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Summary

Are you a recruiter or hiring manager looking for candidate pre-employment video interviews, assessment tests and tools including game assessments? We invite you to visit our Assess Candidates website.

Have you just been invited to an interview but not sure what questions to expect? Wondering how best to approach and answer these interview questions? This article has got you covered!

Preparing well to respond to interview questions confidently can help you stand out from the competition and make a positive impact on the interviewer and your performance determines how likely you are to land the job. 

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for your next interview? More than half of all candidates are rejected at the first interview stage. A nationwide recruiter survey also found that 51% of recruiters use interview scheduling software. A further 28% are considering the move. (Fennell, 2022; Yello, 2020) 

Continue reading to explore more about answering interview questions, and some strategies while responding to interview questions for those applying to jobs or internships.

Contents

  1. Types of Interview Questions
  2. 8 Key Strategies to Ace Your Next Job Interview
  3. Interview Questions FAQs

Let’s get started!

Types of Interview Questions

What types of interview questions do employers use?

Interview questions can vary in how they’re asked depending on the recruiter and the nature of the job. Check the job description and interview invitation in your email carefully, as these can clue you into what questions they are likely to ask you in your upcoming interview.

For many of these interview question types, it is important that your answers should highlight the following key skills:

  • Self-awareness
  • Development/ Progress
  • Communication 
  • Problem-Solving 
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Time Management and Organization
  • Technical abilities

Good to know: When thinking of an answer that covers one or some of these key skills, always ensure to use realistic and honest experiences you have had which demonstrate the competencies/strengths. 

Discover more about how these different interview questions are used to assess you in our article here.

1. Traditional Interview Questions

What are traditional interview questions?

Traditional interview questions are frequently asked questions primarily intended to acknowledge your background, work experience, educational qualification, skills, strengths etc.

Traditional interview questions comprise questions such as:

  • Tell me about yourself
  • What is your past experience in this field? 
  • What are your long-term career goals?
  • Why should we hire you?
  • What do you know about our company? 

As these questions are open-ended, you should avoid answering the questions with a straightforward “yes” or “no” response. Your answer should reveal your communication skills, critical thinking skills, alertness and thought processes. 

So how do we approach these questions?

Our Top 5 Tips to Ace Traditional Interview Questions

  1. Familiarise yourself with common interview questions
    • Take the time to research and understand the typical questions that are often asked during interviews. This will help you anticipate what to expect and prepare appropriate responses.
  1. Prepare thoughtful responses in advance
    • Rather than trying to come up with answers on the spot, take the opportunity to think about your experiences and achievements beforehand. Prepare thoughtful and relevant responses that showcase your skills, accomplishments, and suitability for the position.
  1. Provide context and be concise 
    • While it’s important to provide enough context to help the interviewer understand your response, it’s also crucial to be concise and focused. Avoid unnecessary details that may detract from the main point and keep your answers clear and to the point.
  1. Demonstrate enthusiasm and passion
    • Employers value candidates who show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Let your passion shine through in your responses, highlighting your genuine interest in the industry, the company’s mission, and the responsibilities associated with the position. This demonstrates your motivation and commitment to the role.
  1. Showcase your soft skills 
    • Employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. During interviews, showcase examples of these to demonstrate your potential to contribute to the company and work effectively with colleagues.

Let’s now look into a few solved traditional interview questions.

TRADITIONAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

Question 1: Tell me about yourself

How to answer: Use the SEAT format to answer this question for a more structured and clear response. This allows you to outline the Skills you are bringing to the role, your current Experience, the key Achievements you’ve made and the Type of person you are on the job.

  • Skills brought to the job:
    • With a strong marketing background and five years of industry expertise, I bring a diverse set of skills to the job. These include strategic thinking, data analysis, collaboration, and innovation. 
  • Experience in the field:
    • My experience in the field has exposed me to various industries and challenges, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer segments, and competitive landscapes. I have experience in market research, customer data analysis, and identifying growth opportunities. I have worked with cross-functional teams and developed innovative marketing approaches to improve brand recognition and consumer engagement. 
  • Achievements so far:
    • I have achieved significant accomplishments in this role, including:
      • Developing and executing customised marketing strategies that align with each client’s objectives, resulting in measurable business outcomes.
      • Utilising data-driven insights to create innovative marketing campaigns that have boosted brand recognition, increased consumer engagement, and drove revenue growth by 20%.
      • Achieving notable improvements in customer satisfaction and loyalty through the implementation of targeted marketing initiatives.
      • Delivering long-term value to clients by consistently achieving measurable results
  • Type of person I am in the job:
    • I am highly motivated, dedicated, and results-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. They are a strong communicator, collaborator, and adaptable, seeking input from cross-functional teams to drive success.

Discover more tips on how you can answer this common interview question with our quick video below:

Question 2: What is your past experience in this field?

Tip to answer: Highlight particular accomplishments and duties that are relevant to the position while talking about prior experience. Highlight your contribution and any quantifiable outcomes you obtained. This shows your talents and how your background fits with the requirements of the position.

