can encode the message so that Eve cannot read your phone number?
  • Design an evacuation plan for London
  • Imagine you have a closet full of shirts. It’s very hard to find a shirt. So what can you do to organise your shirts for easy retrieval?
  • If you was an animal what animal would you be?

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Job Interview Questions for TGI Fridays Waiter

Job Interview Questions for TGI Fridays Waiter

Job Interview Questions for TGI Friday – waiter

Often with TGI Fridays, you will be asked to complete a 2-hour work trail to check for your skills and strengths.

Following this, successful applicants will be asked back for a one to one job interview with the branch manager

        • Job Interview Question 1: What is your waitering experience?
    • Job Interview Question 2: Why do you want to work at TGIs?
    • Job Interview Question 3: How to you respond if a customer said they had received the wrong order?

      • Job Interview Question 4: Give me an example of working in a team under pressure?
    • Job Interview Question 5: What experience in customer service do you have?
    • Job Interview Question 6: What type of food do we sell at TGIs?
    • Job Interview Question 7: How would you remember the specials

Interview questions and answers

        • Job Interview Question 8: How would you ensure that customers enjoyed their experience?
    • Job Interview Question 9: How do you upsell?
    • Job Interview Question 10: Do you have any questions to ask me?

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Job Interview Questions for A Carpet Fitter

Job Interview Questions for A Carpet Fitter

          • Job Interview Question 1: What is your experience in carpet fitting?
        • Job Interview Question 2: How would you approach measuring up floor space and estimating the amount of material required?
        • Job Interview Question 3: What is the first step when fitting carpets?

          • Job Interview Question 4: Why is it important to remove doors prior to fitting a carpet?
        • Job Interview Question 5: When would you use glue or nails?
        • Job Interview Question 6: Why would you liaise with the contractor?
        • Job Interview Question 7: What is a fast-track flooring systems?

Interview questions and answers

          • Job Interview Question 8: What is your knowledge of health and safety regulations?
        • Job Interview Question 9: What differnet styles of carpet cuts do you know?
        • Job Interview Question 10: Do you have any questions for me?

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Every Job Interview Question You Will Ever Be Asked

Every Job Interview Question You Will Ever Be Asked:

  • Job Interview Question: Tell me a little about yourself.
  • Job Interview Question: Why do you want to work for this company?
  • Job Interview Question: What can you offer that others cant?
  • Job Interview Question: What is your experience in this role?
  • Job Interview Question: What are your key strengths?
  • Job Interview Question: What do you perceive are your weaknesses?
  • Job Interview Question: Sum up your career to date?
  • Job Interview Question: Have you ever done anything in a job that you are embarrassed about?
  • Job Interview Question: What made you apply for this particular company?
  • Job Interview Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 25 years?
  • Job Interview Question: How do you handle stressful situations?
  • Job Interview Question: What do you to destress at work?
  • Job Interview Question: What has been your greatest career achievement?
  • Job Interview Question: What is your long-term career goal?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you communicate detailed information to ensure that the communication is not distorted?
  • Job Interview Question: What management style do you use to motivate employees?
  • Job Interview Question: Is customer service something you deem as important?
  • Job Interview Question: Have you ever fell out with a colleague? What happened?
  • Job Interview Question: Why are you looking for a new position?
  • Job Interview Question: How would your past colleagues describe you?
  • Job Interview Question: if you had a task to complete but it was time to go home, what would you do?
  • Job Interview Question: what is your natural position within a team?
  • Job Interview Question: What is more important work or your personal life?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you communicate effectively on the telephone?
  • Job Interview Question: what theories do you adhere to regarding project management?
  • Job Interview Question: what does success mean to you?
  • Job Interview Question: how would you as a lone worker motivate yourself?
  • Job Interview Question: As a manager, wow do you motivate your team?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you deliver a compelling presentation?
  • Job Interview Question: Describe a situation you took full responsibility for a project
  • Job Interview Question: have you ever turned a negative situation into a positive one?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you put 100% into everything you do when your on a down day?

