The ultimate guide to Passing any interview

This is a common introductory question that many interviewers use to break the ice. It is designed to get you talking about something you know – You! A big mistake usually made by the majority of people is that they focus on their family, children, hobbies or home life. Whilst you may have some interesting facts about your personal life you should either avoid these, unless specifically asked, or keep them very brief. Try to answer this type of question based around your own personal achievements, educational background and ongoing studies. It is good to say that you are motivated or enthusiastic but you MUST ensure that you provide examples or scenarios where this has been proven. For example you might say, “I am a motivated person – whilst working for my previous employer I achieved ‘XYZ’, which enabled the company to achieve its goal in relation to increased profit margins etc.” Giving specific, brief examples is positive. Remember that anyone can tell an interview panel that they are ‘motivated’, ‘enthusiastic’ or ‘determined’ but not everybody can prove it.

Try to think about and use some of the following key words when structuring some of your answers: • Motivated

• Self-starter

• Responsible

• Enthusiastic

• Dedicated

• Committed

• Reliable

• Trustworthy

• Initiative

• Team player

• Organised

• Focused

It is also a good idea to think of occasions where you have initiated projects or ideas at work, which have gone on to achieve results. There now follows a sample response to this question. Once you have read it, use the template on the following page to create your own, based on your own individual situation:

“My strong points are that I am focused, enthusiastic and dedicated. For example, whilst working for my current employer I was successful in achieving my annual appraisal sales target with 4 months to spare.

I like to ensure that I maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional life. This helps me to maintain a high level of performance at work.

I recently embarked on a Diploma course, which I am now halfway through. I enjoy new challenges and like to take care of my own self-development.

I am an active person and enjoy visiting the gym 4 times a week. Some of my other hobbies include art, walking and cooking.

I am a caring person and when I have the spare time I try to get involved in community events in my local town. I recently ran a half marathon raising £450 for a local charity.

Overall I would say that I am a reliable, self-conscious and hard-working person who always looks for ways to improve.”

TOP TIP

Take any literature or evidence that you have along with you to the interview to prove to the panel that you are genuine.

This question is again an icebreaker. I have used it on many occasions during the initial questioning stage of interviews. This is an opportunity for you to engage with the interview panel, and also show them that you are organised and motivated. Whilst it is a very simple question to answer, there is an opportunity here for you to show them some of the qualities that you possess. Take a look at the two sample responses to this question:

Sample response 1: “Yes I had a good journey thanks.”

Sample response 2: “Yes the journey was fine thank you very much. I planned the journey a couple of days ago, just to make sure I knew exactly where I was going. The last thing I wanted was to be late. I got up early enough to check the travel details and arrived 30 minutes before the interview, just so that I could compose myself and read up, in my car, some information about your company and the role.”

You will see that the second response is far more comprehensive. It also tells the interviewer that the candidate is organised, disciplined, motivated and conscientious. These are all good qualities that an employer would appreciate.

This question is extremely common during job interviews. Again, it is one that I have used time and time again when interviewing candidates for posts. I would personally expect an interviewee to have researched the organisation thoroughly before they come to interview. If you take onboard my advice in the earlier pages of this guide then you will be able to answer this question with relative ease. Try to state who their major competitors are, understand the vision and expectations of the company, and know internal information on the size, structure and organisation of the company. Your research is paramount to your success and shows that you haven’t just turned up on the day to make the numbers up. By learning all you can about the company, their products and services, you will demonstrate a commitment before you have begun.

Sample response to question 3: 

“In the build up to the interview I carried out lots of research about your organisation. I found out that there are 70 staff who work for the company in various roles, from customer service representatives to senior managers. The Head Office is centred in Reading, but the majority of business is carried out at the 26 retail stores you operate throughout the UK, in counties such as Kent, Lancashire, Berkshire and Yorkshire. The company has a very good reputation for delivering high quality services, and as a result, has received awards at a national level for delivering excellence. It has also received Investors in People status. I am a professional and skilled person who would love to work in a company like yours, which constantly strives to improve and deliver excellence.”

This question is designed to see if you are flexible in relation to working hours and also your level of commitment as an employee? It is an indication that the job or role that you are applying for requires you to work extra hours or that the company will rely on you to be available when required within reason. The obvious and most appropriate answer to this question would be ‘Yes’. It is then best to follow your answer up with evidence that you are flexible. You may have been required to be flexible in your previous post or job and therefore you can give examples to demonstrate your flexibility.

Sample response to question 4: 

“Yes I am very flexible and I fully understand that the role will require me to be available when required. In my previous job I made the manager aware that I was available to work extra hours if required. On one particular occasion I volunteered to stay behind after work to take delivery of some stock. The delivery driver was stuck in traffic and he called to say that he would arrive at 6pm, two hours later than scheduled. Even though it was a Friday afternoon, I realised how important it was that the delivery was accepted. I stayed behind, took delivery of the stock and checked the contents before locking up and going home.”

This is an extremely common interview question and one that you must prepare for. When answering this type of question, I would advise that you give work-related examples. You should try to think of at least three good strengths that you possess, and provide an example of when you have used those strengths. You may be able to give an answer along the following lines:

“One of my strengths is that I have the ability to implement change in difficult circumstances. For example whilst working for my previous employer I implemented a new policy under difficult and adverse conditions. The team were not happy with the changes that were being implemented, but I managed to motivate them by holding regular updates and team meetings. I have the ability to understand that the needs of the company will always come first. My strengths include an ability to inspire and motivate a team, as and when required.” 

This type of answer demonstrates to the panel that you are able to prove your strengths as opposed to just saying that you have them. Anyone can say that they are motivated, enthusiastic, dedicated or reliable, but proving that you have those strengths is a different matter. Being able to demonstrate that you have strengths will give you higher scores.

Possibly the worst answer you can give for a question of this nature is that you don’t have any weaknesses. Being able to identify that you have weaknesses is a strength in itself. Obviously it is important that you answer this question carefully as you could reduce your chances of success if you portray yourself in a negative light. For example, if you are applying for a job as a mechanic and you are always losing your tools then you’re probably not the right person for the job!

Here’s an example of a response to this type of question:

“In my previous job I found it difficult to delegate work to others. I can be a bit of a perfectionist at times and I like a job or task to be done correctly to a high standard. Unfortunately this lack of trust caused problems within my team and a member of staff approached me to tell me they were not happy with the way I was working. I took their comments onboard and decided to ask the rest of the team if they felt the same. The feedback I received was along the same lines – that the majority of people felt I should delegate more work and responsibility to them. Following this feedback I decided to change my style of approach and began to delegate more work, placing greater trust on my colleagues. This had a very positive effect and the workload increased dramatically as a result of this change. Morale within the team improved too and now I hold regular feedback meetings with my colleagues to see how we can improve.” 

