The interviewer is really saying, "I want to hear you talk."

"What have been your achievements to date?"
The interviewer is asking, "Are you an achiever?"

"Are you happy with your career to date?"
The interviewer is really asking about your self-esteem and self-confidence, your career aspirations and whether you are a happy, positive person.

"What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?"
The interviewer is really trying to find out what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving using your initiative.

"What do you like about your present job?"
The interviewer is really trying to find out whether you will enjoy the things you would experience in the job on offer.

"What do you dislike about your present job?"
The interviewer is trying to find out whether the job on offer has responsibilities you will dislike or which will make you unsuitable.

"What are your strengths?"
The interviewer wants a straightforward answer as to what you are good at and how it is going to add value.

"What is your greatest weakness?"
The interviewer is really asking about your self-perception and level of self-awareness.

"What kind of decision do you find most difficult?"
The interviewer is really saying, "I need someone who is strong and decisive but who has a human side."

"Why do you want to leave your current employer?"
The interviewer is trying to understand and evaluate your motives for moving.

Other Questions to Consider

• How does your current job fit into your department and your company? (Gives an idea of your level of responsibility)
• What do you enjoy about IT?
• Have you worked under pressure? (Meaning can you?) Give examples.
• What kind of people do you like working with?
• Can you give an example of when your work was criticised? (Be prepared for the next question: How did you cope with the outcome?)
• What is the worst situation you have faced outside of work? (as above)
• Give an example of when you have felt anger at work. (Did you cope and still perform well?)
• What kind of people do you find difficult to work with? (Take care! You won't know all of the staff at the company which is interviewing you).
• Give an example of when you have had to face a conflict of interest at work (A test of interpersonal skills, team and leadership potential).
• Describe the last time you disagreed with your boss. Give an example of when you have disagreed with others in the workplace.
• Do you prefer to work alone or as a team and why?
• This organisation is very different to your current employer. How do you feel you are going to fit in? (You may not be able to answer until you have established what he/she perceives as the difference between the two).
• What are you looking for in a company?
• How do you measure your own performance?
• What kind of pressures have you encountered at work?
• Are you a self-starter? Give examples to qualify your answer.
• Describe the biggest problem you have faced recently and how did you resolve that problem?
• What changes in the workplace have caused you difficulties and why?
• How do you feel about working long hours and at weekends?
• Give an example of when you have felt out of your depth.
• What have you failed to achieve to date?
• What can you bring to this company?
• What areas of your skills do you want to improve? (Try to relate the answer to the job vacancy)
• What aspect of this vacancy is least appealing to you?
• Why do you want this role?
• Where would you like to be in five years?
• How would your workmates describe you?
• What would your references say about you?
• Why should I give this job to you rather than the other candidates on the shortlist? (strengths)
• What reservations should I have about you as an employee? (weaknesses)
• What do you do in your spare time?

Good Luck in your search for employment. If you need more help and advice please contact us