Some questions to expect
It's important to note that interviewers may not be trained to
properly interpret your answers. In some ways, interviews ought to be
recorded as it is very difficult for interviewers to write clear notes
quickly. Some might have boxes to tick. Note also that there are
no correct answers. This often depends on the culture of the
organisation and you have no real idea about that. Also, don't be afraid
to
discuss negative outcomes. Valuable lessons can be learnt when things go
wrong, and this is an opportunity to turn a negative into a
positive.
Here's a range of questions (some are repeated) which might be
asked under six general topics. Think about how you would answer these.
TEAMWORK
- Tell me about a project you worked on with other people? Who was
involved? In what different ways did people contribute/participate?
- Describe a situation when you have been persuaded to change your mind
- What is a good example of a time when you demonstrated good teamwork skills?
- How do other people describe you?
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
- How do other people describe you?
- When have you persuaded other people to your own point of view? How did you do this? What was their original view? Why did
they change?
- Describe a situation where you have been frustrated with other people. What happened? How did you/others respond?
- Describe an awkward situation you’ve faced. How did you handle it?
ANALYTICAL ABILITY/JUDGEMENT
- Tell me about a project you worked on where you had to do a lot of
data analysis. What was involved? What was your final conclusion?
What alternative interpretations to the data were there?
- Describe a situation when you made a difficult decision. Why was it difficult?
- What is a good example of a time when you demonstrated good analytical skills?
LEADERSHIP/ACHIEVEMENT
- What do you consider to be your top achievement in life? Why? What did it take to achieve it?
- When have you persuaded other people to your own point of
view? How did you do this? What was their original view? Why did they
change?
- Describe a situation where you took the initiative.
- Describe a goal that you set for yourself. How did you attain it?
- Describe a goal that you had but were unable to achieve. What challenges did you face? What would you do differently?
- What’s the hardest you’ve had to work at anything?
VALUES
- What has been your most/least enjoyable experience? Why?
- Describe someone that you really admire. Why do you admire them?
- What situations make you lose your temper?
- Describe someone with whom you did not enjoy working. Why?
- What extra-curricular activity do you most enjoy? Why?
- What subject are you best at/do you most enjoy? Why?
- What is your short-term/mid-term/long-term goal?
- What is your opinion of xyz (e.g. an event related to current industry news)?
INTEGRITY
- What frustrates you?
- What don’t other people like about you?
- Describe a situation where you experienced a conflict of interest. What did you do?