Typical Interview Questions.

1. Describe yourself.
Answer: Keep it short, realistic but positive. You shouldn’t go over 2 minutes for this
question because other questions will offer you more opportunity to sell yourself.
Mention your education, work experience and interests.

“I am a friendly, honest, outgoing and reliable person. My interests in …….. are what
led me to study ….…. so that I could work in the area of ……. and become a/an ………
. Working at …….. has increased my interest and motivation to become a/an ……….. .

2. Do you think you can be successful in this job? Why?

Answer: More opportunity to sell yourself; hard-working, intuitive, team player,
determined, risk-taker, etc.

3. Why did you choose this career?

Answer: You must convince the interviewer that your skills are exactly what they want
and that you have a realistic view of what it is like to work in their industry. Your goals
and skills must match their industry.

“I’m not afraid of taking risks and I enjoy being creative with my work as well as
working in a team, that is why I studied to be an architect.”

4. Why do you want to work for this company?

Answer: From having researched the company prior to the interview, you could mention
the company’s achievements, local/national/international status, work ethics, etc.

5. Give me an example of how you can help my company?

Answer: Think of a time, either in a past job or a life situation, that a contribution you
made had a positive impact. An employer wants to know what you can do to improve
or help their company. Show your skills and knowledge.

“At my last job my team work and dedication to meeting targets helped my department
secure a contract with a company in Japan.”
6. Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Answer: Don’t describe job titles. Do describe the new experiences and
responsibilities you would like to achieve in the future.

“In five years I would like to be responsible for the organisation and distribution of
tasks within the department.”

7. Can you work under pressure and meet deadlines?

Answer: Give an example of when you had to work under pressure and show that you
can be organised.

8. What goals have you accomplished?

Answer: This can be related to a past job or a life experience.

9. What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

Answer: This can be related to a past job or a life experience as well. The answer is to
explain how you resolved it.

“When I was 20 I went to work in France for the first time and I found it very difficult
because the culture was very different to mine. I had to learn to be open-minded and
patient so that I could focus on my job. It also taught me to be more independent and
motivated.”

10. Tell me about your salary expectations.

Answer: Be honest and research what the typical salary for this job is.

“According to my research, this type of job is worth between $15,000 to $25,000. I

believe my value would be in the middle.”