This type of response identifies that you have a weakness, but also identifies a number of strengths. It shows that you have the ability to look at yourself and make changes where needed. Accepting constructive criticism is one thing, but doing something about it is another. This also leads on to another possible ‘strength’ quality in the fact that you can identify your weaknesses and do something about them.

Here’s another example of how this type of question might be answered.

“Yes I do have one weakness. If somebody is late for a meeting or an appointment I usually have to say something to them when they do eventually arrive. This can sometimes be taken the wrong way. I personally don’t like lateness, but I am trying to understand that some people are just late as a rule and I have to be accepting of others.” 

This response is again demonstrating that you have a strength that most employers cherish – punctuality. The key to responding to this type of question is making your ‘weakness’ a ‘strength’.

The answer to this type of question depends on the type of job you are applying for. If you are applying for a team role then obviously you need to answer this in a manner that shows you are a team player. Conversely if you are applying for a position that involves a lot of ‘lone working’ then it is a good idea to say that you feel comfortable working on your own. Possibly the best answer for this type of question is to state that you are adaptable and can work in any environment. Again, if you can give examples of situations where you have been an effective team member or achieved results independently then this is far better.

Sample response to Question 7:

“In a previous role I was required to work as part of a 30-strong sales team. I really enjoyed the atmosphere within that team and managed to learn so much from other members. Yes I do enjoy working in a team environment but conversely my adaptability allows me to work in any environment. I would say that I can work either as one of a team or an individual depending on the requirements of the role. If I am required to work as part of a team then I will always listen carefully to the provided brief, keep in communication with the other team members, support those people who need supporting in the team, and also learn from any mistakes that the team makes so that we can improve next time. I can remember one particular occasion when I was required to work as part of a team. Sales figures for the month were low and we were required to work as a team in order to generate new business leads. We all came together as a team and discussed the different options available to us. My role within the team was to source potential new clients over a two-week period whilst others sent out promotional materials once I had created the new leads. As a team we managed to increase sales and revenue by 50% in just a short space of time.”

This is a tricky question to answer but it all depends on the type of company or organisation you are applying to join. If the company is a well-established, steady organisation that has achieved its success over a long period of time, building a reliable name for itself, then it is wise to veer on the side of safety and state that you are not a great risk taker. However, if the company or organisation has recently started up and is competing in a highly competitive industry then a level of risk taking may be commensurate to this role. If you do decide to say that you are a risk taker then it is a good idea to give examples of calculated risks that you have taken. Make certain that you emphasise that you would not take a risk unless you were positive of a successful outcome, and that you would never jeopardise the company. It is always best to seek advice from Senior Managers if unsure and this is something that you would always do unless you were certain of the outcome.

Sample response for a company/role that requires a level of risk-taking:

“If the situation requires, then I am not averse to taking risks. However, the risks that I do take are always carefully thought through and focused on achieving the goal. I would always look, wherever possible, to consult my manager before taking the risk. In a previous role I was required to take risks on a weekly basis. However, those risks were always carefully calculated and veered on the side of caution. With regards to Health and Safety matters I would never take any risks and I would certainly never breach confidentiality.” Sample response for a company/role that does not require a level of risk-taking “No I don’t take risks, especially when work is involved. I always follow company rules and procedures and if I’m ever unsure of something I will always seek clarification first from a line manager or senior member of the team. I’ve seen people take risks at work before, and they usually end up going wrong. In terms of Health and Safety, I would never take risks. I would hate to be part of a situation at work where a member of the team became injured because somebody was taking risks or shortcuts. If I witnessed somebody doing something that they shouldn’t be doing, then I would have to say something and inform my supervisory manager.”

Time management is undoubtedly a skill not everyone possesses. Being able to manage your time effectively is not easy but there are some great ways of demonstrating your time management qualities. When you get into work, do you already know what you are going to achieve by the end of the day? During the final 30 minutes of your working day do you plan the following day’s activities and tasks in order of priority? Do you keep a list of important objectives and tasks and cross them off when they are completed? If you are chairing meetings then do you keep irrelevant discussion to an absolute minimum and always ensure you finish on time? Are you acutely aware of others’ valuable time as well as your own and do you make certain that time is not wasted unnecessarily? The company’s objectives are key to your time management. The above information gives you a number of time management tools to use when constructing your answer. It is also important to remember to emphasise that you are flexible with your time when needed, and that you reorganise appointments, meetings or tasks in order to meet specific important deadlines.

Sample response to question 9:

“I am very effective at time management. I am the type of person who is extremely organised and knows what they want to achieve during each day. I like to keep lists, which act as a reminder of what I want to achieve and in what timeframe. For example, if I have a busy schedule planned for the forthcoming week, I will always write down what I want to do during that week, the week before. This allows me to plan ahead and also makes sure that I have everything in place so that I can achieve each objective. I fully understand that the role I am applying for will require me to be competent at time management, and I am fully prepared for this.”

Regardless of how you think you would react, it is important to tell the interview panel that you look at this in a positive manner. Of course you do not want to portray an image that you are a pushover, but an answer along the following lines would be acceptable: “Whilst working for my current employer, a situation arose where I was criticised for a mistake. At the time of the criticism I felt disappointed in my own performance, but knew it was important to learn from my mistake and improve for next time. I understand that not everybody is perfect and when we make mistakes it is the ability to move on and improve for next time that is important. I spoke with my line manager after the mistake was made, apologised and made certain I improved my performance in that particular area.” The above type of response identifies that you have the ability to accept criticism but also that you are sensitive to it too. Nobody likes criticism of any kind but in this response you have shown that you did not get angry, defensive or arrogant but instead you turned a negative situation into a positive one.Try to think of a situation where you made a mistake, and provide an example of what you did to improve. When constructing your response try to include words such as ‘reflect’ and ‘evaluate’.

Everybody has disputes with colleagues at some point in their career so it is not wise to say that you’ve never had one. You may get on with the majority of people most of the time but it is good to say that you had an issue with a colleague years ago and describe how it was resolved. You could state that you were the one who initiated the resolution by talking to the other person to try to clear the air. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate you have good communication skills and are prepared to listen to what others have to say. Maybe you took the colleague’s comments onboard and agreed a way forward? It is a good idea to show that you are able to resolve issues with other colleagues without involving senior or line managers. However, if the dispute was in contravention to the company’s policies on bullying or harassment then you would feel it was important to report the incident to your line manager.

“The first thing I would do is try to arrange a meeting with them; somewhere out of the way of any distractions, and in private. I would ask them if we could both search for ways to resolve our differences, with a view to possibly becoming friends or at the very least amicable work colleagues. It is only natural that we cannot get along with everybody; however, whilst at work we should put our differences aside and work towards the company objectives. I would do all that was in my power to resolve any conflict and I would never allow it to deter from my professionalism.”