In my past, I have worked in the IT industry for the past eight years, taking on various roles and responsibilities. During this time, I have:

  • Provided technical support and managed IT infrastructure for a medium-sized company.
  • Conducted regular maintenance and monitoring activities to proactively identify and resolve network or server issues.
  • Managed software updates and patches to ensure systems were up-to-date and secure.
  • Improved system reliability, leading to increased productivity and enhanced data security.
  • Developed strong technical skills in troubleshooting and problem-solving.
  • Gained a solid foundation in network administration and cybersecurity practices.
  • Contributed to optimise IT systems and improving overall efficiency.

This experience has helped me deeply understand IT operations and infrastructure management. I am confident in my ability to handle technical challenges and provide effective solutions, and I am excited about the opportunity to utilise my skills and expertise to support and optimise your IT systems.

Question 3: What are your long-term career goals?

Tip to answer: When discussing your long-term career goals, it’s important to show ambition and alignment with the company’s vision. Keep your response concise and highlight your aspirations for growth and development within the field or industry.

My long-term career goal is to become an R&D Manager, leveraging my passion for Technology. I aspire to manage a team in an organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and professional development.

To work towards this goal, I actively pursue opportunities to expand my expertise, such as attending industry conferences and am currently applying for various certifications.

By continuously expanding my knowledge, honing my skills, and embracing new challenges, I can make a meaningful impact in the development field. I am eager to contribute my skills, experience, and passion to your organisation’s success and grow alongside it.

Looking to enhance your interview preparation further? Practice 60 interview sets complete with model answers used across top industries on our Practice Video Interviewing Platform.

2. Competency-Based Interview Questions

What are competency based questions?

Competency-based interviews are designed with the intention to analyse the candidate’s skills and abilities through examples from their past experiences. The interviewer will pose questions centred on particular competencies required for the position.

Here are some examples of common competency-based interview questions:

  • Can you describe a difficult issue you solved and how you tackled it?
  • Can you tell me about a moment when you had to adjust to a major shift at work?
  • Could you tell me about a moment when you had to lead a team through a challenging project?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated strong problem-solving skills to overcome a complex challenge at work?
  • Could you share an experience where you effectively managed a conflict or disagreement within a team?

How to Answer Competency-based Interview Questions

  1. Understand the competencies
    • Familiarise yourself with the key competencies relevant to the job you’re applying for. Review the job description, research the company, and identify the specific skills and qualities they seek.
  1. Relate to the role
    • When preparing for these questions, consider how your answers relate to the role you’re applying for. Do the examples you are using effectively show the skills required for the job? 
  1. Use the STAR+R technique
    • The STAR+R is often preferred by interviewers as a framework for your responses as these effectively show your ability to deal with a variety of working scenarios.
      • Situation: Describe the specific situation, project, or task that you were involved in.
      • Task: Clearly outline what you were required to do in the given situation. 
      • Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the challenge or task.
      • Result: Share the outcome or results of your actions. 
      • Reflect: Connect the experience to the broader context and relevance.
  1. Practice and rehearse
    • Rehearse your answers to ensure that they flow naturally for you. This will boost your confidence and allow you to properly communicate your experiences throughout the interview.
  1. Show a positive outlook
    • Always aim to use positive examples which show how your skills were clearly shown and how you improved from the experiences. Turn a negative into a positive by explaining the steps you are taking to improve.

Let’s use these tips to answer some of these competency interview questions!

COMPETENCY-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: Can you describe a difficult issue you solved and how you tackled it?

Tip to answer: This is a great opportunity to use the STAR+R format to answer this question. Consider 2-3 examples of your experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving ability.

  • Situation: Whilst I was working as a Quality Control Assistant during an internship at a local manufacturer producing small electronics, my superior tasked me with carrying out a full inspection on my own.
  • Task: As I had just started, this task was unclear to me at this time as I did not understand the inspection procedure and the key areas to look out for.
  • Action: I first requested an updated checklist from my supervisor for these items to use for my inspection of the hardware used in production. Once provided, I then immediately went to work checking each electronic device carefully to find any potential errors on and beyond the checklist in a safe manner to ensure quality. Once I had completed the inspection, I also requested feedback from my supervisor.
  • Result: I completed the inspection within the deadline, highlighting only a few faults and several improvement areas. My superior was impressed when she saw the thoroughness of my review and complimented me on the timely delivery. She also gave a few pointers that I could use to further improve my inspection efficiency next time.
  • Reflect: I found that asking for further guidance and materials to assist with my work is useful for gaining further understanding of processes to ensure high quality. I also found it useful to gain feedback from my supervisor and co-workers that I can use to further improve my performance and experience.

Question 2: Can you tell me about a moment when you had to adjust to a major shift at work?

Tip To answer: When answering this question, provide a specific example of a major shift or change you experienced at work and highlight how you successfully adapted to it. Emphasise your flexibility, ability to learn quickly, and positive attitude towards change.