      • Job Interview Question: How do you build relationship with stakeholders?
  • Job Interview Question: How long do you expect to work for us?
  • Job Interview Question: how will you react if you don’t get on well with your line manager?
  • Job Interview Question: what is the most stressful situation you have been in?
  • Job Interview Question: if you gave an order to a member of staff and they didn’t follow it, what would you do?
  • Job Interview Question: what is your career mission/goal?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you calm down angry customers?
  • Job Interview Question: what are your transferable skills?
  • Job Interview Question: what are your other career goals?
  • Job Interview Question: have you considered managerial positions?
  • Job Interview Question: what do you consider a challenging problem?
  • Job Interview Question: How do you reflect on your work practices?
  • Job Interview Question: what would you do if you knew you weren’t going to meet your weekly target?
  • Job Interview Question: what would you do if you seen a colleague stealing?
  • Job Interview Question: how is the internet a vital part of the company?
  • Job Interview Question: what does equal opportunities and diversity mean to you?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you effectively communicate via e-mail?
  • Job Interview Question: what is our company mission?
  • Job Interview Question: if you were me, would you hire you?
  • Job Interview Question: How can social media websites increase revenue?
  • Job Interview Question: do you like criticism?
  • Job Interview Question: describe the pace at which you work?
  • Job Interview Question: Describe a typical work day.
  • Job Interview Question: What is your monetary value?
  • Job Interview Question: if you was in my shoes, which direction would you head the business in?
  • Job Interview Question: how has your education up skilled you?
  • Job Interview Question: Are you willing to travel and work weekends?
  • Job Interview Question: what is the most important aspect of this business?
  • Job Interview Question: Do you consider yourself under qualified for this position?
  • Job Interview Question: Do you know anyone who works for us?
  • Job Interview Question: What one word describes you?
  • Job Interview Question: have you ever committed any offensives?
  • Job Interview Question: How do you prioritise your work to meet deadlines and the business needs?
  • Job Interview Question: What do you value?
  • Job Interview Question: what ITC packages can you use effectively?
  • Job Interview Question: why are you currently unemployed?
  • Job Interview Question: what would your current manager say if he knew you were applying for a new position?
  • Job Interview Question: What is more important to you, the money or a promotion?
  • Job Interview Question: have you ever had a deadline and didn’t make it?
  • Job Interview Question: are you a neat worker?
  • Job Interview Question: how will your IT skills add value?
  • Job Interview Question: Describe what qualities would you like to see in a manager?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you develop your skill base?
  • Job Interview Question: are qualifications important?
  • Job Interview Question: does public speaking frighten you?
  • Job Interview Question: did you lie on your CV?
  • Job Interview Question: have you ever lied in an interview to get the job?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you change your communication style to build relationships with your managers?

      • Job Interview Question: How would you promote our business online or through networking meetings?
  • Job Interview Question: list the 5 most important skills required for this position?
  • Job Interview Question: are you a leader or a follower?
  • Job Interview Question: Have you ever been fired?
  • Job Interview Question: what’s more important quantity or quality?
  • Job Interview Question: What added value will you bring to our company?
  • Job Interview Question: How would you discipline an under performing employee?
  • Job Interview Question: What would you do if your employer instructed you to do something that was unethical
  • Job Interview Question: How is this industry/sector progressing?
  • Job Interview Question: What do you knowour company?
  • Job Interview Question: How can a manager develop and support you to increase your output?
  • Job Interview Question: Why did you stay at your last company for so long?
  • Job Interview Question: What happened at your last position for you to want to leave?
  • Job Interview Question: What motivates you the most in the workplace?
  • Job Interview Question: Are you flexible regarding working hours?
  • Job Interview Question: How have you contributed to increasing profits in any organisation?
  • Job Interview Question: give an example of when you went above and beyond in the workplace?
  • Job Interview Question: What is your career highlight?
  • Job Interview Question: how do you stay motivated in completing repetitive task at work?
  • Job Interview Question: What do you like least about working in this position?
  • Job Interview Question: How have you ever supported a colleague?

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Job Interview Questions for Boots

The first stage of the Boots job interview process is the Boots Interview Online assessment.

To pass the Boots online assessment you need to put yourself in the shoes of a customer, and as a customer think about the type of experience you want when shopping at Boots.

Boots require their employees to be team players, considerate to customers, always put the customer first, great communicators.

