- Nervous about your upcoming interview?
- Learn how to answer the most popular interview questions in the UK!
Getting invited to a job interview is exciting but can also be nerve-wracking, especially if this is your first interview in a foreign country. Although you might think that interviews tend to follow the same scenarios everywhere, the UK recruitment process has its peculiarities.
Therefore, it is advisable to find out more about the format of British interviews and prepare well in advance. We selected the top 5 most popular interview questions designed to test your abilities and determine whether you are a good fit for the role. Today you will learn how to answer these questions so you can make a good impression on your potential employer and pass the interview.
So, whether you have an upcoming interview or are just curious to learn more about job interview questions in the UK, you will enjoy reading this blog post.
1. Please, tell me about yourself
Most of the job interviews in the UK start with this question. Although it might sound friendly and informal, it is surprising how many job applicants fail at this stage. The way you answer this question will set the tone for the rest of the interview. So, seize this opportunity to give a quick overview of yourself that highlights relevant strengths and accomplishments and practise your "elevator pitch".
What answer are employers looking for?
Employers want you to summarise your professional background and state your motivation to apply for this role. Usually, your answer should be no more than 2 minutes long.
Bear in mind that the hiring manager has already seen your CV and read your cover letter. So, you don't have to repeat the same information.
Make sure that you describe the most relevant work experience and emphasise the skills that make you great for this job. You can mention your current place of work and reflect on the past work experience. If you are a student and don't have a lot of professional experience, you can talk about your degree and how it has prepared you for this position or sparked your interest.
You can also talk about your career aspirations and state the reason you applied for this role.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Don't get too personal. For example, avoid talking about your family and hobbies unless you are directly asked about them.
- Don't give lengthy descriptions. It's always better to give a short and sharp answer.
- Don't come unprepared. Practice introducing yourself at home.
2. How does this position compare to others you are applying for?
This is a tricky question that employers ask to determine whether you are applying for roles at other companies.
They might want to scope out the competition and see how serious you are about this job and the industry. Employers are interested in learning about your overall career ambitions.
You should answer this question carefully and honestly, without giving away too much detail.
What answer are employers looking for?
The interviewer is interested in knowing your job plans to see how far you are in your job search, so they could size you up and determine if you are worth being considered for this job.
If you say that you already have a few job offers at other companies, this might signal that you are not seriously interested in taking this role. On the other hand, if you say that this is the only role you applied for, your employer might start questioning your competency and confidence.
The best way to approach a question like this is to be transparent and show that you are interested in this particular role but have alternative options.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Don't give away that you don't have any interviews lined up. If that is the case, mention that you just started your job search and talk about the type of roles that you are interested in.
- Don't say anything negative about the other companies or roles.
- Don't give away too much information about the other roles, such as company name. Instead, you can talk about the type of companies that you are applying for.
3. What can you bring to the company?
This question allows you to talk about your personal qualities, skills, relevant work experience and academic knowledge that would be useful for the role.
Think about your unique selling point that distinguishes you from other candidates.
What answer are employers looking for?
Employers want to see that you are excited about taking this role and know enough about the work responsibilities that come with it.
So, use what you know about the company to show why you would be a good match for this role.
One way that demonstrates that you've done your research is to share what work projects you are excited to take on if you get the job offer.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid general answers. You should collect information about the company and come up with a valid contribution.
- Don't undersell yourself. Instead, show that you are aware of your strengths and are confident that you would be good for this role.
4. What is your biggest weakness that is really a weakness and not a strength?
You might be confused when you hear this question for the first time.
It is quite tricky because you can't answer it by turning your weaknesses into your strengths. The key here is to show that you are self-observant and aware of your limitations.
What answer are employers looking for?
Employers ask this question to find out aspects of working with you that don't usually show up on your CV and see how transparent you are.
No matter how competent and experienced you may be, everyone has weaknesses. So, don't be afraid to talk about some of the things that you struggle with. Show that you are aware of your limitations and willing to work on overcoming them.
When answering this question, be honest, but don't disqualify yourself from the job.
Pick the "best"" weakness that you have, and always follow up your confession with something positive. For example, by saying that you haven't mastered a certain skill yet, but you enrolled on a weekend course to work on improving it.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Don't copy cliche answers, such as ""I'm a perfectionist"" or ""I work too hard"". The answer should be personal.
- Don't mention a weakness that is a core requirement of the job.
5. How does this job fit into your life plan?
Another version of this question is ""Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"". British employers love asking this question, as it allows them to learn more about your motivation to apply for this job and evaluate your career ambitions.
What answer are employers looking for?
Employers want to know whether you can imagine yourself working for this company on a long-term basis and climbing up your career ladder. A good answer to this question will indicate that you have thought about the pros and cons of this job regarding its impact on your life and can imagine yourself working for this company in the future.
The trick is to strike a balance between having an idea of what you want to get out of the job in the context of your career without giving your interviewer any reason to worry that you might not stick around for a long time. Assure the interviewer that this position will be interesting and challenging for you. Provide examples of how you could see this role as an opportunity for your professional growth.
Think about your value and contribution you can make to the company in the future.
Finally, when you are a foreign applicant, you should also let the hiring manager know that you intend to relocate to the UK and are willing to stay there.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Don't be arrogant or too shy about your career ambitions.
- Don't say that you consider this opportunity as a temporary role.
Conclusion
The key to passing job interviews in the UK is to know what you want from a job and do your research about the company and the role.
Try preparing some sample answers and practice answering these questions with someone else or by yourself. You might not be asked these exact questions, but at least you will have a clear idea of your professional goals and competencies.