Hi, over the next few weeks I will be publishing regular advice on how to ace your job / university / MBA, or PhD interview. If you would like to book a lesson with me, I will provide you with a 28 page document that I have written with some sample questions and advice on how to answer them. In these articles that I am publishing, you will find a group of questions and the appropriate advice on how to answer them, and in some cases you will even find some sample answers. During a lesson, I will go through the questions with you, let you answer as if you were in an interview environment and then I will check, and if necessary, correct the content of your answer. I hope you find the following information useful and I really look forward to seeing you online if you choose a class with me! I am also offering a 20% discount for any new students for ANY of my lessons. 

Lesson link:

https://cafetalk.com/lessons/detail/?id=11273&key=ec0e3f840eb8c5a75b04f6306f25dd66

·       Do you take work home with you?

This is asked for two reasons: The first reason is to test your commitment to your work, to see if you are willing to take work home with you if the need arises. Some jobs like sales may involve a certain degree of working from home outside of office hours in order to deal with the volume of work or because you may deal with contacts in different time zones. The second reason may be that you cannot fit your workload into the normal working day and so voluntarily take work home so you meet deadlines or expectations. Both reasons demonstrate dedication but the second reason may be a cause for concern if you are the only member of a team that ‘needs’ to take work home. Consider your answer carefully and make a judgement on how your answer will be interpreted by your interviewer.

·       How many hours do you normally work?

In most European companies, a standard working week (full time) consists of 35-40hrs, while in some Asian countries (particularly Japan, China or Korea), you may be expected to work for as long as it takes to ‘get the job done’. When answering this question, be honest, and if you work exactly within the ‘normal range’ then you can explain that you are efficient and manage to finish everything during office hours but sometimes work extra time during busy periods if required. If you always stay late in the office or take extra work home then maybe you can explain that you do this because you are ambitious and want to progress rapidly within the organisation. Again, judge how your answer may be interpreted and keep in mind that some managers believe that overtime is unnecessary and that all work can and should be completed within normal office hours.

·       How would you describe the pace at which you work?

In answering this question you need to consider that by working quickly, it does not necessarily mean it is a good thing. Consider the type of job you are applying for; a scientist needs to be thorough and analytical, an accountant needs to check and check again. If the position requires speed but not accuracy then answer accordingly, emphasising your efficiency.  

·       How well do you handle change?

The only acceptable answer is one stating you handle change very well. Do not just make this claim, offer an example of how well you coped with a major change that took place in your work environment. A common shakeup occurs when your employer brings in new automation or changes its culture. In any event, tell the interviewer what you did to cope or adapt to a change that occurred with a previous employer- and this should be a major change, not a minor one.

·       How do you handle stress and pressure?

This question is asked to see if stress or pressure affects you in a negative way and affects your work performance. It is ok to become stressed or feel under pressure, in many situations, a little stress or pressure can motivate or improve one’s performance. When stress becomes too much, this manifests into long term pressure which is not healthy. Explain the steps you take to reduce stress, for example; take regular breaks, do some light exercise, talk with friends, practice yoga etc. If you have had to take time off due to stress then it is probably best not to mention this unless you feel the interviewer will fully understand the circumstances.