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 measure success, both in yourself and in others?

As mentioned before, success should not just be measured in material terms. A good example answer is below:

“I measure professional success by the standards of the company for which I work, the feedback I receive from my peers, supervisors and subordinates. Personally, it is to know I'm regarded as a good husband, father and member of society”.

·       Describe your dream job.

It would be unusual if you were doing a job that you considered your dream job and so it is ok to answer with a job that is completely different to your current one. However, try to choose an answer that reflects the qualities required for your current job. An example is given below, but there really is no right or wrong answer:

“As a child, I dreamed of being the starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. When I realized I did not have a fast ball, or a change-up; I concentrated on my skills in marketing because I realized it is an area where I not only can make significant contributions, but I enjoy using my talent in a corporate environment”.

·       Describe a job that would be your worst nightmare.

Try to choose an answer that does not have any traits of the job you are currently doing or applying for. For most people, a job involving too much routine for low pay would be a nightmare, or a job with extreme working conditions.

·       If you were the CEO of this company what would be the top two things that you would do?

This is a hypothetical question and requires some background knowledge of the company you are applying to work in. This is why it is a good idea to do some research on the company and find out any of its current issues or problems. Once you have an idea of what problems the company is currently facing, this question will become easier to answer.

General Questions

·       Are you a risk taker?

The interviewer is testing your risk assessment skills. Some professions require you to take risks, others are risk free. In answering this question you should focus on how you calculate risk factors and your thought process regarding the assessment of genuine risk and certainty. You should not give an example of where the risk was substantially high but you had a ‘lucky escape’ and the risk paid off. Try to explain that you analyse the situation, weigh up the odds and consider the consequences of your decisions very seriously.