ARE YOU READY TO ANSWER?

You are jumping for joy because you got the call! You have an interview in a few days, but when the excitement begins to simmer, the anxiety begins the rise.

Now, you are are asking yourself if you are ready to face the interview panel because they are behind that desk prepared with questions to ask.

I feel the feeling .... as navigating a job interviews can sometimes make your feel like your are running through an obstacle course. You face a new challenge with each type of question they throw at you. However, with the right strategies, preparation and practice, you can tackle any question that comes your way.

Here is s a quick guide to 4 types of common job interview questions and how to approach them with confidence.

1. Behavioural Questions

Behavioural questions are designed to assess how you have handled situations in the past, giving the interviewer insight into how you might perform in the future. They often start with phrases like, "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give me an example of..."

Strategy: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Briefly describe the situation, outline the task you were responsible for, explain the actions you took, and highlight the results you achieved.

Example: "Tell me about a time when you faced a tight deadline." Response:

• Situation: "In my previous role, I was responsible for completing a client project with a deadline that was suddenly moved up by two weeks."
• Task: "I needed to ensure the project was delivered on time without compromising quality."
• Action: "I reorganized my team’s workload, prioritized critical tasks, and implemented daily check-ins to track progress."
• Result: "We completed the project two days ahead of the new deadline, and the client was highly satisfied with the outcome."

2. Situational Questions

Situational questions present hypothetical scenarios to see how you would handle potential challenges on the job. They often start with "What would you do if..."

Strategy: Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, decision-making process, and how you would use your experience to handle the situation. It's also a good idea to align your response with the company's values and culture.

Example: "What would you do if you disagreed with your manager on a key decision?"

Response: "I would first ensure I fully understood my manager's perspective and the rationale behind their decision. Then, I would respectfully share my viewpoint, backed by data or relevant examples. If the disagreement persisted, I would seek a compromise that aligns with the team’s goals or agree to support the final decision, understanding that diverse perspectives are valuable in achieving the best outcomes."

3. Technical Questions

Technical questions test your specific knowledge and skills related to the job you are applying for. These might involve problem-solving exercises, coding tests, or questions about industry-specific tools and practices.

Strategy: Be honest about your capabilities, explain your thought process clearly, and, if needed, discuss how you would go about finding the solution if you’re unsure. Demonstrating a logical approach is often as important as getting the right answer.

Example: "How would you optimize a database query to improve performance?"

Response: "I would start by analyzing the query execution plan to identify any bottlenecks. Next, I would consider indexing key columns to speed up searches, optimizing the query structure, and reducing the amount of data retrieved. If necessary, I would also look into partitioning large tables or caching frequent queries to further enhance performance."

4. Cultural Fit Questions

These questions are designed to assess whether your values, work style, and personality align with the company’s culture. Examples include questions like, "How do you handle working in a team?" or "What type of work environment do you thrive in?"

Strategy: Reflect on your own experiences and values, and align them with what you know about the company’s culture. Authenticity is key here; you want to ensure it's a good fit for both parties.

Example: "Describe your ideal work environment." Response: "I thrive in a collaborative environment where open communication and teamwork are prioritized. I appreciate a culture that values continuous learning and innovation, where I can contribute my ideas and grow professionally while working towards shared goals."

Understanding the types of questions you might face in an interview and having strategies to answer them effectively can significantly boost your confidence and performance. By preparing in advance and practicing your responses, you will be well-equipped to make a strong impression and demonstrate why you are the best fit for the role.