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The top five tricky graduate job interview questions answered

Today the GradBuddy team came across this awesome article on the popular Target Jobs recruitment website that we wanted to share with you. Be prepared for those important interviews and assessment days by reading through these questions that are likely to be asked and plan your answers today! All content has been taken from the Target Jobs website.

‘What is your biggest weakness?’ Tricky job interview question no 1

The problem with this question is that you’re being asked about your shortcomings, when your instinct, in an interview situation, is to keep your flaws as well hidden as possible. What you need to do is to frame your answer to as to give it a positive spin.

Strengths and weaknesses can be different sides of the same coin, so another way to approach this question is to think about how you overcome the potential downside of your greatest strength. For example, if you’re a natural teamworker, is it difficult for you to cope with conflict or assume leadership abilities? How do you cope with this?

• Read possible answers to the job interview question, ‘What is your biggest weakness?’

‘Why do you think you will be successful in this job?’ Tricky job interview question no 2

This isn’t an invitation to boast – you are being asked to match your strengths to the qualities needed to do the job. Don’t forget, it’s a very specific question. Why are you suited to this job, as opposed to any other? Thorough employer research will save the day, as it will enable you to match your skills, interests and experience to the job role and the company.

• What do employers really mean when they ask, ‘Why do you think you will you be successful in this job?’

‘Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?’ Tricky graduate interview question no 3

Graduate recruiters use some questions as much to see how you cope when you’re put on the spot as to elicit a truthful answer. This question is a test of your ability to think on your feet and come up with a diplomatic response. Whether you sidestep the question by saying you’ve always got on well with your employers, or describe a tricky situation you’ve experienced that highlights your potential, you need to avoid attacking your previous employers. Also, take care not to incriminate yourself.

• How should you answer the question, ‘Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?’

‘Give an example of a time when you handled a major crisis.’ Tricky graduate interview question no 4

Feel free to reframe the question. This is similar to asking ‘Can you give an example of a time when you had to cope with a difficult situation?’ or ‘Give an example of a time when you had to cope under pressure’. However, ‘crisis’ is a much stronger, more emotive word. You may find it easier to give an example if you think back through your work experience, study, extracurricular activities and travel and come up with a time when you had to cope with an unexpected problem.

• Find out how not to reply to the question, ‘Give an example of a time when you handled a major crisis’.

‘Where do you expect to be in five years’ time?’ Tricky graduate interview question no 5

This is another question that allows you to show off your employer research and your understanding of your chosen career path. You’ll want to come across as enthusiastic, but not arrogant. Tailor your response to reflect the nature of the organisation, the sector, and your own experiences and skills. Specific details will impress.

• So how should you tackle the question, ‘Where do you expect to be in five years’ time?'

Posted by Alison_TARGETjobs on 7 April 2011