There is only one correct answer to this type of question, and that is you must take action to stop it from occurring. If you cannot stop it then you should inform your line manager immediately. Make sure you say that you would follow company policy and always try to be sensitive to the needs of the person who is being bullied. You would probably need to take the time to talk to the person who is on the receiving end of such behaviour, and support/comfort them. Dependant on their wishes, you would consider informing their line manager. It is important to say to the interviewer that you would read the company’s policy on bullying and harassment. If you can obtain of copy of this before the interview, then it is good practice to read it. Always remember that this type of behaviour is not tolerated, both in society and in employment. The employer has a responsibility under law to prevent such behaviour. To read more guidance about how to deal with bullying and harassment in the workplace, please visit: http://www.acas.gov.uk

Sample response to question 12: 

“To begin with, I would certainly take some form of action. Bullying or harassment should never be tolerated in the workplace. I would make sure that I am conversant with the company’s policy before taking action. However, I would do all that I could to stop the inappropriate behaviour, and that might involve informing a senior manager. I would speak to the person who was being bullied or harassed and do all that I could to support them. Sometimes those people who are acting as the bully do not realise what they are doing, and the impact of their actions. Therefore it is important to challenge the person who is carrying out the inappropriate behaviour.”

The only right answer for this kind of question is ‘no’. The problem with answering it with a yes is that you would have to explain how you ended up getting a job that wasn’t right for you in the first place! Don’t give the interviewer any reason to think that the job you are applying for is either out of your depth or wrong for you. 

“No I have never been in that position. I am always very careful about the jobs that I apply for. I don’t believe it would be fair on either myself or the company I was applying to join if I got a job that wasn’t right for me. For instance, I know that this job is the right one for me. I have carried out extensive research into this role and also visited the company prior to the interview to ensure that, if I am successful today, then I will be both good at the job and good for the organisation.”

This is an extremely common question amongst interview panels. Be careful how you answer this one though. I have been on interview panels where people say ‘I don’t know, I’ll see what happens.’ This is not a very good response to this question and displays a lack of ambition and drive. I have also been on interview panels where people have given responses such as: “I want to be sat in your seat doing your job.” Whilst I don’t disbelieve them, I feel that this type of response displays arrogance rather than confidence. Try to structure your answer in a way that shows you are positive about the future but not overconfident. A good answer to use might be along the following lines:

“I believe I am the right person for this job. If successful I would like to further develop my skills and knowledge by initially learning all I can about the role and the organisation. I would also like to enrol on an educational programme in order to develop my skills and work towards a higher position within the company. Above all I will be looking to have developed both personally and professionally during that time.”

When responding to this question you need to imply that you intend on staying with the company for a long time. It is pointless an organisation investing time, effort and resources into your training and development if you do not plan on staying with them. You have identified that this is the company you want to work for, and therefore you want to commit your future to them. All the time you are contributing effectively towards the company’s desired achievements then you will be a part of them. If you say that you only plan to stay with them for a few years before moving on then they are unlikely to employ you. They want to know that they are going to get a substantial return for their investment.

“I have looked into both this role and the organisation. I have been impressed with the ambitions and plans that the company have. With that in mind I plan to stay with you for a long time if I am successful. Furthermore, I am serious about my application for this position and excited about the prospect of working with you. I understand that you are going to be investing a lot of time, money and resources into my development and I would intend repaying that investment by being a loyal and competent employee.”

This is a question that needs to be answered very carefully. It is not a good idea to state that you are leaving because of differences with a manager or member of the team. It is far better to say that you are looking for new and fresh challenges and feel that you have achieved all that you can at the company. The last manager that I worked under during my time in the Fire Service was, in my opinion, the worst boss I have ever worked for. However, I would never state that opinion during any future interviews or job applications. It is sometimes best to keep your personal views to yourself. Most people want a higher salary but it is also not a good idea to use this as a reason for your intention to move organisations. By stating you would like a new challenge you will demonstrate drive and enthusiasm.

“Although I enjoy my current job I am now ready for a new challenge. I have worked hard for my previous employer and they have been good to me in return. I have learnt an awful lot during my time with them but I am now in a position where I want to embark on new and fresh challenges. I will be leaving my current company with fond memories but I know the time is right for me to move on. Having looked into your company and the role that I’m applying for I feel that I have so much to offer in terms of my experience, drive and enthusiasm and know that I would be a valuable asset to the team.”

You need to give the interview panel an answer that benefits them and not just yourself. Yes of course you are the best person for the job, but don’t say it unless you can back it up with examples of why. Here are a few example of why you might be the best person for the job: • You have the ability to work in a fast-changing environment that requires commitment, drive and enthusiasm. • You are capable of achieving great things for their organisation and thrive under pressurised situations. For example in your previous role you were given a deadline of three days to achieve a highly complex task that required a high level of motivational skills to get the task completed on time. You brought the team together, briefed them on what was expected and monitored each stage of progress carefully. • You can make a positive impact on sales/profit or turnover and are dependable in every situation to deliver what is required. • You are a team player who has the experiences and skills to match the job description. • You are loyal, hard-working and will act as a positive role model for their organisation. This type of question can make or break you and you should be prepared with a hard-hitting positive response. Be enthusiastic when responding and give brief examples of why you are the right person compared to the next candidate.

This question is very similar to the previous one but is a little bit more ruthless. Basically you need to sell yourself even more and be positive in your response. Try to adapt the following response to your own individual attributes:

“Because I genuinely believe that I’m the best person for the job. I understand that there are other people who have the ability to do this job and are highly capable. But I know that I also have that ability. Along with that I bring additional qualities that make me the very best person for the job. My attitude and commitment towards achieving excellence are unparalleled. In my previous role I achieved excellence time and again. I also constantly look for ways to improve myself. To that end I have embarked on an educational course to improve my skills in XYZ. If I am successful today I promise I will impress you and will not let you down. If I am not successful then I will be applying for the next vacancy as I would love to work for your company.” 