  • Situation: As a project manager at Company XYZ, I led a team through a significant shift in project management, adopting an agile methodology to improve collaboration, efficiency, and project outcomes. 
  • Task: This required a significant adjustment in the planning, execution, and delivery of projects. As a project manager, my task was to lead the team through this transition, ensuring a smooth adjustment while minimising negative impacts on project timelines and deliverables. 
  • Action: I first educated myself on agile principles, methodologies, and best practices. I then communicated the need for change to the team, explaining the benefits and addressing any concerns they had in a meeting. I then organised and led training sessions and workshops to help familiarise the team with agile practices, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.
  • Result: The team successfully adjusted to the new agile methodology, experiencing improved collaboration, increased transparency, faster project delivery, enhanced customer satisfaction, and more adaptive work culture. 
  • Reflect: I developed skills in change management, agile project management, and leading teams through transitions, showcasing my ability to adapt to major shifts at work and successfully lead teams through transitions.

Question 3: Could you tell me about a moment when you had to lead a team through a challenging project?

Tip to answer: In your response, focus on highlighting your ability to effectively communicate with team members, delegate tasks, and provide support and guidance during challenging projects.

  • Situation: As the project lead at Company ABC, I faced the challenging task of developing and implementing a complex software solution for a high-profile client within a tight timeframe. 
  • Task: The team had technical complexities and dependencies to address, and I was responsible for coordinating efforts to meet the client’s expectations and deliver the project on time and within scope. 
  • Action: To navigate the project, the lead took clear goal setting, effective resource allocation, open communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. They held daily stand-up meetings to discuss roadblocks, brainstorm solutions, and maintain alignment. The team facilitated problem-solving sessions, analysing issues, brainstorming potential solutions, and making informed decisions.
  • Result: The project was successfully delivered on time and within scope, and the client was highly satisfied with the software solution. 
  • Reflect: This experience emphasised the importance of effective leadership, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving, as well as recognizing and utilising the strengths of each team member. 

Check out our Question Identifier Tool (QIT) to uncover even more common competency interview questions you are likely to be asked, based on the role you’ve applied for. 

3. Behavioural Interview Questions

What are behavioural interview questions?

Behavioural interview questions are used to analyse your perspective and thought process using a real-life problem or a complex situation that arises in a work environment. These are often related to the role and the skills required.

Here are a few commonly asked behavioural interview questions:

  • How would you resolve a dispute between you and a customer?
  • How do you handle tight deadlines or multiple tasks?
  • How would you respond to a coworker that did not meet their target?
  • What would you do if your schedule was interrupted by new team meetings?
  • Describe how you ensure success.

Now you must be wondering why interviewers ask such tricky questions, and the reason is quite simple. The behavioural questions aim to give insight into your character traits such as:

  • Problem-solving
  • Teamworking 
  • Ability to handle criticism
  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to handle stress

Ultimately, interviewers use these to help assess your potential responses to future scenarios related to the role you are applying for. 

How to Answer Behavioural Interview Questions

  1. Understand the role
    • As with any other question, consider what skills are required for the job. A good start is to check the job description for the responsibilities and skills sought.
  1. Understand the question
    • Take your time to fully understand the question. If you have any questions concerning the question, don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer to clarify. This ensures your replies remain relevant and focused.
  1. Be specific
    • For some questions, you may answer using the STAR+R method to use examples where your past experiences show the skills they are looking for. Ensure these outline what happened, what you did and the results of this.
  1. Be honest and authentic
    • Authenticity is highly valued by interviewers, and they can often detect when candidates are not being genuine. Present yourself in a sincere and transparent manner using real examples from your experiences.
  1. Practice
    • Before you take any behavioural interview, always prepare ahead of time. Use feedback on your responses to these questions to improve your interview technique in a way that’s comfortable for you. 

Let’s put these tips to the test with some example answers to the above questions!

BEHAVIOURAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: How would you resolve a dispute between you and a customer?

Tip to answer: When answering this question, highlight your ability to remain calm and empathetic while actively listening to the customer’s concerns. Mention your approach to finding a mutually beneficial solution through effective communication, and problem-solving.

To ensure a situation like this is resolved in a way that benefits all, I would take the following steps to maintain a positive relationship:

  1. I would first listen actively and understand the customer’s concerns. By doing this, I want to show empathy for their perspective.
  2. I would then clarify the problem with them to ensure a clear understanding and offer appropriate solutions or options to address the dispute.
  3. I would then proceed to collaborate with the customer to find a mutually agreeable resolution.
  4. Next, I will take personal ownership of the situation and communicate progress to the customer, taking prompt action to resolve the issue.
  5. Once resolved, I would follow up with the customer later to ensure they are satisfied and gather feedback.

Question 2: How do you handle tight deadlines or multiple tasks?

Tip to answer: When addressing this question, share a specific example using the STAR+R format to demonstrate your ability. Highlight your skills in prioritisation, time management, and organisation, emphasising how you delegated tasks and maintained focus to meet deadlines and deliver results.

