How to Answer some of the Most Common Interview Questions

Interviewers tend to ask the same questions over and over again. Of course, there will usually be some more unexpected ones in the mix as well, but in general, you should be able to answer the standard questions pretty well. It’s easy to prepare the answers and come up with something that will impress before you go into the interview. Here are some good responses to those typical but tricky questions:

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time? The interviewer wants to know how ambitious you are, but also how dedicated you will be to the company. You should explain that you want to be able to progress and develop, but that you’d still like to be at that particular organisation in 5 years’ time.
• What is your biggest weakness? Put a positive spin on this if you can, even though it might be tricky. You could say something like you know you like to be in control of situations and may sometimes try to take the reins, but it means that you get the job done in good time. Make sure they learn something positive about you from your answer as well.
• Why do you want to work here? This question is deceptively simple. They will probably actually want to know about your personal reasons so that they can decide whether you will be a good fit for the team. However, it’s also a test to see if you have done your reading about the company, so make sure you know plenty about them.
• What is your dream role? Your dream role is the one you are applying for!

Just remember not to learn interview answers by rote. Use our guide to help you, but you also want to be yourself and put your own spin on things. Get the buzzwords in but customise your answers so that you sound natural.