When creating your own response consider using the following powerful words: • Ambitious • Driven • Hard-working • Dedicated • Flexible • Adaptable • Caring • Considerate • Professional

You are more likely to be asked this type of question if you are applying for a managerial position. If you are applying for a managerial or supervisory position then this question is designed to find out what you will be like as a manager. Managers are required to lead and also to be great role models for the organisation. Have a look at the following response and use it to structure your own answer, “The key quality should be leadership and the ability to look ahead towards the horizon. The manager needs to be ten steps ahead and already making plans for the future. They also should be good role models and be capable of leading by example. Approachable, fair and enthusiastic are other important qualities but above all a successful manager needs to lead when things aren’t going as planned. It is his or her responsibility to lift a team out of a difficult period and motivate people to achieve the vision of the organisation. The highest calling of a true leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. The company’s aims, objectives and vision are what the manager should work towards and have at the forefront of his/her mind at all times.” Some of the qualities of a competent manager include: • Being a visionary and a role model for the company • Being able to delegate work effectively • Identifying strengths in employees and using those strengths effectively • Identifying development needs in individuals and providing appropriate feedback and support where necessary • Being flexible and adaptable when required • Being capable of implementing the company’s policies, procedures and vision • Leading by example

Some jobs, such as sales and customer service roles, will require you to work under pressure. The interviewer will therefore want to know that you have the ability to perform in such an environment. If you have experience of working under pressure then you are far more likely to succeed in a high-pressurised role. When responding to a question of this nature, try to provide an actual example of where you have achieved a task whilst being under pressure.

There now follows a sample response to this question:

“Yes, I can. In my current job as car mechanic for a well-known company, I was presented with a difficult and pressurised situation. A member of the team had made a mistake and had fitted a number of wrong components to a car. The car in question was due to be picked up at 2pm and the customer had stated how important it was that his car was ready on time because he had an important meeting to attend. We only had two hours in which to resolve the issue and I volunteered to be the one who would carry out the work on the car. The problem was that we had three other customers in the workshop waiting for their cars too, so I was the only person who could be spared at that particular time. I worked solidly for the next two hours making sure that I meticulously carried out each task in line with our operating procedures. Even though I didn’t finish the car until 2.10pm, I managed to achieve a very difficult task under pressurised conditions whilst keeping strictly to procedures and regulations.”

Having the ability to work as part of a team is very important to the vast majority of jobs that you will apply for. Most large companies will employ many people in many different roles ranging from customer service and administration, through to management and operations. In fact it is not uncommon for thousands of people to work for one particular company. Therefore, it is essential that every member of the team works together in order to achieve the ultimate goal that the company sets. The interviewer will want to be certain that you can work effectively as part of a team, which is why you may be asked questions that relate to your team working experience during a job interview.

There now follows a sample response to this question:

“Yes, I can. I like to keep fit and healthy and as part of this aim I play football for a local Sunday team. We had worked very hard to get to the cup final and we were faced with playing a very good opposition team who had recently won the league title. After only ten minutes of play, one of our players was sent off and we conceded a penalty as a result. Being one goal down and with 80 minutes left to play, we were faced with a mountain to climb. However, we all remembered our training and worked very hard in order to prevent any more goals being scored. Due to playing with ten players, I had to switch positions and play as a defender, something that I am not used to. The team worked brilliantly to hold off any further opposing goals and after 60 minutes we managed to get an equaliser. The game went to penalties in the end and we managed to win the cup. I believe I am an excellent team player and can always be relied upon to work as an effective team member at all times.”

Having the ability to complete tasks and projects successfully demonstrates that you have the ability to persevere and complete tasks that will form part of your role. Many people give up on things in life and fail to achieve their goals. Any interviewer will want to be convinced that you are going to complete all on-the-job training successfully and, if you can provide evidence of where you have already done this, then this will go in your favour. When responding to this type of question, try to think of a difficult, drawn out task that you achieved despite a number of obstacles that were in your way. You may choose to use examples from your work life or even from some recent academic work that you have carried out.

“Yes I can. I recently successfully completed a NEBOSH course (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) via distance learning. The course took two years to complete in total and I had to carry out all studying in my own time whilst holding down my current job. The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was finding the time to complete the work to the high standard that I wanted to achieve. I decided to manage my time effectively and I allocated two hours every evening of the working week in which to complete the work required. I found the time management difficult but I stuck with it and I was determined to complete the course. In the end I achieved very good results and I very much enjoyed the experience and challenge. I have a determined nature and I have the ability to concentrate for long periods of time when required. I can be relied upon to finish projects to a high standard.”

Most employers detest sickness, and they especially detest sickness that is not genuine. For every day that an employee is off sick, it will cost the company dearly in both financial terms, and also in terms of productivity. Therefore, they want to employ people who have a good sickness record. Obviously you cannot lie when responding to this question, as the company you are applying to join will carry out checks and references. The latter part of the question is simple to answer. Basically no amount of sickness is acceptable but sometimes genuine sickness cannot be avoided. Remember to tell the interviewer that you do not take time off sick unless absolutely necessary and you can be relied upon to come to work.

Take a look at the following sample response,

“Any form of sickness is not acceptable. However, sometimes people need to go off sick if they are genuinely ill. I would always try my hardest to get into work. If I was ill then I would much prefer it if my line manager sent me home rather than calling in sick. Having said that, I would not want to give a cold or bug to other staff members in the office, as this could have an even worse effect on the company. During the last 12 months I have had only 4 days sickness. These days were for food poisoning, and there was no way I could get out of bed! I fully understand the importance of maintaining a good attendance record and I can always be relied upon not to go off sick unless I am genuinely ill. My previous employer will indicate this in any reference.”

Many organisations set themselves aims and objectives. These are sometimes in the form of a vision or charter. They usually relate to the high level of customer service that they promise to deliver. When you apply for any role you should not only prepare for each stage of the selection process but you should also learn as much as possible about the company you are applying to join. Learning this kind of information is important and it will demonstrate your seriousness about joining their particular company. Visit the website of the company you are applying for in order to view their mission, aims, objectives or customer charter. The following is a sample fictitious customer charter: The Customer Charter sets out our commitment to delivering a high standard of customer service. It outlines: • the type of service we aim to provide • how to contact us and give us feedback, particularly if anything goes wrong • how you can assist us to better serve you Our goal is to help you achieve what you need by providing quality advice, products and services. We believe that excellent customer relationships are the result of us working together to deliver great outcomes for you by: • developing trust through open, honest and simple communication • being approachable and listening to your views • treating you with fairness and respect • ensuring ease, expertise and efficiency when you deal with us.

This is a difficult question to answer. The interviewer would not normally ask this type of question unless there was a requirement to relocate now or in the future. If there is a potential requirement for you to relocate with the job that you are applying for and you answer the question negatively with a ‘no’, then there is a good chance that you will not get the job. Therefore, the most appropriate answer in this circumstance would be ‘yes’, providing that is you actually mean it! It is acceptable, however, to ask questions at the end of the interview about relocation packages or the time that you would be expected to relocate.

Most of us do not want to relocate and therefore there should be an incentive for a move.

“Yes I would be willing to relocate and I have already discussed this with my family. Naturally I would like to discuss the relocation package that the company offers if I was to be successful, but I fully appreciate that there may be a need to relocate. If I ever achieved promotion within the company then I would certainly be willing to relocate. I am committed to this job long-term and would do everything within reason to work hard for the company and if that meant being in a different location then I would rise to the challenge. I have had plenty of experience moving around and I know that I could settle into a new environment quickly.”