  • Situation: In my previous role, I was assigned a project with an extremely tight deadline. We had to deliver a comprehensive marketing campaign within two weeks, which involved creating content, designing visuals, and executing various promotional activities.
  • Task: Therefore I had to effectively manage my time and resources to ensure the project was completed on schedule while maintaining the high quality expected by our clients.
  • Action: I first conducted a thorough assessment of the project requirements and created a detailed project plan outlining all the necessary tasks and their dependencies for clarity. Next, I prioritised the tasks based on their urgency and importance. Additionally, I broke down the large tasks into smaller ones for better resource allocation and for a more organised approach. To manage the workload efficiently, I also delegated tasks to team members based on their skills and expertise.
  • Result: As a result, despite the tight deadline, we were able to produce a high-quality marketing campaign that matched, if not exceeded, the client’s expectations. The success of the project was due to meticulous planning, effective work distribution, and open communication among the team.
  • Reflect: This experience suggests my ability to thrive under pressure and efficiently manage tight deadlines. I found that effective time management skills, along with excellent problem-solving abilities are key for me to successfully handle similar situations in future projects.

Discover more insights on how to answer this question with this quick video below:

Question 3: How do you respond to difficult feedback and what did you do to improve?

Tip to answer: When addressing this question, briefly describe your approach to receiving difficult feedback. Highlight your ability to remain open-minded, listen actively, and reflect on the feedback received. You can use the STAR+R approach here too!

  • Situation: In my previous role, a supervisor provided difficult feedback that highlighted areas for improvement in communication skills and proactive initiative. 
  • Task: My task was to address the feedback following the meeting, using the comments and understanding the examples provided, viewing it as an opportunity for growth. 
  • Action: I first sought clarification from my supervisor to identify areas for improvement and created an action plan. To improve my communication skills, I enrolled in a professional development course, practiced active listening, and clear articulation, and adapted my communication style to different stakeholders. I also took the initiative by seeking challenging projects and volunteering for cross-functional teams.
  • Result: The results showed significant improvements in communication skills and proactive approach, with colleagues and supervisors noticing the positive changes. 
  • Reflect: This adaptive and growth-oriented mindset will enable me to thrive in challenging work environments and contribute effectively to the organisation.

Question 3: How would you respond to a coworker that did not meet their target?

Tip to answer: Lay out the response into steps in a logical order to clearly demonstrate your interpersonal and organisational skills. Ensure your answer helps resolve the issue and aims to improve the coworker’s performance.

When a coworker does not meet their target, I would respond by taking the following steps:

  1. Assess the Situation: Understand the reasons behind their performance shortfall and gather all the necessary information.
  1. Open Communication: Approach the coworker with empathy and openness to discuss their challenges and any obstacles they may have faced.
  1. Identify Supportive Measures: Offer assistance and resources to help them overcome the difficulties they encountered and meet their targets.
  1. Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate the expectations and goals, ensuring they understand what is required to meet the targets.
  1. Provide Guidance and Feedback: Offer constructive feedback and guidance on areas for improvement and provide practical suggestions or strategies.
  1. Encourage Development: Recommend relevant training or development opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.

4. Situational-Judgement Interview Questions

What are situational interview questions?

Situational-Judgement interview questions are asked to candidates for analysing their capability to make an appropriate judgement while handling a hypothetical situation. These situations are often likely scenarios that will occur within the role you have applied for. 

 The interviewer would present you with hypothetical scenarios and ask you to choose the best course of action from a set of options. Let’s check out an example!

Your colleague has been recently underperforming in their position, and you have been asked to give feedback on their performance by the team supervisor. What would you do?

  • A: Give constructive feedback on their performance along with suggestions for improvement.
  • B: Altogether avoid any negative feedback and focus on your colleague’s positive attributes.
  • C: Outrightly report their underperformance to your supervisor directly.

Good to know: These questions are similar to behavioural questions, as both situational judgement questions and behavioural questions require you to demonstrate your problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. 

The key difference for these questions is that behavioural questions ask candidates to describe how they would behave in specific situations, whereas situational questions usually go into further depth regarding a workplace scenario.

4 Tips to Excel the Situational-Judgement Interview Questions

  1. Understand the competencies
    • Break down the job requirements into specific competencies such as communication skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, or technical expertise. Make a list of these competencies.

Discover more about Situational judgement tests and interviews and how they assess competencies with our short video below:

  1. Analyse the situation
    • Before making any decisions or taking action, it’s important to carefully assess and understand the situation at hand. This involves gathering relevant information, identifying key stakeholders, and considering any underlying factors that may impact the situation.
  1. Use critical thinking
    • Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option, as well as the potential outcomes and consequences associated with them. This helps in making informed decisions.
  1. Prioritise key factors
    • Determine the key factors or criteria that need to be considered when making a decision or taking action. Identify the most important aspects or objectives related to the situation and give them appropriate priority in your decision-making process.
  1. Communicate clearly
    • Keep your answer short and clear. Maintain good eye contact, speak clearly and audibly, and use appropriate gestures and body language. These elements contribute to effective communication and help you convey your message confidently.

Explore these solved situational judgement interview questions with our answers below.

SITUATIONAL JUDGEMENT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: What would you do if a customer complained about a product or service to you?

Tip to answer: When answering this question, outline the approach you would take to ensure the customer is satisfied. Consider the employer’s values, culture and preferred behaviours when dealing with customers.

I would begin by actively listening to the customer’s complaint without interrupting. I would then proceed to acknowledging their frustration and assure them that I understand their concerns.

Then, I will take ownership of the issue, assuring the customer that I will personally look into it and work towards a resolution regarding the product or service, as soon as possible.

