Common Interview Questions

Interview questions are openings for you to sell your skills and experience. They provide a panel with the opportunity to see your communication skills in action. Interviews are your chance to show your personality, interests and attitudes. When filling a position the panel is not just looking for someone to do the work of the position; they are looking for a 'person' who has the attributes they desire and the behaviours to support the role; they are also looking for someone who will 'fit in' with the culture of the organisation and the people who already work there.

This is a set of questions that might be asked in any interview for a position. Suggestions are made on how to answer these questions.

1. Tell us about yourself

The interviewer is asking you to tell them about your professional life, where you are now and where you see yourself in the future. Tell them about how you have reached the position you are in today and what your professional interests and goals are. Let them know in this answer about your commitment to work and your ability to be flexible and creative. This could be a brief history of your education and work experience highlighting your interests and aspirations. You may like to emphasise here that you are prepared to make a contribution to the organisation's goals and indicate your ability to do the job for which you are being interviewed. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to fit into a team of people so mention how you have 'fitted in' to other positions you have held.

This is not an opportunity to talk about family, friends, hobbies or outside interests. Only introduce these issues at the interview if you are specifically asked about them.

2. Why are you applying for this position?

This is your opportunity to demonstrate what you know about the job. Before attending the interview find out all you can about the organisation, the position and the section or department that it belongs to. The essential element in answering this question is that you have researched the position and you know what will be required of you. Think of a statement that sums up why you would like the job. For example "I am looking forward to working in the Campus Development Department as I have been looking for opportunities to demonstrate my skills in negotiating contracts with suppliers. My previous work experience has given me a solid background in negotiation and I believe I will be able to secure the best contracts for the department."

3. What do you know about our organisation?

Before attending the interview read and research information about the organisation. Go to the organisation's website and look at the Mission and Values; ask other employees about the organisation and its strengths and weaknesses; look at their annual reports, newspaper articles etc. When you know these things you will be able to show interest in the organisation and enthusiasm to work with them on their goals.

4. What makes you the best person for this position?

Again explain your interest in the position and demonstrate through your past experiences, skills and knowledge what makes you the ideal person for the position. Speak about your achievements and responsibilities in previous positions and how they relate to the duties and responsibilities of the new position.

If your previous roles are different to this role you need to demonstrate how the skills, experience and knowledge you have can be transferred to the new situation. Look for common elements in your background and emphasise the similarities in the way your skills will be used.

5. Why should we hire you?

This is your opportunity to highlight all your strengths, your experience and your qualifications or credentials for the position. They will hire you because you have the:

Emphasize the attitudes and behaviours you bring with you:

Also mention any key relationships you already have that would add to your contribution in the position.