Before we take a look at a sample response to this question, first we need to explore the definition of ‘leadership’. A simple definition of leadership is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. Put even more simply, the leader is the inspiration and director of the action. He or she is the person in the group that possesses the combination of personality and skills that makes others want to follow his or her direction.

Ok, now that we understand what leadership means, here is a sample response: 

“One evening, at the change of shift, I became aware that two members of the team were late for work. There had been heavy snowfall that day and the congestion on the surrounding roads meant that many people could not get to work. I took it upon myself to lead the team through the coming shift and, despite being two people down, we managed to achieve the goal of providing first class service to our customers. To begin with, I briefed the remainder of the team on the difficulty of the task that lay ahead of us. I assessed the skill levels and experience within the team and allocated tasks accordingly. I ensured that I remained confident and in control during the brief so that the team members would have confidence in my ability to manage the problem. As the shift progressed I had a number of different problems to deal with but I remained calm, listened carefully to the problems, and directed accordingly. At the end of the shift we congratulated ourselves on a job well done and discussed the areas in which we felt we could improve, if the same situation was to arise again.”

During my time as an Officer in the Fire Service I was required to both manage and lead teams of people. The difference between a manager and a leader can be summed up as follows: It is a manager’s responsibility to make effective use of the resources that are at his/her disposal. This may include planning ahead, ensuring there are sufficient resources available, and making the best use of their teams skills, strengths and qualities. A leader will use his or her skills and experiences to motivate the team and direct them towards the desired goal. All good leaders will be visionaries who have one eye on the end target. Keywords used to describe the functions of a manager: -Planning -Effective use of resources -Strategic thinking -Organising Keywords used to describe the functions of a leader: -Visionary -Motivator -Inspiring If you can provide specific examples in your response where you have demonstrated leadership skills and also management skills then even better!

In order to become a good leader you must have a number of different skills that you can draw upon at a moment’s notice and these include: -Being a visionary: An ability to see the end result or the desired goal. -Provide inspiration: Great leaders need to be capable of inspiring their team towards a goal or objective. -Strategic thinker: Being able to think outside of the box and plan for the future. -Being liked by the team: Whilst not essential, it certainly helps to be liked by your team. If they like you, the will follow you. -Being an effective decision maker: Having the ability to make decisions, even sometimes unpopular ones. -Accepting of feedback and criticism: Good leaders should be able to take criticism from others. This will help them to continually improve. Whilst the above list is not exhaustive, it will provide you with a number of useful tips that will assist you during your preparation.

Now this really is a difficult question to answer! Get this wrong and it could be all over. The majority of people will answer this question in the following manner: “To be honest, I don’t normally fail at anything. I prepare so well for everything that I do that success is inevitable.” Well, if you answer it in this style then you are probably about to just fail your first big thing – your interview! Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody fails at something. It’s what you do about the failure that’s the important part.

Take a look at the following sample response:

“I would say my biggest failure to date is failing an educational course that I embarked upon approximately two years ago. The reason why I failed the course was primarily due to a lack of adequate time set aside for studying. However, I immediately learnt from my mistakes and shortcomings and I booked to re-sit the test immediately. I worked hard during the build up to the re-sit and I spent lots of time studying. I passed the test with flying colours. I certainly learnt a lot from my initial failure and I always make sure that I now prepare fully for everything that I do.”

Most employers want their staff to be self-motivated. If an employee is self-motivated then he or she are going to perform to a high standard. Having personally employed people in the past, I find that those individuals who are self-motivated will do a good job for me. They will find things to do when it is quiet, and they will also be motivated by their own success and achievements at work. Whilst pay is a motivating factor for an employee, it is not the most important. Job satisfaction is vital if a person is going to perform well at work. Your response to this question should focus on providing examples of where you have been self-motivated in a current or previous work role. It is easy for an interviewee to say that they are self-motivated, but proving it with examples is a different matter.

Take a look at the following sample response: 

“Whilst I enjoy working in a team environment I am a highly self-motivated person. I don’t like it when I’m sat around doing nothing, so I’m always on the lookout for new things to do. That applies to when I’m either at home or at work. For example, during my last job when we were going through a quiet spell, I wanted to look for ways to improve the company turnover. Without being asked I set about researching different areas that the company could potentially draw more income streams from. I contacted a number of potential customers and arranged to send them some company literature and sample products. From this work I managed to created six new leads for the company and my manager was very pleased with the fact that I’d been self-motivated enough to try to make a positive difference.”

Remember that teamwork is very important in the vast majority of organisations. Therefore, being able to fit into a team environment will be a positive thing. Again, I would advise that you try to think of examples where you have previously joined a new team, and adapted quickly.

Take a look at the following sample response:

“I am inherently a great team player, so the answer to this question would have to be a definite yes. I have worked in lots or teams in the past and this is usually when I am at my best. I understand that when you join a new team you need to fit into the new environment and make an effort to introduce yourself, get to know the people in the team and also how the team operates. I believe that, by understanding the key elements of a team, I am capable of quickly being accepted in the vast majority of teams. Team members need to be good communicators, listeners, supporters and motivators. Each team needs a variety of different skill-sets and I believe I have lots of qualities to bring to any team environment. Whilst working for a previous employer I was required to join a new team because a lady had gone on maternity leave. I quickly assessed the dynamics of the team and tried to fit in as best that I could. Because I was so adaptable, each member of the team welcomed me and helped me to get settled in quickly. I understand that if I am successful then I will be required to quickly adapt to the team environment. This will not be a problem for me and I am in fact looking forward to the new challenge.”

Having personally chaired many meetings during my career, I have learnt to realise that the person who is tasked with the responsibility of chairing the meeting must ensure they maintain control over proceedings. If they don’t, then the meeting can quickly become a waste of time. If you have any experience of running meetings then this will obviously be an advantage if you are required to respond to a question of this nature. If you haven’t, then take a look at the following response for some great ideas on how to successfully run a meeting:

“Yes I do have some experience of running meetings. To begin with, I would plan thoroughly for the meeting. This would usually be done at least the day before, if not sooner. I would ensure that the meeting room was booked and that any relevant features were available, such as presentation aids. I would make sure that everyone was notified of the meeting date, time and venue, and provide them with an agenda. I would make notes prior to the meeting and also set a timeframe in which I would want the meeting to conclude. I am aware that meetings can sometimes drag. I would be keen to avoid any irrelevant discussions and keep the meeting focused on the agenda items. If the meeting was starting to slip, then I would be keen to bring it back in line with the programme. I would make sure that everybody had the opportunity to speak during the meeting and would provide a note taker so that all of the salient points could be documented. Once the meeting was over I would make sure that everyone received a copy of the minutes and more importantly the matters arising from the meetings.”