Once I have found a solution, I will ensure that the customer is satisfied with this solution and will continue to follow up with my team and customer to avoid any misunderstandings or lack of communication. 

Question 2: How would you prepare and deliver a presentation to a large audience effectively?

Tip to answer: This can be a tough question on the spot, so it’s key to prepare your answer. Outline the steps you would take in order to ensure your presentation is ready and optimised for the target audience. Consider how you would tailor your speech and presentation to your audience.

  1. Conduct thorough research on the topic for relevant and up-to-date information.
  2. Identify key messages and create a clear structure for the presentation.
  3. Utilise visual aids, such as slides or props, for improved understanding and engagement.
  4. Rehearse the presentation to speak clearly and confidently, adjusting pace and volume for the audience and venue.
  5. Incorporate storytelling, anecdotes, or real-life examples to make the content relatable and engaging.
  6. Check audience comprehension during the presentation and adjust the pace or level of detail as needed.
  7. Encourage questions and provide clarifications when necessary.
  8. Seek feedback from the audience or organisers to reflect on strengths and areas for improvement in future presentations.

Question 3: If you were in a leadership position and noticed that the team’s morale was low, how would you go about improving it?

Tip to answer: Many organisations are looking for key leadership skills. Demonstrate this in your answer by clearly outlining your steps and effective strategies to boost your team’s motivation. Consider the work culture of the employer and tailor your answer to these values.

  • Plan steps to improve team morale and boost motivation and productivity.
  • Initiate open conversations with the team to understand factors contributing to low morale.
  • Recognize and appreciate the team’s efforts and achievements publicly and privately.
  • Celebrate achievements as a way to motivate the team.
  • Provide opportunities for professional growth and skill development through delegation of responsibilities and ownership.
  • Ensure team members have the necessary resources, tools, and support for effective job performance.
  • Monitor team morale over time and observe positive changes in motivation and engagement.
  • Seek feedback from team members to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

5. Strength-Based Interview Questions

What are strength based interview questions?

Strength-based interview questions, as the name implies, are designed to discover your innate abilities, skills, and strengths that can be applied to the position for which they are applying. 

Frequently asked strength-based questions include:

  • What are your top three strengths?
  • How have your strengths helped you to overcome a challenge in your past experience?
  • What do you feel sets you apart from other candidates for this role based on your strengths and experience?
  • Explain how your strengths can be aligned with the vision and mission of our company.
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you used your strengths to contribute to a successful team project or initiative?

These questions concentrate on your strengths and interests, as well as how you understand your weaknesses or places for development. Strength-based interview questions not only shed light on your passions but also admire inherent talents that may not be reflected in your resume.

How to Answer Strength-based Interview Questions

Here are some strategies to thrive in strength-based interviews:

  1. Understand your strengths
    • Before the interview, take some time to think about your primary abilities and skills. Determine your areas of strength and the distinct traits you bring to the table. This self-awareness will allow you to effectively explain your talents throughout the interview.
  1. Prepare examples
    • Consider instances in the past where you proved your abilities in action. Consider your achievements, the obstacles or circumstances when your abilities helped.
  1. Turn a weakness into a strength
    • This builds trust and credibility with the interviewer. Even if you make a mistake or lack certain skills, it’s better to acknowledge it honestly rather than attempting to cover it up. Honesty also allows the interviewer to assess your self-awareness and integrity. 
  1. Connect your strengths to the job
    • Show how your strengths fit with the job requirements and how they will contribute to the organisation’s success. Make it obvious why your qualifications make you the best applicant for the job.
  1. Be humble and open to learning
    • While bringing out your strengths, show an eagerness to learn and improve. Make it clear that you seek opinions and strive for constant growth. This demonstrates that you are open to new challenges and chances and have a growth mindset.

Check out these examples of how to answer the strength-based interview questions.

STRENGTH-BASED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: What are your top three strengths?

Tip to answer: When asked about your top three strengths, focus on qualities that are relevant to the position and align with the company’s needs. Be concise and specific in highlighting your strengths, providing brief examples.

Throughout my professional career, I have acquired and perfected several important knowledge and skills that have consistently contributed to my success. I identified my top three qualities after thorough self-reflection and feedback from coworkers and supervisors and they are:

  1. good problem-solving abilities 
  2. effective communication, and 
  3. a proactive approach.

These three abilities have constantly led to great results in my career. They have enabled me to handle complicated challenges, work successfully with multiple stakeholders, and create proactive and creative solutions.

I believe these strengths are well-aligned with the responsibilities of this job and the aims of your company. My problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and proactive approach will enable me to actively contribute to the team and generate successful outcomes. I am thrilled about the prospect of using these talents and further developing them in the context of your company.

Question 2: How have your strengths helped you to overcome a challenge in your past experience?

Tip to answer: This is an interesting question as you can use the STAR+R method to answer this question using a past experience similar to a competency-based question. However, for this question focus on the strengths used.

  • Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, we encountered a significant issue when a key team member unexpectedly resigned in the middle of a critical project.
  • Task: My task was to address this challenge and ensure the project’s completion despite the setback.
  • Action: I immediately assessed the impact of the team member’s departure and the remaining workload. I collaborated with the team to redistribute tasks and adjust timelines accordingly. I also proactively communicated with stakeholders about the situation, managing their expectations and ensuring their continued support.
  • Result: As a result of our collective efforts and my leadership, we were able to successfully address the challenge and deliver the project on time. The team’s morale and confidence were boosted, and we received positive feedback from both internal stakeholders and clients.
  • Reflect: This experience demonstrates how my strengths enable me to navigate challenges and deliver successful outcomes. I am confident that these strengths will continue to benefit me in future, contributing to the success of the organisation.

Question 3: Explain how your strengths can be aligned with the vision and mission of our company.

Tip to answer: Provide specific examples of how your strengths can contribute to the achievement of their goals. Emphasise the value you can bring to the organisation through your leadership, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and innovation.

Upon studying your company’s vision and mission, I discovered areas where my talents can support your goals:

  • Leadership and Strategic Thinking: I align vision with practical strategies, driving growth and operational efficiency by leading cross-functional teams. Such as successfully implementing a new marketing strategy that resulted in a 20% increase in customer engagement.
  • Effective Communication and Collaboration: I foster a collaborative and inclusive culture through open communication, building relationships, and promoting teamwork. As demonstrated by my experience leading a team to deliver a high-profile project within a tight deadline.
  • Adaptability and Innovation: I thrive in dynamic environments, embracing challenges, exploring new technologies, and improving processes to drive growth and stay competitive. Such as implementing a data-driven approach that optimised operational efficiency and reduced costs by 15%.
  • Contributing to Success: By combining my strengths with your vision, I aim to play a pivotal role in driving the organisation’s growth and achieving excellence together.

Practice video interview questions with GF! Gain access to 60 interview questions and answer sets, including common strength-based questions used by employers.

6. Technical Interviews Questions

What are technical interview questions?

Technical interview questions are asked to assess your level of knowledge and technical expertise required for the job role and it is rather a customary section for employers recruiting for engineering, science, or software roles.

Common questions you can expect in an technical interview:

  • What tools do you use to get the work done?
  • What are your technical certifications and how do they contribute to this job role?
  • What programming language do you prefer, and why? 
  • Have you done any side projects?
  • What actions do you take to stay up to date with changing technological trends?

For some technical interview questions, you can answer using the GICF method to structure your answers:  

  •  Goal of the project
  •  Impact or outcome
  •  Challenges faced
  •  Findings

So how do we approach these technical interview questions? Find out more with our key tips below!

How to Answer Technical Interview Questions

  1. Refine your specialist knowledge
    • Demonstrate your understanding of relevant technologies, frameworks, and tools related to the position you’re applying for. Describe instances where you successfully picked up new technologies or quickly adapted to changes in your previous roles.
  1. Showcase your problem-solving skills
    • Highlight your ability to analyse problems, identify patterns, and develop effective solutions. Share examples of challenging situations you encountered in the past and how you used your problem-solving skills to overcome them.
  1. Demonstrate analytical thinking
    • Highlight your ability to analyse complex problems, break them down into smaller components, and apply logical reasoning to reach solutions.
  1. Refresh your domain expertise
    • If the position requires specific domain knowledge or expertise, demonstrate your understanding of relevant concepts, tools, and technologies in that particular field.
  1. Develop your ability to write and understand code
    • Practice to develop your ability to read and understand code in the programming language you prefer. In the interview, discuss your proficiency in programming languages relevant to the role, such as:
      • Python, 
      • Java, 
      • JavaScript. 
    • Talk about your experience in developing software applications or writing code for specific projects.
  1. Continuous Learning
    • Highlight your commitment to self-improvement and professional growth by discussing relevant courses, certifications, or personal projects that demonstrate your dedication to expanding your technical skills.

Keep reading below to discover how to answer some of the above example technical interview questions. 

TECHNICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: What tools do you use to get the work done?

Tip to answer: When talking about the tools you use, focus on widely recognized tools in your field. Explain how these tools make your work more efficient, improve the quality of your code, and help you deliver reliable software solutions.

In my previous technical jobs, I depended on a variety of tools to improve my work processes and achieve high-quality outputs.

My experience with tools like IDEs, source code management tools, and automated testing frameworks like JUnit and Selenium is essential for effective software development. These tools enable efficient code writing, bug identification, and collaboration. Utilising IDEs, source code management tools, and testing frameworks helps maintain code quality and reliability. Additionally, utilising testing frameworks like JUnit and Selenium ensures the quality and reliability of the software being developed.

Therefore I was able to optimise my development workflow, enhance code quality, and provide sturdy and dependable software solutions. The tools I use meet industry standards and showcase my knowledge about current software development processes.

Question 2: What are your technical certifications and how do they contribute to this job role?

Tip to answer: When answering this question, Focus on how your certifications validate your expertise and knowledge in specific technologies or methodologies, and how they enhance your ability to perform the responsibilities of the job effectively.