On the assessment you will be asked various questions, often repeated but reworded to see if you have the above qualities.

The next stage is the job Interview its self, where you will be asked a number of interview questions to see if your personality, experience and work ethic fit.

Job Interview Questions for Boots

      • Job Interview Question 1: What is your experience in retail or customer service?
    • Job Interview Question 2: What would you do to improve customer service in a Boots store?
    • Job Interview Question 3: Are you happy to work unsocial hours

   

      • Job Interview Question 4: Give an example of working successfully in a team?
    • Job Interview Question 5: What do you know about Boots and our products?
    • Job Interview Question 6: What are your favorite products?
    • Job Interview Question 7: What do you know about our current range of products?

Interview questions and answers

      • Job Interview Question 8: How would you help an elderly man in the store?
    • Job Interview Question 9: How would you sell this shampoo to a young woman?
    • Job Interview Question 10: Why do you want to work with boots
    • Job Interview Question 11: Do you have any questions for me?

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Job Interview Questions for a Makeup Artist

Job Interview Questions for a Makeup Artist

    • Job Interview Question 1: What is your experience as a makeup artist?
  • Job Interview Question 2:Do you have a portfolio of work?
  • Job Interview Question 3: Which professional products or equipment would use in a salon?

    • Job Interview Question 4: Where do you get your creativity from?
  • Job Interview Question 5: Name three styles you use and where would you sue these styles?
  • Job Interview Question 6: What are your favorite products?
  • Job Interview Question 7: How would you explain to a customer that the style they have described wouldn’t work on their face shape?

Interview questions and answers

    • Job Interview Question 8: Where did you train to be a make-up artist?
  • Job Interview Question 9: What are the challenges makeup artist face in their day to day duties?
  • Job Interview Question 10: Describe a time you had to create a look under pressure?
  • Job Interview Question 11: Do you have any questions for me?

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Job Interview Questions for Marks and Spencers

Marks and Spencers Job Interview Process

Often out of 300 applicants only 6 candidates will be interviewed. In most interviews, but this varies depending on the job sector and employer, you will be asked around 10 questions during a 45-minute interview.

With Marks and Spencers being one of the most famous and oldest UK retailers, competition for advertised roles is high.

To help M&S decide which applicant to offer a position to their job interveiw process is broken down into 3 stages.

Marks and Spencer job interviews 3 stage Process.

Stage one – online application and test, you are given a number of questions (example below) and you have to choose which statement you are most like and least like.

This part of the Marks and Spencer’s interview is to highlight your personality and work ethic; referencing customer service and teamwork is key here.

Answer this question “I am the sort of person who” for all answers – add most like and least like.

1 A Seeks to understand the actions of others
B Shows enthusiasm
C Is effective in problem-solving
D Assesses own work in commercial terms

2 A Puts the customer first
B Is prepared to make tough decisions
C Is respected by others
D Focuses on the longer term

3 A Writes clearly and succinctly
B Adapts to change positively
C Builds effective teams
D Is positive about work

4 A Recognises the potential of others
B Is committed to achieving high standards
C Takes responsibility for own decisions
D Assesses the risks involved in decisions

5 A Sticks to recommended working procedures
B Keeps track of own activities
C Promotes teamwork
D Absorbs knowledge quickly

6 A Works hard to meet customer needs
B Is effective in written communication
C Recognises how people are feeling
D Takes calculated risks

7 A Allocates realistic time scales for activities
B Is reliable
C Takes care in self-presentation
D Takes an energetic approach to work

8 A Draws appropriate conclusions
B Is flexible in approach
C Is effective in providing a strategic view
D Takes responsibility for the consequences of own actions

9 A Advises others on how they may best apply their talents
B Acquires new skills rapidly
C Remains focused when faced with difficulties
D Has strong commercial instincts

10 A Checks work for errors
B Is able to settle others in conflict
C Co-ordinates group activities
D Identifies urgent decisions

11 A Observes others’ behaviours
B Encourages a culture of continuous learning
C Drives others towards goals
D Thinks in strategic terms

12 A Generates workable solutions
B Encourages co-operation within teams
C Recovers quickly from setbacks
D Encourages risk-taking

