BrightSpark Recruitment // Candidate Interview Guidelines
Be prepared. The Company will not expect you to go in there able to recite every piece of information that ever existed on them, but it is essential you at least have a rough idea of the nature of their business, etc. Check their website and make sure you have a good read through it. Also, make sure you research the role itself; do you know if this is a new position or if you are replacing someone? Where could this position lead to, and is this the route you want to take? Have a read over the following popular interview questions then you can be sure to go in there armed and ready.
Tell me about yourself 
It is advisable to have something in mind already, if you have a personal profile at the top of your CV, use this as a guide, or make notes to take in with you. Try not to make it sound too rehearsed though!
What do you know about our company?
Research the company’s products, size, image, management style, background and ethos. Be as informed as you can and be interested! You shouldn’t have to try to look interested, if you genuinely have no interest in the organisation, you may well be going after the wrong type of job. Allow the interviewer to tell you about the company, you may have heard it all before, but they will be able to tell you their views, in their terms.
Why do you want to work for us?
Let them know that you are interested in the organisation itself first and foremost, i.e. “I want to be part of an exciting forward-thinking company within the ‘X’ Industry – I feel that this is just the type of company I have been looking for”. Rather than talking about what you want; reiterate their needs back to them, following up each one with how you can fulfil them… i.e. “your advert suggests that a foreign language would be benefial to the department… I speak fluent Spanish and German and would love the opportunity to utilise this”. Advise them how you feel you can make a worthwhile contribution to their company goals.
Why should we choose you? What can you do for us that someone else can’t?
Talk about your past successes in your previous employers. Talk about your fresh perspective, new ideas and the relevant experience you can bring.
What do you find the most attractive about this position?
List a couple of attractive factors such as the responsibility the post offers and the opportunity to work with experienced teams that have a reputation for creativity and success.
What do you look for in a job?
An opportunity to use the skills you have developed, to perform, as you know you can and to be recognised for that.
Please define the post of a (which ever position you are being considered)
Stick to the points, ensuring that you are still backing up the areas you know they are looking for.
How long do you feel it would take you to make a firm contribution to us?
Very quickly – given the first couple of weeks are spent getting to know your systems, procedures and clients and taking into account a brief period of adjustment within the learning curve. Be sure to highlight that you are a quick learner and adapting to new situations has always been involved in past positions.
How long would you stay with our company?
As long as we both feel I am contributing, achieving, growing etc.
Why are you leaving your present job?
Try to ensure the reasons you give are positive reasons and never speak ill of the past or current employer!
Why haven’t you found a new position before now?
Finding any job is relatively easy but finding the right job is a different story. You are fussy and you are being ‘selective’!
What other types of jobs or companies have you been or are you considering?
Keep your answer related to this companies field. You should try to sound focused.
Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
Where people are treated as equally and fairly as possible. Approachable management team who are keen to take on new suggestions/ideas.
How would you describe your current workplace?
An excellent company which has presented me with many opportunities and experiences.
How would you describe your current boss?
Again, be as positive as you can and explain working with him/her was a positive learning experience.
How would your current boss describe your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Emphasize your skills – be aware of your weaknesses but don’t be too negative about them. It’s always safe to identify a lack of a skill or experience as a shortcoming rather than a personal failure.
Can you work under pressure and to tight deadlines?
Of course you can, it is a way of life in any business.
In your current role, what problem areas have you identified that had been overlooked previously?
Keep it brief and whilst they want to hear about how successful you have been - don’t be seen to brag.
You may be overqualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer
Strong companies need strong people, experienced personnel are in great demand today. Emphasize your interest in making a long-term commitment. The employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required. A growing, energetic company is rarely unable to use its people’s talents.
What was the most difficult decision you have ever had to make?
Attempt to relate your response to the prospective employment situation.
What was the most difficult decision you have ever had to make?
Answer with a question, i.e; What is the salary range for similar jobs in your company? If they don’t answer, then give a range of what you understand you are worth to be in the marketplace.
What are your interests?
Show that you lead a balanced life. For example talk about books, films and activities you do outside work.
What would you consider to be your main positive attributes/strengths?
Present at least three and relate them to the interviewing company and job opening. Try to be unique, they will have heard ‘reliable, conscientious and friendly’ a million times by now.
What would you consider to be your main positive attributes/strengths?
Don’t say you have none! We all have them and there is no shame in it! The best way to answer a question of this nature is to come up with a ‘positive weakness’ - i.e. "I sometimes can be reluctant to delegate my work" Followed by “however, I am fully aware that this is vital to ensure that deadlines are met and that my own duties do not suffer”.
What would you consider to be your main positive attributes/strengths?
Don’t say you have none! We all have them and there is no shame in it! The best way to answer a question of this nature is to come up with a ‘positive weakness’ - i.e. "I sometimes can be reluctant to delegate my work" Followed by “however, I am fully aware that this is vital to ensure that deadlines are met and that my own duties do not suffer”.