Commonly Asked Interview Questions
Our Commonly Asked Questions is FREE for your use and has been used by many successful candidates, who have gone on to secure top-tier employment. It was created and refined by our panel of reviewers, who have experience both interviewing candidates (for Graduate Development Programs and mid-career professionals) and being interviewed in such capacities. We would love it if you could share this valuable resource with others.
Note: This guide is written for job interviews generally. For more specific information, please refer to the interview questions for lawyers and investment bankers.
Download a PDF copy below:
Note: This guide is written for job interviews generally. For more specific information, please refer to the interview questions for lawyers and investment bankers.
Download a PDF copy below:
| caq__general_only_.pdf |
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS: JOB INTERVIEWS
Based on hundreds of candidate experiences and insider tips from recruitment agencies and top HR consulting agencies, these are the essence of commonly asked questions at job interviews.
About you
Employer
Knowledge / Experience
For more experienced candidates:
Working Style
Parting Words
Based on hundreds of candidate experiences and insider tips from recruitment agencies and top HR consulting agencies, these are the essence of commonly asked questions at job interviews.
About you
- Tell me about yourself.
- Give a short introduction about your academic qualifications and your key working experiences. Be prepared to address tricky questions about a bad grade or gap in your CV.
- What attracts you to a career in this industry?
- What are your hobbies / interests?
Employer
- Why did you apply to this company / department?
- Specific reasons, rather than vague or general reasons, show that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the role
- What makes you qualified for this specific role / Why should we hire you?
- This is perhaps the most important question of the interview. A convincing answer would include explaining to your interviewer your specific accomplishments and experiences, and how these experiences clearly demonstrate that you possess the relevant skills required for the job.
- What do you think this job entails?
- What other positions have you applied to?
- A candid answer is recommended. A good answer illustrates a clear strategy in your application.
Knowledge / Experience
- Market and Technical Knowledge
- This depends on the specific job that you are applying to. Ample preparation is key and never pretend that you know something that you don’t. In those situations, you can highlight a similar experience that you have which demonstrates transferable skills.
- Tell me about your internship with XYZ?
- The best candidates tailor their answer to showcase a relevant skill they have gained through the specific internship that can now be applied for the current job. Do not speak badly about your ex-employers.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
For more experienced candidates:
- Why did you leave your previous job?
- What was your last drawn salary? What is your expected remuneration?
Working Style
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you handle stress?
- Do you work well in a team?
- What are your expectations as to working environment / working hours?
Parting Words
- Do you have any questions?
- This is an opportunity to show that you have researched your employer. Good questions include questions about a major deal the company clinched recently, broad industry trends or company culture.
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