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Example questions and answers

Editor

June, 2015

The trickier application questions are not as daunting when you know how to
answer them. Take a look at our examples and give yourself a great chance of
getting an interview
Some sections of an application form contain questions that require straightforward,
factual answers. These include those that enquire about your personal details, interests
and work experience.
However, you'll find that there are also competency-based questions; these require you
to provide examples of situations where you made certain decisions.
Employers will be looking at how you explain the reasoning behind them, as this brings
key skills andThis
personality
traits
to the fore.
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Here are ten job questions that you're likely to face, along with typical responses.

Why do you want to work here?

How to answer: The employer is trying to figure out your motivations and whether
you've given serious consideration to your application. You need to show that you've
done your research and understand exactly what the job entails. Explain how it fits your
long-term career plans.
For example:

Your company clearly stood out when I was researching the

leading electronics companies in the country. I am aware of your
dedication to the development of innovative consumer products
and I believe that this role would be the perfect fit considering my
strong design background.

Why do you think you are suitable for this role?

How to answer: You need to describe how your skills, knowledge and experience match
the job outline, while also explaining your motivation and goals.
For example:


I have always wanted to work as an exhibition designer for a
museum that embraces cultural changes and provides a sensory
experience for its visitors. My degree helped to develop key
artistic and organisational skills, while the experience that I
gained from working at my local museum has been the ideal
preparation for a career in this field. I would relish the opportunity
to be part of the team that works on the concepts for your
upcoming exhibits and collections.

Briefly outline your relevant skills and experience

How to answer: Even if you haven't had any direct experience, you can still highlight any
transferable skills that relate to the role. Turn your answer into a positive by making it
clear that you want the job in order to gain experience in the area.
For example:


Although I haven't had the chance to gain work experience at an
advertising agency yet, I have already created high level concepts
that have been used by leading brands such as Marks &
Spencer. At university, I was the copywriter for a number of
students' union marketing campaigns and have generated
interest in my work through my website, which I designed myself.

Give an example of when you have worked

under pressure
How to answer: You need to prove that you've handled deadlines successfully in the
past. Describe how you overcame obstacles that you had no control over.
For example:


During my work placement last year I faced various conflicting
demands on my time due to the fact that my role was interdepartmental. One particular week, the pressures did threaten to
get overwhelming as a number of key staff members were off
sick. However, this allowed me to show that I could rise to the
challenge. I left the company with praise from my peers as I
always gave my best no matter what.

What is your greatest achievement?

How to answer: Choose something outside of your academic life that's uniquely
significant to you. This is an assessment of your attitude and motivations, to find out if
your values are compatible with those of the organisation.
For example:


When my mother was diagnosed with a serious illness last year,
it was obviously a traumatic and stressful time for the whole
family. Even though I hadn't done any sport since school, I
decided to sign up for a run and raise money to increase
awareness of the disease. I trained hard for a number of months
and kept to a strict eating regime. I managed to raise nearly
3,000 for the charity and finished the race in a time I could never
have dreamed was possible.

Give an example of how you made a positive

contribution to a team and what the outcome
was
How to answer: The employer is checking that you've experience of working in a
cohesive team environment. Describe a scenario where you had to draw on strengths and
qualities in order to accomplish a group task. Explain your particular role, how
weaknesses were overcome and what you learned.
For example:


During my time in the university film society, we decided to run a
series of workshops for the local community. My role involved
planning the daily activities, ensuring that the intensive course
covered everything we wanted to include. While some tasks did
overrun, the event was a resounding success with attendees
remarking on how well it had been organised.

Describe an occasion when you've had to

communicate complex information
How to answer: This is a test of your ability to analyse complicated information
eectively, and communicate it in a way that the audience can understand. Set the scene
and describe your thinking process in a step-by-step way.
For example:


For my scientific research project, I had to present the ideas
behind my thinking to the rest of the class. While presentations
were common at university, this was a particularly complex
proposal. I had to filter the relevant information and summarise
my work, delivering this at a level the other students could
appreciate and understand.

Tell us about the biggest change that you've

faced and explain how you handled it
How to answer: The employer will be looking to find out about your attitude to change,
as well as your ability to problem-solve and overcome obstacles, so you need to provide
a significant example that demonstrates your adaptability in this area.
For example:


In my summer job working in a busy aftersales department I
inevitably had to deal with some tough customers. This was my
first real job, and I had to learn to successfully negotiate and
interact with many people throughout the working day. On many
occasions, I was the only staff member manning the desk so I
had to cope with the pressure that this role demanded. I now feel
that I am better equipped to handle whatever challenges come
my way.

What are your greatest strengths and

weaknesses?
How to answer: Describing your strengths may come more naturally, but when it comes
to your weaknesses, it is important to be honest and reveal things you are genuinely
looking to improve on. Your answers need to be well-considered and tailored towards the
role you are applying for. Show them that you are actively looking to learn and grow.
For example:


I'm a driven person who works hard to attain my goals. The
ability to overcome obstacles and follow things through to
completion has always been a strong point of mine, which is why
I've managed to thrive in such a competitive degree subject.
However, I am aware that as a perfectionist my delegation skills
could be improved. I would welcome training in conflict
management as well as any other opportunities to develop in this
area.

Tell me about a time when you failed to complete

a project on time
How to answer: Your response should adequately justify the reasons for missing the
deadline. While there are various ways to approach this, you'll need to give a good
explanation and demonstrate that you've learned from this setback. The employer is
looking to determine whether you'll manage your time eectively in the future.
For example:


In my first year, I failed to hand a history assignment in on time
as I had underestimated how long it would take to complete the
project. I got carried away with the gathering of information and
left the write-up to the last minute. I lost marks on my final grade,
but fortunately still managed to pass the year. This has never
happened since, as I've made a point of allocating sufficient time
to each task. I certainly learned a valuable lesson from the
experience.

Please provide further information in support of

your application
Placed at the end - if there isn't a personal statement - this is one of the most important
sections of the application form, as it gives you the chance to show the employer why
you are the best candidate for the job. You'll need to relate your skills directly to the role
that you're applying for.

Written by Editor
Prospects June 2015

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