Preparing for interview questions is an important part of your job search and can boost your confidence on the day.
But what are the different formats interview questions might take – and how can you practice your answers?
Competency-based
These interviews are about demonstrating your skills by using examples from past experiences. This could be from work experience, through studying or from your personal life.
Go through the job advert and look for the keys skills and qualities listed. Then match them with examples to prove you are the right match for the role.
Informal interviews
Not all interviews need to be formal. Some might just involve a quick, friendly chat face-to-face or over the phone.
This is a great way for you and the employer to get to know each other without the rigid question and answer format. It will help them understand who you are, what you like doing and whether you would fit in with the rest of the team.
Structured interviews
These interviews involve the interviewer asking each candidate the same list of questions and then comparing them.
Instead of letting the conversation flow more naturally, there will usually be a list that the employer goes through. They will make a note of each of your responses and then decide whose answers were the best fit for the role.
Psychometric tests
Psychometric tests are usually done online but can also be completed on paper. They are a series of questions that test your intelligence, reasoning and personality.
It can help employers decide if you are a good fit for the company, as well as testing you on things like spelling and basic mathematical ability.
They often form one of the earliest stages of an interview or can be used as part of an assessment centre format.
Understanding interview questions
No matter the format, the aim of interview questions is to help employers decide if you can do the job, if you are genuinely interested in the role and whether you will fit in with the company.
Many employers will let you know which format the interview will take before you attend. The important thing is to practice your answers so you will feel more confident on the day.
