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Blue Pebbles

General Interview Questions

General Interview Question Examples


Preparing will make you feel confident and you won’t be nervous if you are asked specific company-related questions.

  1. "Tell me about yourself."
    Keep your answer to one or two minutes. If you have a profile or personal statement at the top of your CV use this as your starting point.
  2. "What do you know about our company?"
    Research the company’s products, size, reputation, image, goals, problems, management styles, people, skills, history and philosophy.
  3. "Why do you want to work for us?"
    Don’t talk about what you want; first talk about their needs. You want to be part of an exciting forward-moving company. You can make a definite contribution to specific departmental or company goals.
  4. "What can you do for us that someone else can’t?"
    Relate past experiences that represent success in working for your previous employer. Take about your fresh perspective and the relevant experience you can bring to the company. Highlight your track record of providing workable solutions.
  5. "What do you find the most attractive about this position?"
    List a couple of attractive factors such as the responsibility the post offers and the opportunity to work with experienced teams that have a reputation for innovation and creativity.
  6.  "Why should we hire you?"
    List factors such as knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills.
  7.  "What do you look for in a job?"
    You can give a personal answer here, but be sure to consider factors such as the opportunity to use skills, to perform and be recognised.
  8. "How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?"
    Highlight that you’re a quick learner and used to adapting to new situations - all you'll need is a brief period of adjustment on the learning curve.
  9. "How long would you stay with us?"
    A good answer is "as long as we both feel I’m contributing/achieving/growing".
  10. "Why are you leaving your present job?"
    Try to give positive reasons. Give a ‘group’ answer if possible, such as your department was consolidated or eliminated.
  11. "Why haven’t you found a new position before now?"
    Finding a job is easy but finding the right job is more difficult. (You are being ‘selective’.)
  12. "What other types of jobs or companies are you considering?"
    Keep your answer related to this company’s field. You want to sound focused.
  13. "Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment."
    Consider factors such as: enjoying the role, seeking job satisfaction, where people are treated as fairly as possible, working in a team, etc.
  14. "What do you think of your current boss?"
    Be as positive as you can and explain working with him/her was a learning experience.

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