Blog Post: Interview Questions to Prepare For...

Okay...so you've followed all the right steps as outlined on Jobing.com in your job search, and have landed the coveted interview.  Do you have any idea as to what questions will be asked of you? 

Today most interviewers use competency based interviewing techniques,  whereby the interviewer is looking for previous behavioural events that demonstrate particular competencies or skills.

The question will typically be prefaced by “Can you give me an example of …” or “Tell me about a situation where you had to …”

Rehearse examples of previous situations and events where you have demonstrated the skills that client may be seeking. Ensure that as part of these rehearsals you clearly explain what the situation involved, why you took the action that was taken and what the outcome was.

Interviews will generally be comprised of a broad range of questions including competency based behavioural questions and other more general questions. When interviewing for jobs, a sample listing of questions you may be asked include:

• What is the ideal role you are you looking for?
• what are your major strengths and weaknesses?
• what do you know about the company?
• Why did you choose a career in ...
• Why would you like to work for our company?
• What do you want to be doing in your career five years from now?
• What have you done recently to improve your skills or performance?
• What style of management gets the best from you?
• What interests you about our product/service?
• Are you able to undertake travel in your work, Are you willing to relocate?
• What are your hobbies, interests, sports?
• Tell me about a time when you had to solve a challenging problem?
• Tell me about a time when an unexpected issue arose at short notice? How did you handle it?
• Tell me about a time when you have created a new and innovative way of doing an existing task?
• Tell me about a time when you have led by example?
• Tell me about a recent complex accounting issue you have solved?
• Describe a time when you have had to analyse a complex financial model?
• Tell me about a challenging interpersonal relationship that you have had to manage in a work situation?
• Describe a time when you have had to deal with a non-performing staff member?
• Tell me about a time when you have had to make a particularly hard decision?
• Tell me about a time when you have helped your team through a difficult time or event?
• What has been the most important goal you have set yourself and how did you achieve it?
• Can you describe a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline?

Be sure to conduct thorough research on the company for which you will be interviewing, in order to better prepare yourself for these and other job-specific questions.  Go Jobing!