Step 5: Practice 

Author: Chantal Haynes- Curley

Practice answering different questions using your examples. They should focus on a time where you have demonstrated relevant skills and/or applied your knowledge. For example, skills like teamwork, or how you put your academic knowledge to use, your resourcefulness (thinking on your feet) or your experience interacting with customers. The skills and experience you have may not seem relevant to the role at first, but upon reflection you should be able to see where you have acquired transferrable skills which would be useful in working in a team environment, communicating with others, prioritising work etc. These skills may have been acquired from college, work experience, voluntary activities, or recreational activities.
 
Go into detail but keep it concise. You want to provide detailed responses although you don’t want to go on for too long and veer off-topic.
 
 
Practice answering these questions;
 
Tell me about yourself
 
This question is asked is to get a snapshot of who you are and what has motived you to apply for this position. Use this as an opportunity to sell yourself. You could start by outlining your motivation for applying and go on to discuss your skills. Using a specific example to illustrate
 
What motivates you?
 
Answer honestly keeping the company and the job in mind. Communicate where your motivations align with the role.
 
What are your goals for the future or where do you see yourself in the future?
 
Employers usually ask this question as it helps them to understand your career goals and gauge how they align with the role and/or your future with the company. In your answer you should focus on career growth, employers like to see candidates who want to grow in ways that align with the company
 
 
Why are you the best person for this position?

This question gives you a chance to demonstrates why you are right for the position. Start by outlining your attributes, then focusing on one or more specific examples using the star method to illustrate your competencies
 
For example; I know that this role requires someone who is motivated, engaged, able to take instruction well with a good eye for detail. I am excellent at taking instruction, as can be seen from my academic record, I achieved XX grade under the tuition of my lecturer at college and I have a keen eye for detail. Then follow up with STAR example
 
Other questions you should consider are;

• How will your greatest strength help you perform?

• How do you evaluate success?

• How would you describe yourself?

• Tell me about something that's not on your resume.

• Why do you want this role?

• How do you handle stress and pressure?

• What are you passionate about?

• What challenges are you looking for in this position?