Having knowledge of how a team operates and the qualities required to become a competent team player would be an advantage before you attend your interview. Take a look at the following ‘team’ qualities:

• An ability to interact and work with others, regardless of their age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, background, disability or appearance;

• Being able to communicate with everyone in the team and provide the appropriate level of support and encouragement;

• Being capable of carrying out tasks correctly, professionally and in accordance with guidelines and regulations;

• Being focused on the team’s goal(s);

• Having a flexible attitude and approach to the task;

• Putting the needs of the team first before your own;

• Putting personal differences aside for the sake of the team;

• Being able to listen to others’ suggestions and contributions. When responding to this type of question it would be an advantage if you could back up your response with an example of where you have already work in a team.

Take a look at the following sample response:

 ‘A good team player must have many different qualities including an ability to listen carefully to a given brief. If you don’t listen to the brief that is provided then you can’t complete the task properly. In addition to listening carefully to the brief you must be able to communicate effectively with everyone in the team. This will include providing support for the other team members and also listening to other people’s suggestions on how a task can be achieved. You also have to be able to work with anyone in the team regardless of their age, background, religion, sexual orientation, disability or appearance. You can’t discriminate against anyone and if you do, then there is no place for you within that team. A good team player must also be able to carry out his or her job professionally and competently. When I say competently I mean correctly and in accordance with guidelines and training. You should also be focused on the team’s goal and not be distracted by any external factors. Putting the needs of the team first is paramount. Finally a good team player must be flexible and be able to adapt to the changing requirements of the team.  I already have some experience of working in a team and I know how important it is to work hard at achieving the task. In a previous job we would have a weekly team briefing. During the team briefings my manager would inform us what jobs need to be carried out as a priority. During one particular meeting he asked three of us to clear a fire escape that had become blocked with cardboard boxes, debris and rubbish. He also asked us to come up with a plan to prevent it from happening again. We quickly set about the task carefully removing the rubbish and I had the responsibility of arranging for a refuse collection company to come and dispose of the rubbish. We also had to work together to find ways of preventing the rubbish from being haphazardly disposed in the same way again in the future. We sat down together and wrote out a memorandum for our manager that he could distribute to all staff. At the end of the job we’d worked well to achieve the task and no more rubbish was ever disposed in the fire escape again. My manager was very pleased with the job we’d done.’

Those people who can demonstrate a history of achievement are far more likely to continue to succeed in their new working environment. Having achieved something in your life demonstrates that you have the ability to see things through to the end, something that is crucial to your new career. It also shows that you are motivated and determined to succeed. Try to think of examples where you have succeeded or achieved something relevant in your life. Some good examples of achievements are as follows:

• Winning a trophy with a football or hockey team;

• GCSEs and other educational qualifications;

• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award;

• Being given responsibility at work or at school;

• Raising money for charity.

“Yes I can. So far in my life I have achieved quite a few things that I am proud of. To begin with I achieved good grades whilst at school including a grade ‘A’ in English. I worked very hard to achieve my grades and I’m proud of them. At weekends I play rugby for a local team and I’ve achieved a number of things with them. Apart from winning the league last year we also held a charity match against the local Police rugby team. We managed to raise £500 for a local charity, which was a great achievement. More recently I managed to achieve a huge increase in my fitness levels. I have learnt that you have to work hard in life if you want to achieve things and I have a positive attitude to hard work. My own personal motto is ‘work hard and you’ll be rewarded’.”

This type of question is designed to see how high your standards are, in relation to customer service. Try to think of an occasion when you have witnessed an excellent piece of customer service and show that you learned from it. If you are very confident, then you may have an occasion when you, yourself, provided that service. Whatever response you provide, make sure it is unique and stands out.

“Whilst working as a shop assistant in my current role, a member of the public came in to complain to the manager about a pair of football shoes that he had bought for his son’s birthday. When his son came to open the present on the morning of his birthday, he noticed that one of the football boots was a larger size than the other. He was supposed to be playing football with his friends that morning and wanted to wear his new boots. However, due to the shop’s mistake, this was not possible. Naturally, the boy was very upset. The manager of the shop was excellent in her approach to dealing with situation. She remained calm throughout and listened to the gentleman very carefully, showing complete empathy for his son’s situation. This immediately diffused any potential confrontation. She then told him how sorry she was for the mistake that had happened, and that she would feel exactly the same if it was her own son who it had happened to. She then told the gentleman that she would refund the money in full and give his son a new pair of football boots to the same value as the previous pair. The man was delighted with her offer. Not only that, she then offered to give the man a further discount of 10% on any future purchase, due to the added inconvenience that was caused by him having to return to the shop to sort out the problem. I learned a lot from the way my manager dealt with this situation. She used exceptional communication skills and remained calm throughout. She then went the extra mile to make the gentleman’s journey back to the shop a worthwhile one. The potential for losing a customer was averted by her actions and I felt sure the man would return to our shop again.”

This question is primarily designed at assessing your assertiveness and confidence, whilst also being tactful. The interview panel are not looking for you to respond in a confrontational manner but, instead, they are looking for you to approach the person and resolve the issue in an amicable manner. To ignore the issue is not an option. Take a look at the following sample response:

“Whilst working in my current role as a waiter for a local restaurant, I was aware of a colleague who was taking more breaks than he was entitled to. Whilst he was taking these additional breaks, the rest of the team would have to cover for the shortfall. Unfortunately, the customer would then suffer, as the time it took for them to be served would increase. I decided to approach the person in order to resolve the issue. I walked over to him and asked him in a friendly manner if he would come and help the rest of team serve the customers. I told him that we were busy and that we needed his help. Fortunately, he responded in a positive manner and realised that he was taking advantage of his rest periods. Since then, there has not been an issue. It is important that the team gets on and works well together. We cannot afford to have confrontational situations and the best way to resolve issues like this is to be honest and tactful.”

Be very careful how you respond to this type of question. The things that you dislike should be totally disassociated with any elements of the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job that is primarily customer-focused, don’t tell the panel that you dislike dealing with people’s problems or queries. If you are applying for an office job, don’t tell the panel that you dislike being sat behind a desk all day. You should also avoid responses that portray yourself as a person who is not self-motivated. I can remember asking this question to an applicant during an interview and he replied with: “I don’t like having nothing to do. I get bored if there’s not much to do in the office. I enjoy being busy at work and I like to be kept active.” On the face of it, this doesn’t appear to be a bad response. However, a person who is sat around doing nothing should be looking for other things to do whilst at work. There are always things to do in a working environment, whether that’s organising the following day’s work, or even asking fellow colleagues if they need help with any element of their own work.

