You can never be 100% prepared for a job interview, as there’s no way know knowing exactly what your interviewer may ask you; however it’s highly likely that you will be asked some of the usual suspects.
By giving some of the most common interview questions some thought and planning out answers, you can enter the interview feeling confident that you are can do your best and articulate some well thought out responses.
Vet Tech have identified the 10 most frequently asked interview questions, which can often prove a bit of a challenge; so here are a few examples of the best way to answer them.
1) Why should I hire you?
Use specific examples to demonstrate what you can do for them and real life examples of what you have done in previous roles that could benefit you and your potential employer.
2) What salary do you think you deserve?
Do your research before the interview to find out the average salary for someone in that sort of role. For the best chance of getting the salary that you want, aim higher than average and then negotiate.
3) Give an example of a time when you showed initiative?
Think back to your time in your previous jobs and identify examples of when you took action and achieved a positive outcome from it.
4) Where do you expect to be in five years time?
Try to answer this in relation to the company you are interviewing with. They don’t want to hire someone who looks like they’re going to jump ship as soon as something else comes along. Be specific, rather than making generalities.
5) What other companies are you interviewing with?
This is a tough one and can feel like a bit of a trick question. They probably already know that you will have been applying for other roles, so be honest and tell them that you are exploring other positions in the industry to find one that fits your skills.
6) What motivates you?
Let them know how you keep yourself productive at work. This is your opportunity to stand out, as you can discuss any extra curricular activities, work experience or hobbies that you have undertaken to get where you are in your career. These will prove that you are passionate about the industry and are driven to achieve your goals.
7) How do you manage your time and prioritise tasks?
Employers want staff who are organised and can manage their workload effectively, so prove that you are capable of this and explain how you have successfully achieved this in the past, for example ‘to do’ lists, etc.
8) What is your biggest weakness?
This is a difficult one, you don’t want to highlight anything which may make your interviewer doubt your ability, however claiming you do not have any flaws can come across as arrogant. Try to choose something that was once a weakness and you have overcome or an area where there is room for improvement and you are working on.
9) Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?
It’s important not to bad mouth an ex-employer or colleagues as you never know who your interviewer might know and it doesn’t reflect very positively on you. Instead, you should share how you resolve conflicts and approach issues at work.
10) Why do you think you will be successful in this job?
Ahead of your interview, make a list of your skills and then match them up with those asked for in the job description. You should then elaborate on the skills that will benefit you and your employer in the role and how you will use them to excel in the job.
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