Job Interview Tips

Common interview questions

If you’re going to be in the spotlight, there’s nothing better than being prepared.

There are several questions that tend to come up in almost every interview; however, few of us plan our answers beforehand.

Take a look at these questions prepared by our Talent Guide and start preparing your answers today. You’ll find you are far more confident when you enter the interview.

About you:

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths?
3. What are your weaknesses?
4. Where do you see yourself in five years time?
5. If you could be doing anything right now, what would it be?

About you at work:

1. What workplace environments suit you the most?
2. Do you work well under pressure?
3. What motivates you?
4. Describe your work ethic?
5. What do you look for in a job?
6. Are you willing to work overtime? Are you willing to travel?
7. Are you a clock watcher?
8. Do you work better on your own or in a team?
9. Are you a team player?
10. Do you get along well with others? And have you ever encountered conflict with fellow employees and how did you deal with this?

About your skills:

1. When did you first get interested in this field/type of work?
2. Do you have any qualifications in this line/type of work?
3. What experience do you have in this field/type of work?
4. What additional studying/research/courses/reading have you done to improve your skills?
5. Do you intend to study further in this line and if so what are your plans in this regard?
6. Do you feel you are qualified/over qualified/under qualified for this position?
7. Would you say you are successful in this line?
8. What makes you successful in this type of role?
9. Tell me about your biggest success.
10. Tell me about your biggest failure.

About your potential role in the organisation:

1. What do you know about this company?
2. Do you know anyone who works for/with this company?
3. Why do you want to work for this company?
4. What do you know about the position?
5. Why are you interested in this position?
6. What environment would make you successful in this role?
7. What management style are you looking for? What is your management style?
8. Do you believe you could fit into our corporate culture?
9. Do you consider yourself a long-serving employee or one who grabs opportunities even if they are outside the organisation?
10. Why should we hire you? What could you bring to our organisation?

About your previous employment:

• Why are you looking for a new job?
• Have you ever been fired? If so, why?
• Have you ever been retrenched and why do you think you were chosen?
• Which has been your best working experience and why?
• Which has been your worst working experience and why?