The Questions You’re Definitely Going To Be Asked In Your Job Interview (And We Mean ‘Definitely’)

Without question.

Anyone who’s sat through even a handful of job interviews knows there are certain questions you’ll be inevitably asked.

Some are straightforward and reasonable. Like: “Would you say you’re a hard worker?”

Others are… inexplicable. (This year, a UK investment bank started asking prospective employees what they thought of The Blair Witch Project; a query to which there is only one correct answer: “It’s scary as hell and that ending is nightmare-fuel of the most potent variety.”)

Offbeat questions are a lot harder to predict and only pop up every so often. For those, you’ll need to rely on your wits.

What’s way more valuable to employers is the way in which you handle the stock-standard interview questions. If you don’t nail those, your thoughts on The Blair Witch Project won’t matter one jot.

If you’ve never sat down for an interview before, there’s a chance you might be blindsided by these so-called “obvious” questions. To make sure that doesn’t happen, let us share some of the questions you should definitely prepare for (as well as a few nifty Qs you can throw back and earn you a couple of brownie points in the process).

Why do you want to work here?

Surprise! Okay, maybe not. This is probably the most obvious question of all, which is precisely why you need a great answer to it. Unfortunately, simply saying “I want the cash” or “My mum is making me apply” probably won’t cut it, even if they’re both true. Really think about the workplace you’re applying to; specifically, what they offer and what you think you’ll get out of it. If this is indeed your first job, you’ll be able to remark that you’re hoping to “educate yourself” and feel that this particular company is the best place to do it. Or, if you’re an admirer of what they do, tell them you’re eager to “learn the ropes” from the ground level, before you ultimately climb to the very top (though, maybe leave out your more extreme aspirations, especially if it involves taking the job of the very people interviewing you).

Why did you leave your last job?

If this is your first time interviewing for a gig since taking your first job as a 14-year-old, it’s definitely worth preparing an explanation. Whatever the circumstances of you leaving the last place, it’s important that you not reveal too much about the machinations of your former workplace, or to express sour grapes about former colleagues and employers. Honesty is important (after all, they’ll be calling your references anyway, so there’s no point fabricating a grand narrative about your exit) but we’d advise you to focus on how excited you are to face new challenges and new adventures.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

There’s a good chance your future planning ends at “get new job” and that’s totally understandable.

However, it’s best to demonstrate a little bit of forward-planning on your end. If you’re still studying, let them know; if not, tell the interviewers about the skills you’re hoping to develop at this job and what you’d like to apply them to further down the track. Just be careful not to say anything that might cause them to have second thoughts about employing you. (Like, that you’re planning on moving to Argentina within the next month. Then again, if you’re moving to Argentina, what are you taking the interview for? You've gotta get packing for Argentina!)

Tell us about a time you made a mistake.

Okay, it’s not really a trap, but this also isn’t - despite the question's wording - an invitation to list all the ways in which you’ve failed. Rather, scour your memory for a negative experience you turned into a positive. If you’re still studying, examples of seemingly pear-shaped group assignments you managed to salvage are certainly applicable. Other stories you should keep in your pocket: a time in which you exceeded expectations, an example of a customer service experience in which you excelled and a time in which you faced adversity (and prevailed).

What do you know about us?

It’s true: some people rock up to job interviews with only a fleeting understanding of the place they’re interviewing for. At the very least, check out their website and social media pages. If they never ask the question, you’ll at least impress them by citing what’s going on in their world (and by complimenting them on things you like about the company).

Tell us a little about yourself.

Time to shine! This gives you an opportunity to relate to your interviewers through shared pop culture interests; it doesn’t hurt to keep in the back of your mind a little spiel that adequately describes your personality, your tastes and what makes you you. Remember: prospective employers can’t ask about your religious or political affiliations in an interview. Same goes for your race, gender, sexuality, age or if you're thinking of having children anytime soon. Only offer as much as you feel comfortable when describing yourself; you certainly don’t need to reveal any of the above if you don’t want to.

Quick fire round!

There’s a chance you’ll face the following questions too. As Scar once sang, “Be prepared.”

What is your biggest strength?

What is your biggest weakness?

Do you handle pressure well?

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Do you have any questions for us?

A-ha! That last one is an invitation to really wow them. Having zero queries at the end of an interview doesn’t make you appear like a thoughtful, obedient listener; rather, it seems as if you’re not engaged. So, throw a couple of these their way. (It helps that the information you acquire from these questions is actually essential.)

What do you like about working here?

Do you have any development or training opportunities for staff?

Is this a new role?

Can you describe the team/colleagues I’d be working with?

Is there anything else from my resume you’d like to ask me about?

What are the next steps?

This last one is important, as it’ll give you an idea of how long you should be waiting by the phone to see if you’ve made it to the next stage. If you’ve followed our advice, you’ve got a pretty good chance of getting that call.