“There’s nothing in particular that I dislike doing in a working environment. Whilst I like to be kept active, if I have completed all of my work for the day, then I will always look for other things to do, or even offer to help a work colleague with their work. Sometimes at work we have to carry out monotonous and repetitive tasks. Whilst these aren’t my favourite parts of the working day, I always carry them out diligently and professionally.”

This question is obviously designed to assess whether you are ageist or sexist. Some people do have a problem with working for someone who is younger than them. Trust me, I know! When I was in the Fire Service I was promoted to a Sub Officer at a very young age. I was in charge of a watch that had 18 people on it. There was one man in particular who took immediate dislike to working under someone who was 20 years his junior. Whilst this didn’t faze me, it was clearly a problem for him. In the modern day working environment you must feel comfortable with working for people who are either younger than yourself, or of the opposite sex. I have had the pleasure of working for some fantastic female bosses who were also a lot younger than me. I would always do everything I could to support a manager and carry out my job competently and professionally, and so should you.

“I am of the clear opinion that it doesn’t matter what sex you are, or what age you are; you can still have a tremendous amount to offer a team or a company. I would have absolutely no problem with working for anyone who was younger, older or of the opposite sex to me. In a previous job, where I had been working for eight years, a female work colleague got the promotion that we had both been going for. She was ten years younger than me and had only been with the company for six months. She was clearly a very talented person; I was the first to congratulate her and informed her that I would support her fully in her new role. Over the forthcoming twelve months we built up a fantastic working relationship and I learnt a lot from her professionally. The team was really buzzing and I have to say it was probably my most enjoyable twelve months with that company whilst working for her.”

This can be a very tricky question to answer. Everybody wants to earn the highest salary possible; yet at the same time you do not want to come across as either arrogant or overconfident. The key to answering this question is to make sure you justify the salary that you are after. Personally, when responding to this question, I will always go for the highest salary possible. I do this with the thinking that I can always come down a little if they decide that they don’t want to pay me what I believe I am worth. Remember that you only get one chance to provide a figure. If that figure is low, then there’s no way that you’ll be able to negotiate an increased amount. Be confident and be comfortable with the amount that you want.

Sample response based on a wage band of £17,000 – £24,000:

“I would like a salary of £23,500 per annum. The reason why I would like this amount is simply because I have the skills, qualifications and experience to perform exceptionally in the role. Even though I believe I am worth £24,000, I would much prefer to start on a lower scale and prove to you how good I am. I feel very strongly that you’ll be pleased with my performance and that I am worth this salary. Although money is not the main motivating factor for me, I do believe that I am worth this amount.” 

The above sample response displays a level of confidence that the employer will find appealing. However, if you say you are good at a job, then you will need to prove this during your initial probationary period.

If you are applying to move jobs into an external company, then there will obviously be a reason why you want to move. We all have bad experiences in the working environment, and more often than not, the majority of people want to move simply because they either don’t like their boss, or the people that they work with. Whatever you do, do not be disrespectful to any of your previous managers or work colleagues, no matter how much you disliked them! You should also avoid using salary as a motivating factor for moving jobs. I have heard some horror responses to this question during my time as an interviewer. Here’s one of them: “To be honest, I don’t get on well with my boss. He treats me poorly and everyone in the office thinks he’s a bully.”Whilst I didn’t doubt the person’s claims, I believe that any grievances should be kept to yourself. The key to answering this question successfully is to choose a genuine reason that shows you are motivated, and also that you want a new and fresh challenge.

“Basically I am ready for a new challenge. I have been in my previous role for seven years now and I feel the time has come for me to move on. I get on very well with my manager and all of the members in my team. Whilst I will miss them, I don’t feel that I can develop any further in the same position. I am applying for this new job, as I believe I can offer a great deal in terms of my skills and experiences. I am really looking forward to a new challenge and the benefits of working in a brand new environment.”

This question will only ever be asked if you really are overqualified for the position. Whilst the question is somewhat flattering, you need to answer in a manner that displaces any element of doubt amongst the interview panel. The reason why an interviewer would ask this question is simply because they do not want you to become bored quickly with the post, and then move on to another position with another company. You need to prove within your response that the position you are applying for is not just a stopgap.

“Whilst I admit I am very well qualified, I don’t personally believe that I am overqualified for this post. I am the type of person who does not become bored easily, simply because I am always being creative and looking for new things to do in the workplace. I believe I can be a valuable asset in this post and the extra skills that I do have will hopefully be shared amongst the team. There are many jobs that I could have applied for, but I chose this one because I want to work for your company and your team. It has a very good reputation and everyone who I have spoken to during my research is very satisfied in their job. I have spent much of my career learning new skills and gaining qualifications. Whilst I am always willing to take on new challenges, I am looking for a more stable job where I am comfortable in the role. I can assure you that I will not become bored easily and that whilst I am very well qualified, this will not be an issue. If I am successful then I would like to stay in the post for a long time.”

During an earlier section of this guide, I explained how important it is to read and study the job description and person specification for the job. This question is one of the reasons why you must do just that! If you don’t know what is contained within these important documents, then not only should you not be applying for the job, you’ll also have no hope of answering the question. Most interviewers will assess you against the job description. The job description is basically a blueprint for the role that you are applying for and it determines the skills and attributes required to perform the job competently. Make sure you read the job description and also have examples ready of where you match each assessable area.

“Yes I have been studying the job description for some time now. To be honest, there aren’t any elements that I wouldn’t find appealing. To begin with, the requirement to deal with customers’ queries and complaints is something that I would very much enjoy. I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people so this would not be a problem for me. The part in the description that requires you to respond quickly to queries, again is not an issue. I am very organised and always complete tasks at the soonest opportunity. I also understand that there is a requirement for me to record details of every telephone call that I handle. This is fundamental to the role as it is important to keep a track of progress when dealing with customers’ issues. Again, this would not be a problem for me simply because I enjoy being organised.  As mentioned already, there are no elements of the job description that I would dislike. I have carefully studied all elements and would relish the opportunity to work in this role.”

This type of question will only normally be asked during interviews for sales roles. It is designed to assess your selling ability. Of course, a pen is just a pen; a piece of plastic containing some ink and a roller ball. However, the pen has significant benefits and advantages for the user, and this is how you should pitch your response to this question – focusing on the benefits and advantages to the user.

Take a look at the following response:

“I’d like to introduce you to one of the world’s greatest inventions – the pen. On first inspection, this small, perfectly formed implement does not appear to be capable of doing much. However, with just a small movement this pen has boundless creativity and it will allow you to communicate with whoever you wish, without having to say a single word vocally. Having personally been an owner of hundreds of pens during my working career, I am a true fan of this writing tool and can personally guarantee that you too will benefit from its truly amazing abilities. The roller ball is really smooth and gives excellent presentation. It is leak proof and slim and sits discretely in your pocket.”

