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

·       How do you balance life and work?

The interviewer will want to know if you have made arrangements for the days when your child is too sick to go to school and/or daycare or if you are ‘out of there’ as soon as it is home time. An example answer is given below:

“Being organized helps me balance my professional life and personal life. Consequently, I can be fully engaged while I'm at work. For those unexpected times, I have a good back-up system of child care for my children”.

·       What is your preferred way to communicate - instant message, phone, or email?

This is a good opportunity to show you understand the importance of adjusting your preferences when necessary. There are times when a phone call is more appropriate than an email and vice-versa. If you are an impatient person then you probably prefer calling on the phone for an immediate answer. However, if you prefer a record of your conversation thread then you will probably prefer email or IM. An example answer is below:

“At home, I enjoy talking on the phone and writing or reading emails. At work, I follow the established pattern. Each of my bosses, in the past, has had a preferred method and I've followed their lead”.

·       Do you check voicemail and email when on vacation?

The interviewer is wondering whether they will always be able to contact you. Most annual leave is ‘paid’ and so you can understand if your company thinks you should still be ‘available’ in an emergency situation. Most employees object to being contacted during their time off. A good answer is below where the employee states that they understand that an emergency is better being dealt with immediately rather than escalating into a more serious disaster:

“While on vacation, I can be reached for emergencies; however, I also know the people with whom I work are very capable of making good decisions while I'm away. I understand the importance of recharging my battery”.

·       What is your favourite book? How about your favourite movie?

The interviewer wants to know whether you read, and if so, what its content is. Try to choose an ‘intelligent’ title that will reflect a high level of intellect or deep thinking. In addition try to choose a book that best reflects your personality. Below is an example answer:

“I read many different kinds of books. My current favourite book is ‘The World is Flat’ by Thomas Friedman. My favourite movie? Miracle on Ice”.

·       What historical figure do you admire and why?

The interviewer wants to know whether you are well read and what characteristics you admire in others. Instead of just naming the person, explain in depth about why you like them and their qualities. Choose an intelligent person who has made contributions to the world. Do not choose controversial characters to talk about such as dictators, criminals or religious leaders. An example answer is given below:

“Personally, I most admire Abigail Adams, John Adam's wife; professionally I admired the leadership style of Ronald Reagan”.