Common interview questions
Below is a list of some of the most commonly asked interview questions.
Use the space provided to practice structuring your answers!
“Tell me about yourself?”
Keep this short, sharp and shiny! This is an icebreaker question, used to help
ease you into the interview and so the interviewer can get to know you. You can,
for example, say your name, age, education, interests, experiences and hobbies.
TIP – don’t go over 3 minutes for this question!
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“Why did you apply for the job?”
Think about why you applied for the role and what attracted you to it. Think
about your past experiences, your interests and ambitions, and how the role
relates to these. Below, we outline two examples of answers to this type of
question.
Q: “Why are you interested in a career in cyber security?”
A1: “Because it seems like an interesting thing to do with my IT skills.”
A2: “I studied Cyber Security at university and I feel that it’s not only a high
growth area, but an area that will continue to evolve and have a significant
impact on the world around us, from online banking and shopping to chatting
with friends, cyber security extends beyond the digital world and impacts
everyone.”
Which answer do you think is best? Use this to guide your answer on the next
page.
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“What is your greatest strength?”
A tricky one! In answering this question, rather than listing key strengths, try
telling the interviewer a story about your strength. For example, tell them about
a time you solved a tough problem. (Use the STAR method here.)
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“What is your greatest weakness?”
This question is not designed so you can speak negatively about yourself. It’s a
chance to show you can reflect on yourself and learn from challenges. Try and
frame your “weaknesses” in a positive light.
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“How do you handle stress and pressure?”
Now, here’s a chance to use the STAR method! Reflect on your past experiences
and tell them a story of a time you handled stress well.
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“Why are you the best candidate for the position?”
This is a great opportunity to really sell yourself! Reflect on your goals, interests
and experiences. Then, let them shine! Do not be shy here, but also try not to
overdo it. Try to tell it as it is.
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“Do you have any questions for me?”
Yes! This is the opportunity to show that you have researched the company and
the role, and find out more. So, what do you want to know? You could ask about
further career opportunities; what they want you to learn; how the interviewer
got their position; and what the company culture is like. It is totally up to you!
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