Interview questions

Frequently asked questions and how to answer them.

Q. Why are you seeking new employment?

A. Don’t be negative about your current job or employer. Stay positive and focus on your achievements explaining how moving jobs will help you to develop your career.

Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A. Prepare this in advance by identifying three or four key strengths. Adjust these to fit with what you perceive the interviewer is looking for and back them up with practical examples. Explain how your strengths have benefited previous employers. Where possible you should disguise your weaknesses as strengths. For example, if you say that you’re not feeling challenged, ensure you demonstrate a proactive approach to keeping yourself motivated.

Q. What salary are you looking for?

A. Your CV should indicate a salary range that allows scope for negotiation. Remember that your recruitment consultant can handle this negotiation for you.

Q. What attracted you to this organisation?

A. Identify how the organisation can help fulfil your career aspirations. Refer to your research, and discuss the observations you have made.  Remember to listen carefully to the responses given.

Asking questions - an opportunity to impress

Asking smart, informed questions will demonstrate that you have prepared thoroughly and are taking the interview seriously.

  • Take a list of questions with you into the interview to act as a prompt
  • Carefully consider the way you ask your questions and how you react to the responses - try to be inquisitive, but not aggressive
  • Listen carefully to the responses given
  • Take care not to end up interviewing the interviewer!

In addition to questions you ask about the company such as “What are your plans for further expansion in the South East?” consider asking probing questions about the role:

  • How did the vacancy arise?
  • How will performance be assessed?
  • What are the long-term opportunities?
  • What further training is available?
  • How does the department integrate with the rest of the organisation?
  • Is there any future corporate change in the pipeline?