Sample Mock Interview Questions
It is difficult to manage nerves and anticipation prior to attending an interview. Most of us would agree that a little prior notice of the questions would help tremendously so that we don’t walk away feeling like we have misrepresented our own abilities due to nerves. As we gain more experience, familiarity with the process and confidence in our ability helps to manage those nerves more effectively.
In order to help you gain experience we have created the following sample interview. The sample interview is designed to help you to practice with a friend or relative. By the time that you get to your real interview you should be well versed with your responses.
Try this script at home.
Have your friend or family member ask you these sample questions prior to the interview. Have them assess your response based on the commentary that we have provided.
Sample Interview. Introduction Question from the Interviewer.
“Thanks for your time today, did you have any problem finding us?”
Don’t misinterpret pleasantries with small talk. Once you’re in the interview everything you say is under scrutiny. Use this question to pick up some easy brownie points, mention how you planned your trip yesterday and describe the results of the plan.
The Interviewer proceeds with an opening question.
Sample Interview. Opening Question from the Interviewer.
“What do you know about our company?”
This is another opportunity to show off your planning skills. It’s not necessary to regurgitate a product list at this stage, but a general understanding of the core business and any other information that you may have on hand will help. Don’t forget to mention the source of your knowledge, that is, that you researched the company upon learning about the interview because you were keen to get started.
The interviewer may add some more specific knowledge upon hearing your response and proceed to talk about the specific role. Listen carefully at this stage for similarities between your experience and the offered job.
Sample Interview. Difficult situation question.
"Can you describe a difficult situation and tell us how you handled it"
First of all. Don't panic! Look at it from the employers point of view. They don't want to hire somebody that escalates every little problem because this would increase their work load rather than decreasing it. By asking this question they are looking for initiative and common sense. Think of a situation that was difficult and talk through your thought process - explain that you considered time, money, risk or any factor. Make sure that your reasoning is logical and that decisions were not emotive.
Sample Interview. Personality based question.
"What achievements are you most proud of and why?"
Don't be tempted to stray off track. Keep your answers relevant. If you have a particularly high sporting achievement you can mention it and relate the 'lessons learnt' to your career path. For example, you could explain that your athletics career taught you that working hard toward your goals is the best way to reach them. If your achievement is academic include your study regime to reach your goal. Be sure to stay humble at all times.
Sample Interview. Career question.
"Where do you hope to be in five years?"
I like to relate this question back to the job because there are many responses that can have a negative effect with this question. Mention that you hope to learn enough in your current role to move to the next level. Growing with the company is also a favorite response. Establish clear, realistic, relative goals. Remember, this is not a "what would you do if you won the lotto" question.
Sample Interview. Technical questions.
"A user called and a computer cannot access the Internet, what would you do?"
The technical response to this question is irrelevant to this discussion. But I do want to talk about answering technical questions in general. It is important to get the answer right, but it is more important to explain your thought process. Make sure that you reveal an empathetic thought process. That is that you consider all the business units that the problem affects. Also, make sure that you reason through your troubleshooting process. Even if you don't reach the answer it is important that the employer can see how you logically deduce the problem.
Sample Interview. Shock questions.
"Your certification has taken a long time to complete, are you struggling at this level?"
Most of my writing is based on experience and I can tell you that this question was literally asked of me during an interview. This question annoyed me at the time because I had put so much work into understanding everything in my course and passing the exams ethically. It is most important that you don't show your emotion if this happens to you. Simply explain your study schedule, you goals of reaching the highest echelons of this level and how this is better preparation than completing the certification quickly with paid shortcut aids. Whatever the shock question be sure to explain your position clearly and without emotion and communicate the advantages of your approach.
Sample Interview. Conclusion.
"Do you have any questions for us?"
If you have no further questions explain that all the questions you had coming into the interview had been answered. Say which questions they were and summarize the responses to show that you listened. Of course, if you have more questions at this stage - this is the time to ask. Acknowledge the time that they have given you and always conclude with a positive note about the company, interview, the job or your enthusiasm.
Try these questions at home, if you would like more examples or assistance - see our interview home page here.
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