13 A Delivers high-quality service to customers
B Is aware of competitor activity
C Makes time for planning
D Can be trusted not to compromise on standards

14 A Warns others in advance of unplanned schedule changes
B Expresses self confidently in groups
C Stands by own decisions
D Structures work appropriately

15 A Is determined to succeed
B Demonstrates commitment to the development of others
C Is open to new ideas
D Takes calculated risks when appropriate

16 A Establishes good relationships with others
B Finds out the causes of problems
C Ensures the team remains focused
D Supports colleagues

17 A Shows drive and determination
B Makes the best use of learning opportunities
C Identifies opportunities to reduce costs
D Takes risks rather than missing opportunities

18 A Identifies talent
B Focuses on organisational plans
C Accepts accountability for own decisions
D Works to please the customer

19 A Is decisive
B Introduces fresh insights
C Keeps the attention of the audience when speaking
D Pays attention to planning

20 A Arrives at work on time
B Shows commitment to the organisation
C Remains objective under pressure
D Writes in a fluent manner

21 A Gives advice to others
B Relates to others at all levels
C Considers what the organisation will achieve in the long-term
D Avoids jargon in written communication

22 A Follows safety rules and regulations
B Remains composed under pressure
C Seeks responsibility
D Analyses relevant information

23 A Admits own mistakes
B Is effective in dealing with commercial issues
C Takes customer complaints seriously
D Gets the best out of individuals

24 A Changes the opinions of others
B Keeps sight of overall goals and objectives of the organisation
C Takes risks by adopting new directions
D Fits in well with the team

Job Interview Book

25 A Generates imaginative alternatives
B Is realistic about time scales
C Makes quick decisions under pressure
D Uses feedback to increase organisational effectiveness

26 A Motivates others to achieve goals
B Is effective in persuading others
C Quickly builds rapport
D Is prepared to take the initiative

27 A Wants to get ahead in the organisation
B Chooses appropriate words and expressions
C Identifies customer needs
D Follows instructions from others

28 A Defines team goals
B Effectively manages own emotions
C Recognises own mistakes
D Identifies the core of a problem

29 A Remains confident in ambiguous situations
B Connects well with the team
C Is profit conscious
D Takes calculated risks

30 A Works towards long term organisational goals
B Memorises facts and processes
C Produces clear project plans
D Presents a positive image of the organisation

interview prediction grid

Stage 2 – Assessment

The assessment consists of one exercise that is designed to assess your ability to deliver great customer service.

There will also be an opportunity for you to talk with a member of the Marks and Spencer team during a one-to-one discussion where you can ask any questions you may have regarding the job.

This discussion does not form part of the assessment. The whole assessment should last around an hour.

Stage 3: Job Interview Questions for Marks and Spencers

Below is a list of 10 Marks and Spencers Interview questions.  As part of your job interview preparation with have created a list of potential answers to commonly asked retail interview questions. 

Job Interview Question 1: What is your experience in retail or customer service?

  • Summaries your retail experience “Collectively, I have X number of years experience in retail…”
  • Explain what you enjoy about this line of work “…I enjoy A, B and C..”
  • End with your career goal “..long term I want to become ( a retail manager as an example)”

Job Interview Question 2: Why do you want to work for Marks & Spencers?

  • Mark and Spencer have a long history. During the interview answer, you can embed some of the history into the answer.
  • Also, review M&S company values to show how your personal values are in line with M&S company values.
  • Finally, talk about your (positive) experience of being a Mark and Spencer customer.

Job Interview Question 3: What makes Marks and Spencers better than its competitors?

  • Be specific – focus on customer service, quality, history, anything really that makes you want to work for the organisation.
  • If known, talk about a local competitive company and compare both organisations.
  • End, with an idea on how M&S can have an advantage over the competitive company.

Job Interview Question 4: Give me an example of a time when you’ve had to work in a team.

  • Ideally, when answering a ‘skill’ question, use an example relevant to the role – customer service, team leader or cafe worker.
  • But this isn’t necessary. M&S, here, are looking for an example of teamwork and a teamwork example can come from a sports hobby or a team tasks at university.
  • In the example, explain the task, actions, and outcome. In the actions make it clear what duties you completed.

