New Year: New Job - 10 Classic Job Interview Questions

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in the job hunting process. Don’t get caught out by these classic queries that appear at many a job interview:

1. Tell me about yourself

The interviewer doesn’t want to know about whether you drink tea or are more of a coffee person. Talk briefly about your career achievements to date, especially those that are relevant to this role.  

2. Why do you want to work for us?

A little research and you’ll be able to talk convincingly about the business and how you can play your part.

3. Give an example of where you've been able to use your initiative

Even if you’re not in a management role, you need to show some proactivity

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Talk about strengths that satisfy the selection criteria and go easy on the weaknesses, picking something largely irrelevant in this role

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Research the company structure so that you can suggest a realistic career path and don’t be tempted to say “retired on a beach in Bali”

6. What is your greatest achievement?

Use the selection criteria to identify which skills the interviewer is interested in and shape your answer around this

7. Why should we recruit you?

Describe the skills and experience you’ve gained that qualify you to fulfil the duties of this specific job

8. Are you a team player?

An emphatic “yes” coupled by examples of exceptional team work are crucial here

9. What are your salary expectations?

Know what you’re worth in the current market and be prepared to negotiate

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Always have some questions up your sleeve, even if it means going over some ground that the interviewer has already touched upon