  • I hold technical certifications in XYZ that provide a solid foundation and in-depth knowledge in specific areas relevant to the job role. 
  • These certifications enhanced my understanding of industry best practices, technical proficiency, and problem-solving capabilities. Acquiring these certifications demonstrates my commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in my field. These certifications align with the requirements of the job role, ensuring that I have the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the position. 
  • By utilising certified expertise in relevant areas, I can contribute to the team’s success and make a significant impact on the organisation’s technical projects.

Question 3: What actions do you take to stay up to date with changing technological trends?

Tip to answer: Highlight activities such as attending industry conferences or webinars, reading industry publications, and pursuing continuous learning through online courses. Emphasise your proactive approach to staying current and adapting to emerging technologies in your field.

Staying updated with technological trends is crucial in the tech industry. To stay informed, I engage in continuous learning, professional networks, tech blogs and podcasts, open-source contributions, and personal projects and experiments.

These actions help me expand my knowledge, stay connected to the larger developer community, and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. By participating in these activities, I stay informed about emerging technologies, collaborate with other developers, and apply new concepts in practical scenarios.

This proactive approach allows me to contribute effectively to projects, offer innovative solutions, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving technical landscape.

7. Cultural Fit Interview Questions

What is a cultural fit interview question?

The cultural fit interview is to determine how closely a candidate’s values, views, and personality match the company’s work culture and vision.

Here are a few examples of cultural fit questions asked by recruiters:

  • What kind of workplace do you prefer?
  • Can you give an example of a moment when you had to adjust to a different setting or culture?
  • What do you consider to be a company’s most important values?
  • What’s your dream job?
  • What inspires you to do your work?
  • What’s your ideal work schedule?

How to Ace a Cultural Fit Interview Question

Here are a few tips to help you ace the cultural fit interview question: 

  1. Research on the company cultures and values
    • Research their website, blog posts, and social media accounts. Check employee reviews and testimonials to find valuable perspectives on the company’s values and work environment.
  1. Understand your own workplace preferences
    • This evaluation will help you determine if your work style and preferences align with the company’s culture.
  1. Showcase your work style
    • Explain your work style and how it aligns with the company’s values and expectations. Talk about your approach to tasks, problem-solving, and meeting deadlines.
  1. Be honest with your answers
    • As it’s key to know whether the company is a good fit for you as well as if you are a good fit for them. 
  1. Understand company culture and values
    • Remember to understand the values and culture without solely providing answers based on assumptions of interviewer expectations.

Read on to explore how to answer these frequently asked cultural fit interview questions.

CULTURAL FIT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: What kind of workplace do you prefer?

Tip to answer: It is important to be open, honest and specific. Consider what realistic expectations you have for your workplace at the company. What style of environment will you best thrive in for the role?

When it comes to the kind of workplace I prefer, I value the following elements:

  • Positive and collaborative work environment
  • Team collaboration and open communication
  • Learning and growth opportunities
  • Supportive work-life balance
  • Shared values and company mission
  • Encouragement of diverse perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving.

Also, I believe that opportunities for professional development, training programs, and industry conferences contribute to a healthy work-life balance. Ultimately, a workplace that aligns with my personal values.

Question 2: Can you give an example of a moment when you had to adjust to a different setting or culture?

Tip to answer: When answering this question, ensure to provide an experience with a positive outcome that demonstrates your ability to adapt to a change in culture. Outline the difficulties face and the actions you took to adjust.

During a semester-long study abroad program, I faced various challenges in different settings and cultures. Here’s how I adjusted:

  • Language: Enrolled in language courses, practiced conversational skills with native speakers, and immersed myself in the local language.
  • Academics: Adapted to the academic system by seeking guidance from professors and collaborating with classmates.
  • Culture: Embraced different customs and traditions, actively participated in local festivals, and learned about the host country’s history and values.

Through this experience, I developed skills in adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and resilience. It broadened my perspective and expanded my cultural awareness, showcasing my ability to navigate unfamiliar situations and embrace diverse environments.

Question 3: What do you consider to be a company’s most important values?

Tip to answer: For this question, it is important that you have researched the employer’s core values, as well as their recent projects and news. Which values of these stand out to you the most? Think about the values that most resonate with you.

When it comes to a company’s most important values, I believe in the following core principles:

  • Integrity: Integrity serves as the foundation of trust and credibility within an organisation, ensuring consistent and ethical behaviour that employees can rely on.
  • Innovation: Embracing innovation is essential for staying up-to-date in today’s dynamic landscape. It encourages creativity, drives growth, and initiates a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Collaboration: Collaboration is key to achieving collective success. It promotes teamwork, and open communication, enabling the company to tackle challenges effectively and create a supportive work environment.

Prioritising these values creates a strong foundation for success by empowering and motivating employees, building strong relationships with customers, maintaining a positive reputation, and driving sustainable growth.

8. Brain Teasers

What is a brain teaser interview question?

Interviewers use brain teasers to test your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and critical thinking under pressure. These are often puzzling questions which require you to think on your feet.

Here are a few examples of brain teaser-type questions:

  • How many squares are on a chessboard?
  • Sell me my phone 
  • How many barber shops are there in London?
  • A man was born in 1945, but he’s only 30 years old now. How is this possible?
  • You have a bucket filled with water. You also have a spoon and a measuring cup. How can you determine the volume of the bucket without pouring the water out?