Job Interview Question 5: Give me an example of when you have to work individually to complete a task quickly.

  • In retail employees mainly work as part of a large team. But day-to-day tasks are individual.
  • Employers are searching for evidence of self-motivation, work ethic, and enthusiasm.
  • First, explain how you are a self-starter who enjoys completing tasks. Then give an example – Explain a time-bound task that was needed to be completed urgently. Discuss how you managed your time by ordering the required actions by importance. Finally, state how your self-motivation ensures the duties were completed by the deadline.

Job Interview Question 6: How would you react in a situation where a customer is upset?

  • A good starting point is to reference how you are a great communicator or experienced in customer service.
  • If you have dealt with an ‘upset’ customer you can answer this question with an example (follow the teamwork interview answer structure)
  • For applicants with no customer service experience, explain the steps you would take to help the customer: listen to the reason why the customer is upset, what you did to support the customer and the outcome to these actions.

job interview coaching

Job Interview Question 7: What can you offer this role?

  • This open question is great as it allows you to discuss your strengths.
  • Think about the job criteria and discuss personal strengths relevant to the job role.
  • Be positive, enthusiastic and tell any unique selling points.

Job Interview Question 8: What is good customer service?

  • Key customer service skills are: listening, explaining, empathy, supportive, negotiation, and friendliness.
  • As well as listing customer service skills, explain why customer service is important – the bottom line is customer retention.
  • If you have an example of providing exceptional customer service, discuss this here.

Job Interview Question 9: How is online shopping affecting retail businesses?

  • Online shopping is becoming highly popular. But some customers still value the in-shop experience. Explain the different ‘wants’ of each customer type.
  • Focus the main part of the answer of how you and M&S can improve customer experience to increase customer loyalty – mention how your skills could support this.

Job Interview Question 10: Do you have any questions to ask me?

  • How does senior management embed the company values into day-to-day tasks?
  • What training and development opportunities are available to staff members?
  • What are the busiest periods?
  • How long do employees often stay with the company?
  • What do you like about working for Marks and Spencer?
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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Do you think you have enough experience?

Do you think you have enough experience?

Explanation of the  Interview Question:

If you’re asked this, then the interviewer does not believe you have enough experience.

If you have you need to make this clear, explain about your previous experiences and give detail to the parts that are relevant to this new job role.

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

Example Interview Answer

“Altogether I have 8 years experience in this industry, in my current role as a manager I spend a large amount of time auditing accounts as we worked on government contracts and all expenditure had to be accounted for.

I use all the relevant computer packages and understand the importance of double-checking the figures. I have always had an eye for detail and an ability to find errors easily, allowing me to be pro-active rather than reactive” 

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Do you learn from mistakes?

How to Answer the Job Interview Question Do you learn from mistakes?

Explanation of the Question:

Everyone makes mistakes; the people who learn from mistakes are the type of people who will always move forward.

Employers want to know that if you make a mistake, the mistake will not hold you back but can be useful if you learn from it.

Explain this in your answer and then follow it up with an example of how you have learned from a mistake.

Example Interview Answer

“Yes, I think everyone makes mistakes and the secret is learning from the mistake to ensure that in the future tasks can be completed without errors.

In my first job role after leaving university, as an example, I was asked into a meeting to get a “tea” order. After taking the order of hot beverages, I went to the kitchen and for the life of me, I couldn’t remember half the orders.

Reflecting on this, and on remembering data in general I learnt that simply recording required information is an easy way to ensure accuracy. Next time I was asked to a meeting I took a notepad and pencil in with me”

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How to Answer the Job Interview Question Have you ever had a problem with a supervisor?

How to Answer the Job Interview Question Have you ever had a problem with a supervisor?

Explanation of the Question:

This could be a trap-they want to see if you will speak ill of a pass employer.  Start by explaining that “you have always worked well with your supervisors”, if they push this question, continue by giving an answer along the lines of this:

Example Interview Answer

“The only thing I can think of is when I was asked by a supervisor to complete a task, and I already had a task that needed completing by a certain deadline. My supervisor was a little stressed but we prioritized the work and got both jobs done on time”