What are your goals? How do you envision yourself in five years?

The interviewer will be impressed if you have examined both your short- and long-term objectives. Discuss the type of work you hope to obtain in the future and the steps you will take to get there.

Demonstrate that you have the drive and resolve to make the most of each position you’ve held in order to achieve your goals.

Always tie this to the position for which you are interviewing, and be realistic about your goals. Avoid stating that you desire the job during the interview.

What are your strong and weak points?

This question is frequently perceived as difficult by many candidates, including those with extensive expertise. However, it is simple to avoid “bragging” when describing your strengths and appearing unduly pessimistic when discussing your perceived weaknesses if you approach the topic carefully.

Strengths

Based on the job description, pick three examples of traits the employer is looking for and give examples of how you have used these strengths at work. Include a mix of skills that can be seen and touched, like technical or language skills, and skills that can’t be seen or touched, like management experience.

Weaknesses

Here, the best thing to do is choose a trait that you have already taken steps to improve.

Think about how you have dealt with your perceived weaknesses in the past and what you have done to fix them. If your skills aren’t as good as they could be, say that as a weakness before telling the interviewer about the training courses you’ve taken or the time you’ve spent to improve them.

Why would we hire you?

Pay attention to what makes you unique and where your biggest strengths are. Explain what you can offer in terms of experience, personality, and enthusiasm.

The job description should give you a good idea of what they want. Read what the company needs why they’re recruiting. Adapt your skills, academic and professional achievements to what is needed for the job.

Make sure you talk about the specific qualities the employer said they were looking for, and give specific examples of what you’ve done in your career so far that show how well you fit the role.

Tell me about yourself and what you’ve done in the past?

Most interviews start with this question, which can be one of the most important. First impressions are very important, so keep it short. Know your CV inside and out and focus on giving a one- to two-minute advertisement for yourself that shows off your best work. Know ahead of time what you want to say and how you want to say it.

Begin your answer with an overview of your highest qualification then run through the jobs you’ve held so far in your career. You can use the same format as your CV and talk about your accomplishments and the skills you’ve learned along the way. Don’t go into too much detail. If your interviewer wants to know more, they’ll ask you to tell them more.

Why do you want this job?

Do your homework. This will give you a chance to talk about what you know about the job and the company, as well as why you are a good fit for them. The interviewer is looking for a response that shows you’ve thought about the question, so do your homework well.

Read about the company you’re applying for. You should know a lot about the company’s values, mission statement, plans for future growth, and products. Tell them how your goals and ambitions fit with the company’s mission and why you’d love to work for them.

What skills or experiences can you bring to this job that will help you do well?

You should use the interview as a chance to talk about your skills and experiences in a way that is interesting and relevant to the job. Don’t forget that interviewers will be looking for you to show off your key skills, so come up with some examples ahead of time that you can use if needed.

Can you tell me what kinds of apprenticeships you’ve done?

Shows your experience, skill level, and commitment to doing a good job.

Tell me about a mistake you made at work. What did this teach you?

Shows how responsible you are, how willing you are to learn, and how well you can solve problems.

What should you do if it looks like you won’t make a deadline?

Tests how well you can manage your time and talk to other people, as well as how willing you are to ask for help.

What new skills have you picked up in the past year?

Show your commitment to learning and getting better.

What do you think is the most important thing a skilled worker should have?

Show that you understand the job and points out where you might be weak. Maybe we can say that you are willing to learn through further trainings.

Contact me:

If you want to instruct me, please email donm@queensparksolicitors.co.uk or call us on 0203 643 7508. My name is Atty Magsino of Queen’s Park Solicitors.