Here are more sample interview answers to all manner of tricky job interview questions that you need to prepare for your next job interview.
What is really important though is to make sure that you don't over-prepare and end up sounding like a scripted robot. The key is to get the answers prepared mentally in a brief outline so that you will sound completely natural when you are asked the questions.
The way to make these answers really make an impact is to provide well illustrated examples. Remember not to ramble on too much, but simply give a brief description for each one. The sample interview answers below will get you off to a great start.
Of course, the more you are able to align and tie in your strengths with the particular job position the better.
Sample Interview Answers
- When you are considering different job opportunities, what things do you look for?
► Here is an opportunity to remind them of your key strengths, so the best interview answer is to talk about your interest, challenge and the opportunity to develop existing skills further or to learn new skills. “I have well developed people and organizational skills so I like to work as a team leader or manager of a small group”.
- What do you want to avoid in your next job?
► Because you are flexible and eager there is not too much you want to avoid but see 8 above and frame your answer around the sort of things that most people would happily avoid such as excessive repetition or unnecessary administration duties. You must have a clear understanding of what the job involves, so you know that your positivism is not misplaced.
- What was the reason you decided to leave that job?
► Use your Exit Statement as previously described and move on to your reasons for applying for this role. Continue by adding that this job meets what you are looking for very well and will make good use of the skills you possess. It also means that you are pleased to be here discussing it with them.
- What promotions or merit increases have you received? Why did they promote you?
► Think about your last performance appraisal then talk about new skills you have developed and your tangible achievements where they could relate to this new job. If you have received awards say what they were for. Don’t be afraid of blowing your own horn.
- What compliments have you received for your good work?
► Use this opportunity to describe your achievements and how they were recognized; perhaps you could say “...and the boss was so pleased when I won the new business that he sent me and my wife two tickets to the theatre.” The important issue is of course ‘won the new business’.
- What criticisms have you received on the job? How did you feel about that criticism?
► Show how you welcome ‘constructive criticism’ and that you welcome feedback that benefits your ability to improve your performance. If criticism was merited because you lacked some knowledge that could be addressed by training, show that you actively pursued the necessary training. If you felt there was an incident of unfair criticism you can use it but be sure to show why it was unfair without sounding bitter or ill-treated.
- Did you make any changes in the routine of your last position? Do you think these changes benefited the company or yourself?
► Tell them about positive changes to processes or routines. When the change benefited the company, it also benefited you. Don’t talk about making changes that just suited you – there must be a benefit to the business or organization.
- What kind of supervision brings out the best in you?
► This depends a lot on both yours and their style; I’d usually suggest that you mention knowledgeable, supportive supervisors who give you room to do your job but are available when you need help. Avoid saying you dislike or don’t welcome supervision. You might say that you work well with most styles of supervision.
- Would you be willing to work on multiple tasks under one position?
► You should make the point that this is quite normal for you and you are capable of multi-tasking so long as the tasks are related and priorities are agreed. It is in the interest of the business to be clear what has the highest priority.
- Do you prefer to work under pressure or in a more relaxed environment?
► What they want to know is can they rely on you! You should be clear that you prefer to be busy, but your best strategy is to say you prefer to know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done by and you’re always prepared to meet peak demands. (Nobody could argue with that!)
- What kind of pressure bothers you the most?
► Answer that you respond to peak demands very well. Use care to avoid being seen as difficult but pressure involving unexplained or unnecessarily late changes, being overly reliant on excessive rules and procedures are usually commonplace complaints.
- Do you like routine work? Do you prefer regular hours?
► Your best answer would be to say you prefer to know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done by and you’re always prepared to meet peak demands. Variety often makes life more interesting. (Nobody could argue with that!) This question might be asked when it is well known that the job actually does involve routine work such as data input or legal drafting.
- Describe what you feel to be the ideal job for you.
► Describe the elements and demands of the job that you are now being interviewed for, but in general terms rather than say “this is my ideal job” - talk about a job that holds your interest, gives you a challenge and opportunity to develop or learn new skills, that is to say something like the job you’re talking to them about.
I'm going to provide more sample interview answers for you on the next pages, but obviously if you get my Top Interview Answers guide, you'll get all my sample interview answers plus lots of other interview tips all in one place.
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