You cannot predict every question, but a small number come up again and again. Preparing for these will make the rest feel easier.
“Tell me about yourself.” This is not an invitation to share your life story. Give a short answer, about one minute long, that covers your current or most recent role, your main strengths and why you are interested in this job.
“Why do you want to work here?” Show that you have done some research. Mention something specific about the company, such as the services it offers or its work in the community. Then connect it to what you want from your next role.
“What is your greatest weakness?” Choose a real weakness that you are working on, not a strength in disguise. Explain what you have done to improve. For example, you might say you used to take on too much at once, so you now write down priorities and check them with your supervisor each week.
“Tell me about a time you faced a problem at work.” Use the STAR method: describe the Situation, the Task you had to complete, the Action you took and the Result. Keep each part brief. Interviewers are listening for how you think, not for a dramatic story.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?” Be honest and sensible. Say you want to grow in your field and take on more responsibility. You do not need a detailed plan, but you should sound like someone who is thinking about the future.
“Do you have any questions for us?” Always say yes. Good questions include what a typical week looks like, what success looks like in the first three months and what the team is working on right now. Avoid asking about pay or leave in the first interview unless the interviewer raises it.
Before any interview
Confirm the time, the location or the video link, and the name of the person you are meeting. Bring copies of your CV, your ID and a pen and notebook. Arrive a few minutes early, or log in early for an online call. Afterwards, send a short thank you message within a day. It only needs two or three sentences.
