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Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?
Many people find this a challenging question, but it’s important to remember that no one expects you to be perfect. The trick here is to be honest, show a bit of self-awareness, but to give an example of a mistake you made and a lesson you learned that doesn’t interfere with your ability to get theRead more
Many people find this a challenging question, but it’s important to remember that no one expects you to be perfect. The trick here is to be honest, show a bit of self-awareness, but to give an example of a mistake you made and a lesson you learned that doesn’t interfere with your ability to get the job done.
Again, resiliency, problem-solving, and how well you think on your feet are all qualities interviewers are looking for you to demonstrate here.
See lessTell me about a time you encountered a business challenge. How did you overcome it?
Structure your answer using the STAR method: S – situation T – task A – action R – result. For example: “In my last position as a junior accountant, I found it difficult to keep up with the latest legislation and frequently changing tax codes. I found myself falling behind, so I set up news alerts aRead more
Structure your answer using the STAR method:
For example: “In my last position as a junior accountant, I found it difficult to keep up with the latest legislation and frequently changing tax codes. I found myself falling behind, so I set up news alerts and subscribed to industry publications. I strive to stay informed and believe that is key to staying ahead, so I can anticipate changes I’ll need to make as needed.”
See lessWhere do you see yourself in five years?
Employers usually ask this question to determine three key things about you: Are you likely to remain at the company long-term? Do your career ambitions align with the job and company you’ve applied for? Do you have a sense of how you want to grow? Each hire a company goes through with requires a siRead more
Employers usually ask this question to determine three key things about you:
Each hire a company goes through with requires a significant financial and time investment, and they want to ensure they get it right. Someone who isn’t ambitious, and isn’t likely to remain at the company for at least a few years, and someone with no clear sense of progression means that investment isn’t well-spent.
The best way to answer this question is to be general, and consider how your interests and goals align with the company.
For example, you may want to discuss your interest in taking on a leadership role, or perhaps you’d like to become a mentor for junior roles. Perhaps you’d like to take on a project that you’re passionate about in an area you’ve had little experience in, but have enjoyed in the past.
You may want to structure your response like this: “One of my future goals is to take the lead on a creative project. To do so, I’ve decided to take online courses in project management in my spare time, and I’ve been using Asana to manage my work so I can familiarise myself with project management software. I would love to put my hand up for these kinds of opportunities within this role.”
See lessTell me about your weaknesses.
While it’s advisable to ensure your strengths align with the job description, we advise discussing a weakness that will not stop you from doing the job you’ve applied for. The key to answering this question well is to show that you are self-aware enough – and honest enough – to admit your shortcominRead more
While it’s advisable to ensure your strengths align with the job description, we advise discussing a weakness that will not stop you from doing the job you’ve applied for.
The key to answering this question well is to show that you are self-aware enough – and honest enough – to admit your shortcomings, but also to demonstrate your interest and ability to work on yourself.
For example, “When I get really busy and stressed, I tend to get disorganised and my workspace becomes messy. The problem with this is it’s easy to lose track of the little details or misplace things. To combat this, I’ve taken a course on productivity and organisation, and I’ve learned that when I start to feel that stress coming on, I need to take a step back and dedicate a little bit of time at the end of every day to gather thoughts and tidy my desk. I also keep a work diary and to-do list so I don’t lose track of the big picture.”
See lessTell me about your strengths.
The best way to address a question about your strengths is to ensure it aligns with the job description. A lot of people tend to downplay their strengths, but they shouldn’t. This is a great opportunity to showcase what you can do. You must be prepared, however, to back up your strength with a goodRead more
The best way to address a question about your strengths is to ensure it aligns with the job description.
A lot of people tend to downplay their strengths, but they shouldn’t. This is a great opportunity to showcase what you can do.
You must be prepared, however, to back up your strength with a good example. For example, if you say your creativity is a strength, you’ll also want to be able to talk about a time when you used your creativity to solve a problem or address a challenge.
For example, “I think a strength of mine is my adaptability. During my time as an office manager, I supported a small team where being able to think on your feet and be flexible was a real asset. When two members of our four-person team happened to fall sick at the same time and were out of the office for two and three weeks, I worked overtime to support our clients by performing the function of my colleagues while they could not.”
Some general strengths that often work include:
You could also mention any hard or technical skills that are required in the job ad.
See lessWhat attracted you to our company?
This is your opportunity to show you’ve done your research. Before the interview, read up on everything you can about the company: their values, mission, latest results and news releases, who their executive staff are, their origin story, as well as their products and/or services. Then, identify whaRead more
This is your opportunity to show you’ve done your research.
Before the interview, read up on everything you can about the company: their values, mission, latest results and news releases, who their executive staff are, their origin story, as well as their products and/or services.
Then, identify what stands out about the company’s mission and values, and how that resonates with you and your career path. If you’re a fan of their products or services, bring that up too.
See lessIf You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Don't be alarmed if you're asked weird interview questions. Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality wouldRead more
Don’t be alarmed if you’re asked weird interview questions. Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer “a bunny,” you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer “a lion,” you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?
See lessWhat Salary Are You Seeking?
When you're asked, "What salary are you seeking?" it is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amoRead more
When you’re asked, “What salary are you seeking?” it is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?”
See lessWhat Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes to answer the question, "What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?". This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has everRead more
It’s time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss’s quotes to answer the question, “What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?”. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else’s words: “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humour.”
See lessWhat Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
Emphasize what makes you unique when asked, "What can you do for us that other candidates can't?" This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This alloRead more
Emphasize what makes you unique when asked, “What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?” This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and make information more user-friendly.”
See less