Practise your Performance: Interview Questions

Practise your Performance: Interview Questions

Imagine giving a pitch to a business or a presentation to a class without preparing any material. Most of us would find ourselves struggling for ideas and find it difficult to give a structured presentation in a coherent and focused manner. The same principle applies to job interviews. Being prepared and knowing how you will answer a question is vitally important.

One of the best things you can do before an interview is to practise answering interview questions out loud. While it may seem strange at first, it will help you formulate your answers and think of examples. It will also help you feel more confident and relaxed going into your interview. While it is impossible to predict exactly what you will be asked, most interviewers commonly ask at least some of the following questions.

Sample interview questions:

• • What made you apply for this position?

• • Why are you interested in working with us?

• • What motivates you to work in this career?

• • Tell me about yourself.

• • How would a friend or former employer describe you?

• • What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• • Tell me about a problem you encountered in a previous role, how you went about resolving it and whether or not you were successful?

• • Have you ever been involved in implementing a new system or procedure?

• • How would you deal with a difficult client/customer?

• • Do you have experience managing competing priorities?

• • Do you prefer to work in a team or alone?

• • Tell me about an occasion where there was a conflict in your team. How was it resolved?

• • Describe a time when you used your initiative.

• • How do you organise your working day?

• • This is a high-pressure job. How will you cope with that?

• • Tell me about a time you worked towards a tight deadline.

• • What is your greatest achievement?

• • Where do you see yourself in five years from now?

• • Describe your dream job.

• • What qualities can you bring to this role?

• • What do you do in your spare time?

• • If I gave you a million euro, what would you do?

• • Sell me this pen.

• • If you could be any fruit, which one would you be?

• • Why should I choose you instead of another candidate?

• • You’re overqualified for this job, aren’t you?

• • What are the qualities of a good manager?