Free Interview Q & A

Mention transferable skills relevant to the job description advertised.Communication, Leadership, Supervisory, Interpersonal, Problem Solving, Analytical skills. But don't just list them off, explain from where you have gained these skills and give examples.Good example answer:Communication skills are key, I've been successfully dealing with customers now for 3 years at Company A. My consistent top 5 performances, landed me a promotion into a Leadership role, which will help me manage the team you mentioned..."

Interviewer will want to know how you can benefit the company. Talk about your accomplishments in the past and relate experience of what you can do for them in the future. Relate your abilities to the employer's goals.Good example answer:"I work effectively to meet goals & deadlines. Challenges are faced every day in my current role and I am not the type to shy away. We were recently faced with losing 3 of our 5 major accounts and I knew the only way to keep going was to replace them like for like, therefore I worked on closing new business with 2 other major firms which are known growing in value month on month" And “I am native German, which means, I can help you grow your business into Europe, some of my new business in my last role was from Germany.”

The interviewer wants to know that you are seriously interested in the job. Be prepared with knowledge about the company. Let the interviewer know how you can be an asset to the company.Good example answer:"My findings found that Apply4U are an innovative company looking to expand its sales within the IT sales arena. My previous experience of selling IT into Investment Banking and my expansive network in this space can be used to find niches in the market place.”“I’m always looking to challenge myself and I feel that my can do attitude will be a major asset to your company”

Research the company. Interviewer will ask this question to test your knowledge about the company. (Give them a run-down of their product / services, sales figures, news, company figures. size of company / operations, ethics, goals etc.) Research the company first…Good example answer:"I've read that your organisation has 6 offices and plan to open more.” Show you are interested and let a conversation around this topic begin.

A frequently asked question in interviews… Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. (e.g. examples of skills and achievements to date) Keep it short. Sometimes the interviewer will specify what you should say. Never lie

Never speak negative about previous employers, co-workers or the organisation. Stay positive and be confident with your answer. Focus on the benefits, opportunities & development.BE CLEAR & PRECISE - Don't over complicate your reason. The interviewer just wants to know the honest answer.Your interviewer will want to know:a)what you have done in you previous joba)what your hoping to gain from moving to another company.

Show your enthusiasm for the job. Short term goal should be in getting the job and long term goal is to progress higher. Don't give the impression that you are after the interviewer's job.

Stay positive and be confident with your answer.Good example answer:"I have experience bringing new business for high profile companies. I'm looking for an opportunity to repeat this success or do something else. Talk about your career and accomplishments.

Try to relate your previous job experience to the current job description. Don't lie or exaggerate Interviewer wants to hear detailed answers (e.g. sales skills - examples how you have done the job already)Good example answer:"I spent 3 years in telephone sales, mainly business to business and recently I have looked after a team of 10 working on differing sales types…. Ranging from… I achieved….

Mention strengths that are relevant to the job your being interviewed for (assets that employer desires for the position). Employers look for good: communication, team working, IT, Problem solving etc skills. Recruiters want to know why you think it is strength and where it has been demonstrated.Turn your weakness into positive statements: Interviewer will want to know that you have learnt from your weakness.Interviewer will want to know:1. What risks are they taking in hiring you?2. How you deal with this stress question3. They do not want to hear that you weakness cannot be corrected4. Interviewer does not want to hear of a personal trait (e.g. being messy at home) that is not related to the job. Be honest about your weaknesses & turn the negative (weakness) into a positive. (I.e. Interviewer wants to see that you are aware of your weakness & doing something about it.Good example answer:"I can be over enthusiastic and work quickly and I have now learnt to work at other peoples paces, ensuring we all deliver the best work possible.’I used to have bad time management skills now I have learnt to priorities my projects / workload every time ‘‘During busy times I can become unorganized & now before I leave work I make sure that I organise itineraries for the next day’

The interviewer wants to gain an insight into your previous role or role's. Try to keep your answers focused on your work. Keep discussion to work related issues.A problem you had overcome history, image & goal of potential employer Ideas that were implemented Good example answer:I set up a sales accounting system that reduces costs by 30%I improved sales by 45% throughout Europe & America by restructuring the sales team … Tell them how….

Interviewer wants to understand what inspires you in work situation. Try and relate answers to work experience rather than personal (E.g. career progression, opportunity to learn more skills, work ambience, competitiveness, working in a team, etc)Good example answer: I have always worked in sales / recruitment and was motivated to hit targets ahead of schedule I always ensured that Apply4U's clients got the best customer service I've have always worked within sales and hitting record breaking results in my last 2 firms.

Interviewer will want see how you handle this question. Your answer depends upon the requirements of the job advertisement & company goals. Interviewer will want to see an indication that you can work within a team & not just for yourself.If you say very highly competitive (interviewer perceive you as highly aggressive)If you say not very competitive (interviewer may perceive you as weak & not proactive)Put a positive spin in how you answer the question

A leader or team leader generally sets targets and margins and possesses good conversational skills. Interviewer wants to gain in insight to your experience in leading projects or managing people.Good example answer: I managed a team of 3 and devised a motivating day once a week every Monday morning to keep everything in order & to increase energy levels.

Keep it brief. Talk about job experiences that you may have solved.Good example answer: I've experienced a problem with the sales accounting system and I managed to resolve this by devising an account system that increased production

Your answer should relate to professional goals not personal goals. Short term goals would be getting the job and long term goals would relate to progression within the company.Good example answer:

My long term goal would be to grow with the company where I continue to learn with added responsibilities and contribute as much value as I can to companies aspirations.

The answer should relate to the job in which you are being interviewed for. The interviewer is looking to see how you can benefit and add value to the company. Centre your answer on what you have to offer and why you would be a good for the job.Good example answer:

My ideas have led me into introducing and implement new procedures such as a new accounting system for the sales department that increased production for the company. I can use these ideas to improve production within the company.

My enthusiasm and energy influences those around me…

Try not to be too negative. Interviewer wants to know that you are always looking to improve yourself.

You can ask to discuss this later on after discussion of job responsibilities. You don't want to be seen as greedy & emphasis you're potential. Final remuneration package could include (pension, company car, private health care insurance etc.)