Before you attend an interview, it’s always wise to practise how to respond to questions that may be asked by the interviewer.

You can practise in front of the mirror to build your confidence, or you can get help from a friend. This not only improves how you speak, but can also help you to consider the best response to each question.

So to help you prepare, TEENage compiled some questions that an interviewer may ask you. Remember that during the interview you can always ask the interviewer to rephrase the question if you don’t understand, or to give you time to collect your thoughts before answering.

1. Why should we employ you?

2. What are your talents and hobbies?

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

4. Tell us 10 things about yourself.

5. How are you motivated?

6. What do you know about our organisation?

7. How do you think we can improve our business?

8. In what ways do you think you can make a positive contribution to our company?

9. Why are you seeking a position with this organisation?

10. In what type of position are you most interested in and why?

11. Have you ever worked in a similar position?

12. Tell us about a possible conflict that could arise with you and another employee. How would you address the situation?

13. Give us an example of a work situation in which you were not proud of your performance. What did you learn from this mistake?

14. How would you define ‘customer service’ and ‘good customer service’?

15. What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Remember too, that you may be given the chance to ask the interviewer some questions of your own. Asking questions will not only show your interest in the job being offered, but can also help to clarify things that you may not be aware of or did not fully understand.

Be careful to not ask questions until the interviewer is finished. If the offer is not extended to you, you can politely say ‘Is it possible for me to ask you a few questions?’ Ensure that you don’t ask anything that would offend the interviewer or be seen as being too pushy. It is also good to not ask too many questions and to give the interviewer ample time to answer your questions.

Here are a few questions that you can ask to get more information about the company or the job you are applying for.

1. What is the culture within your organisation like?

2. What is the general dress code accepted here?

3. What is the greatest challenge being presently faced by the department I will be placed in, if I am employed here?

4. What systems and software are currently being used by that department?