This question is common during interviews of all types. Whilst it is primarily aimed at assessing the reasons why you are wishing to leave your current employer, it also assesses how mature and professional you are as an employee. Regardless of what you truly think about your current employer, never be critical of them to others, especially during an interview. If you are critical of your previous employer during the interview, then there is strong chance that you could be critical of this new employer once you have started! Remember to always be professional during your responses to interview questions and never respond to questions based on your personal feelings. The key to responding to this question correctly is to state that your previous employer gave you many different skills that would be of benefit to your potential new employer. Your current employer’s loss if your next employer’s gain.  

“I think they are great. I’ve had a wonderful time with them over the last few years. They have been very supportive of me and helped me to develop both personally and professionally. They are a well-respected employer and I believe that the skills I have learnt from them will benefit me, and also the next organisation that I work for, which will hopefully be yours. Even though I have had a great time working for them, I am personally ready for a new challenge, which is why I am here today.”

This again is quite a tricky question to answer. I have looked at a person’s CV and application form before they come into interview, and have often wondered why they want to move jobs so soon after joining. In order to convince me, they need to have a very good response to this question. Of course, the probable reason why someone wants to move so soon is because they are unhappy in their job. If this is really the case, then I would much rather if the person was honest.

Take a look at the following response, which was very similar to a person’s response after I had asked this exact question:

“I have to be honest here; the job that I joined isn’t what I expected. Whilst the employer is very good, the job has turned out to be different than the one advertised. I applied to become a sales representative, which is where my strengths are, but the job has ended up being an office-based role that requires me to primarily deal with customer queries. Whilst I don’t mind doing this, it isn’t the job that I applied for or the one that was sold to me when I applied. I could sit here and give you other reasons why I want to move on so quickly, but it is important that I am honest. I want you to know that I am not the kind or person who jumps from job to job and I feel certain that my current employer will give me a glowing reference. I am looking for a stable job that is suited to my skills and experiences, and the one I am applying for today certainly fits that description perfectly.”

If you have had any gaps in your employment then it is advisable that you have a valid reason for them. When responding to this type of question try to provide beneficial reasons for the gaps. Some good reasons for gaps in employment might be:

• Taking time off work to complete a study of development course
• Travelling to develop yourself or learn about a different language or culture
• Helping sick relatives or friends
• Carrying out voluntary work or community work,

However, some not so good reasons for gaps in employment are:

• Getting over a previous stressful job
• Going on holiday with your friends
• You fancied a break from employment altogether

The above will most probably put off a potential employer as there is a strong chance that you might want to leave them for a further gap in your employment,

“I took six months out from work to concentrate on finishing my Diploma educational course. I was eager to gain good grades so I decided to take a gap in my employment to fulfil this desire. It turned out to be a very good choice as I achieved excellent grades.”

Here is a great answer to this question:

“I define success in a number of ways. In the working environment I define it as excelling in my position and achieving far more than is expected of me. For example, in my previous role I was required to achieve sales targets of at least a 15% increase on the previous year. I actually managed to achieve a 35% increase, which to me is a huge success. I also define success as being part of a great working team, where everyone is working in harmony towards achieving the company goal. I also define success as being able to achieve all of the targets and objectives within my annual appraisal. Every year so far I have managed to achieve this and I am very proud of my work rate to date. Success for me is also about continuing improvement. I always have something on the go that I am working for. For example, I have just completed a sales management course where I learnt how to manage sales teams with a view to getting the most out of them. On a personal level, success to me is keeping fit and healthy, and also having my friends and family around me. I am a stable and grounded person at home and this allows me to concentrate fully on my work when required.” 

When responding to this question do not be afraid of blowing your trumpet and making yourself look good. If you are a good employee, then make sure you tell them so. Try to show a good level of ambition, and if you can back it up with evidence of previous success, then even better!

This question should be answered positively and with a degree of ambition. However, the degree of ambition will very much depend on the role that you are applying for. Some employers like to see a consistent turnover of staff, whilst others are looking for a more stable workforce. Probably the worst response I have heard to this question was when a candidate replied with: “I want to be sat in your seat.” Whilst part of me admired his enthusiasm, the other part didn’t like his arrogance! Take a look at the following response, which will give you a good indication as to how to approach this type of question. 

“I am certainly an ambitious person and would hopefully have progressed within the company by that point. However, the most important thing for me is to learn my job properly and become competent in the role. It is also important for me to gain the respect of the other members of my team. Yes, I would like to move on within the company at some point but my priority is the job that I am applying for. In terms of development, I aim to have completed a number of internal training courses by the time 5 years is up. I want to be extremely good at my job and I want my employer to think that they have made the right choice in taking me on.”

Having a knowledge of the industry that you applying to join would certainly be an advantage before attending interview. This is especially the case when applying for management or supervisory roles. Let’s assume that I am applying for a job in the retail sector today. During my preparation I would probably research websites such as www.retail-week.com. This would give me an unbiased view on the issues that are affecting this sector at this particular moment in time.

Take a look at the following response, which is based on somebody applying to join a retail company:

“At the current time many retailers are facing difficult trading conditions. There are a number of High Street chains closing branches as a result of the recent recession. However, some retailers including yours have managed to buck the trend and have seen positive growth patterns. This is due to innovative thinking and an ability to foresee changes in the market. Other issues that face this industry at present include the dilemma of whether or not to move more business across to the internet. The internet has seen significant growth of late and has been a positive source of income for many retailers. I believe the key to maintaining good growth and development within this industry rests with the managers and the staff that the company employs. Innovative and hard-working individuals will help a company move forward and continue to make significant profits despite the tough trading conditions.”

You’ve reached the end of the interview and the panel will now ask you a question similar to the above. How do you answer it without ruining your chances of success? I have seen people ruin their interview, simply by asking irrelevant and arrogant questions at the end. Be careful what you ask the panel and, if you do decide to ask questions, keep them to a minimum or two or three and ask questions that the panel can easily answer.

Take a look at the following sample responses:

“Yes I just have one question please. If I am to be successful, how soon would it be before I start?” This displays a level of enthusiasm. 

“I noticed on your website that you have been running a campaign aimed at attracting more customers to your website. Has this been a success?” 

This displays an enthusiastic interest in their company and the fact that you have carried out some research.

“I appreciate that I am yet to find out whether or not I am successful, but is there anything I can read to prepare myself for the job, just in case I am successful?”

This displays motivation and conscientiousness.

“I notice that you have introduced a new exciting product range. Has this been a success?”

This displays an enthusiastic interest in their company and the fact that you have carried out some research.