Ace Your Interview: How to Answer Common Questions

• Employability
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• BTEC

Ace Your Interview: How to Answer Common Questions

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify a range of possible interview questions and suggest suitable answers.

Introduce the learning objective and explain how it will be achieved throughout the lesson.

what might you be asked at interview?

Types of Interview Questions

There are three types of interview questions: Behavioral, situational, and traditional.

Explain the different types of interview questions and give examples of each type.

Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions ask about past experiences and how you handled them. Example: 'Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem at work.'

Give examples of common behavioral questions and how to structure your answer using the STAR method.

What questions might an interviewer ask to test your problem-solving skills?

1. How do you approach complex tasks or projects?
2. Tell me about a time when you had to find a creative solution to a problem.
3. What steps do you take when faced with a challenge?
4. Have you ever had to make a difficult decision?

What questions might an interviewer ask to test your leadership skills?

1. Have you ever had to resolve a conflict between team members?
2. What is your leadership style?
3. Tell me about a time when you had to take charge of a project.
4. How do you motivate and inspire others?

What questions might an interviewer ask to test your adaptability?

1. Give me an example of a situation where you had to adapt on the spot.
2. How do you handle unexpected changes or challenges?
3. Tell me about a time when you had to change your approach to achieve a goal.
4. Describe a time when you had to quickly adjust to a new working environment.

Situational Questions

Situational questions ask about how you would handle a hypothetical situation. Example: 'What would you do if a coworker was not pulling their weight?'

Give examples of common situational questions and how to structure your answer using the STAR method.

What might an employer ask you to determine your ability to work in a team?

1. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult team member.
2. Do you like to cook?
3. What is your favorite TV show?
4. What is your favorite hobby?

How might an employer ask about your problem-solving abilities?

1. Can you walk me through how you would approach solving a difficult problem?
2. Do you like to exercise?
3. What is your favorite type of food?
4. What is your favorite movie?

What is a common situational question an employer might ask in an interview?

1. How many pets do you have?
2. Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker?
3. Do you like to read books?
4. What is your favorite color?

Traditional Questions

Traditional questions are basic questions that ask about your qualifications and experience. Example: 'What are your strengths and weaknesses?'

Give examples of common traditional questions and how to structure your answer.

What is a common interview question about your weaknesses?

1. Do you like to travel?
2. What are your greatest weaknesses?
3. What is your favorite TV show?
4. What is your favorite hobby?

What is a common interview question about your strengths?

1. What is your favorite type of food?
2. What are your greatest strengths?
3. Do you like to play video games?
4. What is your shoe size?

What is a common interview question about your work experience?

1. Do you like to watch movies?
2. Tell me about your previous work experience.
3. What is your favorite color?
4. What did you have for breakfast today?

Research the Company

Research the company before the interview to show your interest and knowledge. Example: 'I read on your website that your company values innovation.'

Explain the importance of researching the company and how it can help in answering questions.

Prepare Answers

Prepare answers to common questions before the interview. Example: 'What are your career goals?'

Explain the importance of preparing answers and how it can help in reducing nervousness.

Practice

Practice answering questions with a friend or family member. Example: 'Can you ask me a question from your own interviewing experience?'

Explain the importance of practicing and how it can help in building confidence.

Body Language

Pay attention to your body language during the interview. Example: Sit up straight, make eye contact, and smile.

Explain the importance of body language and how it can help in making a good impression.

Thank You Note

Send a thank you note after the interview to show your appreciation. Example: 'Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I enjoyed learning more about the company.'

Explain the importance of sending a thank you note and how it can help in leaving a good impression.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.