There are a number of steps you can take to ensure you prepare well for interview questions. In this post I’ll focus on how to prepare for questions where the interview panel want to get to know you. After all, they need to know not just that you can do the job and want it, but whether you’ll be a good fit. Authenticity is important – for you and for the panel. It’s not about distorting yourself to fit what you think they want to hear. It’s about presenting the best version of the real you.
These questions can take several forms, so it can be difficult to prepare precisely. However, knowing that you’ll be asked about yourself gives you time to reflect on what you might say. Below are some examples of questions that you could be asked with some suggestions on how to prepare and respond.
‘Tell me a bit about yourself…’
This question may be asked fairly early in the process to put you at ease. However, in reality many people find themselves caught like a rabbit in the headlights, not sure how to respond. There are no right or wrong answers to this question. The panel are not interested in a potted min-bio; they have your employment history in your application. So there’s no need to go over that.
Instead, focus on your qualities, strengths and interests. If you’ve recently completed Work Values and Strengths questionnaires, (these links take you to two free online questionnaires) these will be fresh in your mind and may provide you with examples. You can consider beforehand which of these might be assets in the job role and to the organisation.
You may have specific interests which illustrate some of your qualities in action- or perhaps unique skills that while not a requirement of the job may be of interest to the recruiter. Sport and fitness interests may infer you are healthy. Other interests will illustrate your personal qualities and motivations. If your LinkedIn profile is up to date, your personal profile may contain examples you can draw on. (If your LinkedIn profile isn’t up to date, applying for a new job is the ideal time to ensure it is).
It’s worth writing this down. Not to memorise it but so you’ve captured the essence of what you want to convey. Having 3 key points to focus on will make it easier to recall.
What 3 strengths would you bring to this role?
There are no right or wrong answers to this question. However, if you’re aware of your strengths, it will be straightforward to select 3 of your top strengths. There is a paid for Introductory version of the free strengths profile listed above (£15.00 +vat) which is well worth doing. Warwick students can ask to complete this questionnaire by e mailing careers@warwick.ac.uk and a member of the Careers Team will arrange to meet and discuss your profile with you. You can decide, ahead of the interview, which specific strengths to reference, and have examples ready to illustrate these if you’re asked. Select the 3 which you feel would be most relevant to the role you’re being interviewed for. (Check the Person Specification to help with this).
Give us an example of a weakness…
This question isn’t designed to trip you up- it’s an acknowledgement that we’re all human and have human failings. The strengths profile above will identify 3 weaknesses. I would suggest selecting the one that’s the least likely to be a deal breaker for the job role you’re being interviewed for. The approach to responding to this question is to present an authentic weakness. If you’re aware of your weakness you can describe the steps you take to try and minimise its impact. This demonstrates your self-awareness to the panel. (The Strengths profile mentioned above will identify up to 3 weaknesses).
How would your friends describe you?
This is simply another way of asking the first question. But it would nonetheless be useful to ask your friends how they would describe you. Within the strengths profile mentioned above, in your report you also get a list of 60 strengths. A useful activity is to share this strengths list with 2 or 3 people who know you really well. Ask them to select the top 7 strengths that they feel best describe you. Ask them to qualify these with supporting evidence. You then have genuine examples you can use if you should be asked this question.
What are you most proud of?
This requires you to have given some thought to your achievements. These could be work or personal examples. Reflect on what it was that made you proud. It may be helpful to look at your values. It’s likely that your achievements reflect your values. Deliver your example as a min-story. People love a story. You can be the hero/heroine of your story. It’s an opportunity to connect with the panel and to win hearts as well as minds.
‘Authenticity doesn’t just mean you’re not filtering what you’re saying, it’s about being able to know and access the best parts of yourself and bring them forward.’ Amy Cuddy
Adapted from a version originally published on www.thecareercatalyst.co.uk
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