Interview questions

What are common interview questions?

Interviews enable prospective employers to gather more information about applicants and build upon questions already put in application forms; they are also for prospective employers to check that what has been written in CVs and application forms is real.

To anticipate what form the questions might take, put yourself in the role of the employer and consider what you would like to know.

Questions are likely to cover:

· educational achievements;

· work experience;

· personal skills, such as leadership, teamwork;

· personal goals;

· understanding of the role;

· strengths;

· Weaknesses.

They might be put as:

· What made you decide to study at university x?

· What did you find challenging about working as an x?

· Give us an example of how you worked effectively in a team.

· Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

· What would you bring to the role of x?

· Tell us about your proudest achievement.

· Do you envisage any difficulties in carrying out this role?

Don't assume that the interviewer has read your application carefully (there may have been many). Prepare your responses as if the interviewer knows little about you, but be prepared to justify anything you have put in your application.