It is common to get nervous when you are being asked tricky questions that put you under unexpected pressure.

 Interviews give you brain teasers to assess your:

  • Problem-solving skills 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Creativity and 
  • Communication skills. 

Brain teaser questions can reveal a lot about how a person thinks, and how quickly you can come up with a solution. 

5 Top Tips to Ace Brain Teaser Interview Questions

  1. Practice solving brain teasers
    • Familiarise yourself with different types of brain teasers and practice solving them. This will help you sharpen your problem-solving skills, improve your analytical thinking, and become more comfortable with this type of question.
  1. Break down the problem
    • Analyse the brain teaser and break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. Identify patterns, relationships, or key elements that might be relevant to finding a solution.
  1. Stay calm and composed
    • Brain teasers are designed to test your ability to think critically and solve problems under pressure. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and approach the question with a clear mind. Panicking or rushing can hinder your ability to come up with a solution.
  1. Ask clarifying questions
    • Before diving into the problem, ask the interviewer for any necessary clarifications. Make sure you understand the question fully, including any specific constraints or assumptions. This will help you approach the problem from the right angle.
  1. Think aloud
    • Communicate your thought process as you work through the brain teaser. Explain your reasoning, assumptions, and any potential strategies you are considering. This allows the interviewer to understand your approach and provides an opportunity for them to provide guidance if needed.

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Read on to find out some key strategies to ace your next job interview.

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8 Key Strategies to Ace Your Next Job Interview

  1. Take time to research about the company 
    • Research the organisation’s products, services, culture, and mission statement. This understanding helps you tailor your interview responses to align with the company’s principles and showcase your genuine interest.

Good to know: This also enables you to ask up-to-date questions about the organisation, demonstrating your excitement and commitment to joining their team.

  1. Ensure you are thorough with your CV
    • Familiarise yourself with the details of your experiences and achievements to confidently discuss them during the interview. Being well-prepared allows you to elaborate on specific examples that showcase your skills and certifications.

Good to know: Ensure you don’t overlook any important points, presenting precise and relevant examples that make a strong impression on the interviewer.

  1. Practice Using the STAR+R Method
    • Practice using the STAR+R technique to structure your responses to behavioural and situational questions. This method allows you to effectively highlight your talents, problem-solving abilities, and previous accomplishments.

Good to know: By following this structure, you can provide specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and effectively communicate your skills.

  1. Be Confident 
    • Demonstrating confidence during an interview leaves a positive impact on the interviewer. To project confidence effectively, consider the following techniques:
      1. Monitor your tone of voice and speak calmly and clearly
      2. Maintain good posture, including relaxed eye contact, and use of subtle hand gestures to emphasise key points. 
      3. Use examples from your experiences and relate to the specific job to help demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
  1. Show Good Body Language 
    • Maintain a positive and upbeat demeanour throughout the interview to make a strong impression. Positive body language conveys professionalism and reflects your adaptability, resilience, and ability to handle challenges. 

Good to know: This also creates a pleasant and engaging atmosphere, fostering a productive and enjoyable conversation between you and the interviewer.

  1. Dress Appropriately 
    • Dress professionally and appropriately to demonstrate respect for the interview process and the company. This showcases your seriousness and commitment to the opportunity, helping you make a favourable first impression.

Good to know: Remember that dressing professionally isn’t just about appearance; it’s a non-verbal way to communicate your alignment with the company’s culture and values to fit in with the team.

  1. Bring Your Own Questions 
    • Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company’s culture or the job role to demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm. This shows that you have done your research and actively engaged in the interview process.

Good to know: Asking relevant questions also allows you to gather valuable information to evaluate if the company and the role align with your professional goals and aspirations.

Don’t miss out on GF’s top 5 interview questions that you should ask your interviewer on YouTube:

  1. Be On Time 
    • Punctuality is a key indicator of professionalism, respect for others’ time, and strong organisational skills. Arriving on time for the interview sets a positive tone and demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication.

Discover more answers to frequently asked questions on how to answer interview questions with this insightful FAQ section below.

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Interview Questions FAQs

What is the best way to answer behavioural questions?

  1. Be honest 
  2. Stay concise
  3. Address the key points
  4. Provide specific examples
  5. Use the STAR+R method

Following these tips will help you effectively answer behavioural questions in a concise and truthful manner.

What are the qualities required for a candidate looking for a job in the tech industry?

It is said that tech industries seek candidates who are solution-oriented. Especially tech startups focus on employees who can contribute to increasing revenues, are efficient and decrease costs.

What are open-ended interview questions?

Open-ended interview questions are questions that allow a candidate to respond with a wide range of answers. These questions typically start with phrases such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What motivates you?”

How to show your confidence during an interview?

Maintain eye contact while answering because it is considered a sign of confidence. Excessive blinking, looking down or wandering eyes can signify that the candidate feels under pressure or that they’re struggling to maintain their focus.

Do the interviewers pay attention to your body language?

Yes, interviewers pay attention to body language. They observe how you sit and whether you mirror their body language, which can show your attempt to impress. Crossed arms or legs may be seen as a defensive posture.

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