INTERVIEW GUIDE
PREPARATION BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
- Research the Company and Role: Explore the company’s website and social media channels. Pay attention to its history, activities, and values.
- Dress Professionally: Choose smart, professional clothing, even if the company has a casual dress code.
- Prepare Examples: Link your answers to specific examples that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
- Be Ready for Different Interview Formats: Interviews can be one-on-one, group discussions, phone interviews, or panel interviews.
- Practice with a Mock Interview: Rehearse with a friend to boost confidence and refine your answers.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Competency-based Questions
Questions aim to test a variety of skills and require answers in the context of actual events.
- Tip: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers.
- Example: “Describe a situation where you showed leadership.”
- Practice Tool: Practice here
Behavioural-based Questions
These focus on past experiences to assess if you have the necessary skills for the role.
- Tip: The STAR approach is effective for answering behavioural questions.
- Example: “Tell me about a time you wish you’d handled a situation differently with a colleague.”
- Practice Tools: Indeed Guide, Interview Guys
Case Questions
Used to assess analytical and problem-solving skills through real business challenges.
- Tip: Research the company’s past projects for better insights.
- Strategy: Understand the problem → Structure and solve → Make a recommendation.
- Example: “Firm X is considering purchasing a competitor. Would this be a wise business decision?”
- Practice Tools: PrepLounge, Simon-Kucher Guide
Situational Questions
Similar to behavioural questions but focus on hypothetical workplace scenarios.
- Tip: Use the STAR method for effective responses.
- Example: “If you knew your colleague was wrong about something, how would you handle it?”
- Practice Tool: FlexJobs Guide
Role-playing Questions
Interviewers give real workplace scenarios and ask you to act them out.
- Tip: Research the company and job description thoroughly.
- Example: Common exercises include handling a customer complaint or marketing a product.
- Practice Tool: Indeed Role-Play Guide
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Video Interview
Typically occurs early in the application process, after the CV and cover letter stage.
- Synchronous Interview: Conducted live over the internet with both interviewer and candidate present.
- Asynchronous Interview: Recorded by the job seeker at their convenience, with no interviewer present. Often used to screen applicants quickly.
- Interview Tips:
- Be prepared to answer technical questions about the role and responsibilities.
- Understand the company's principles and culture, tailoring your answers accordingly.
- Outline responses to common questions to utilize short preparation times effectively.
Telephone Interview
A pre-scheduled job interview lasting around 30 minutes, used as part of the screening process.
- Interview Tips:
- Know your CV and cover letter inside out—these will be discussed.
- Be enthusiastic and sell yourself, even if lacking some qualifications.
- Use the STAR technique for competency-based questions.
- Choose a distraction-free area to ensure a smooth conversation.
- Refer to notes sparingly and avoid making distracting noises.
- Write down questions to ask the interviewer.
- Dress professionally to get into the right mindset.
In-Person Interview
The final stage of the application process, usually with a hiring manager, partner, or CEO.
- Interviews typically last 30 minutes to an hour at the company’s office.
- The firm is highly interested in you and wants to assess cultural fit.
- Interview Tips:
- Research the firm thoroughly—know why you are applying.
- Prepare two meaningful questions to ask the interviewer.
- Practice a firm, short handshake.
- Control body language—maintain eye contact, use hand gestures appropriately, and smile.