Opinion

Interview Question: tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss – Answer Examples

April 25, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

So when looking at the interview question “Tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss”, we can relate it back to these points:

Can you do the job? – This question aims to assess your problem-solving and communication skills, which are essential in any professional setting. By asking about a time when you disagreed with your boss, the interviewer wants to understand how you approach challenging situations, negotiate, and find solutions while maintaining a professional relationship.
Will you do the job? – This question can also give insight into your drive and motivation. It allows the interviewer to gauge how you handle disagreements and whether you are willing to voice your opinions and stand up for your ideas, even when it means challenging authority. (People with low motivation or drive in their role will not bother voicing their disagreement)
Will you fit in? – Your response to this question can reveal information about your personality and how you might fit into the workplace culture. The way you handle disagreements with a superior can demonstrate your ability to collaborate, show respect, and find common ground. Additionally, it shows how adaptable and flexible you are in situations where your ideas or opinions may not align with those of others, which is crucial for a healthy and productive work environment.

How Best To Answer ‘tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss’

Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.

Answers using this method follow the below structure:

B – Belief: Begin by stating your thoughts and feelings about the importance of open communication, expressing concerns, or providing alternative perspectives in a professional setting, even when it involves disagreeing with a supervisor.

S – Situation: Describe a specific scenario where you disagreed with your boss. Keep the description brief, easy to understand, and focus on the context rather than too many details. The aim is to set the stage for your actions and role in the situation.

T – Task: Explain your role in the situation, emphasizing your responsibilities and the goals you wanted to achieve. This could be related to the team’s success, the company’s interests, or maintaining a good working relationship with your supervisor.

A – Activity (or action): Describe the steps you took to address the disagreement. This may include gathering information, seeking alternative solutions, or communicating your concerns to your boss. Explain the reasons behind each action and how it contributed to resolving the disagreement.

R – Result: Conclude by sharing the outcome of the situation, focusing on the positive effects of your actions. Use specific figures or statistics if possible, like improved productivity, reduced costs, or increased team morale. Emphasize the lessons learned and how the experience contributed to your professional growth.

Keep in mind that the B-STAR technique is a guideline, not a strict rule. Feel free to adapt the structure to best showcase your experience and effectively communicate your point in response to the question.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

Tell Me About A Time You Disagreed With Your Boss – Example answer

Project Coordinator Example

I strongly believe that open communication and sharing differing opinions with supervisors are crucial for making informed decisions and fostering a collaborative work environment. In my previous role as a project coordinator, our team was tasked with developing a marketing campaign. My boss suggested an approach that I felt wouldn’t resonate with our target audience and could negatively impact our results.

As the person responsible for overseeing the project, I had to ensure its success. My objective was to address my concerns with my boss and propose a more effective strategy without undermining their authority. I took the initiative to research alternative marketing approaches and gathered data to support my perspective. After preparing a concise presentation, I requested a one-on-one meeting with my boss and shared my findings. I emphasized that my goal was to improve the campaign’s effectiveness and achieve the best possible outcome for our team.

After discussing my concerns and the proposed alternative, my boss appreciated my proactive approach and agreed to implement the new strategy. The marketing campaign ultimately exceeded our initial targets, leading to a 30% increase in leads and a 20% boost in sales. This experience not only reinforced the importance of open communication but also allowed me to develop a stronger working relationship with my supervisor.

Generic Disagreement Answer

I believe that staying true to a company’s values and mission is crucial for long-term success, even if it means disagreeing with the owner. In my previous role, the owner proposed a new direction for the business that I felt would prioritize short-term gains over our company’s values and long-term impact.

In this situation, my task was to express my concerns and recommend an alternative strategy that would better align with our company’s values and mission. I took the initiative to gather data and evidence to support my perspective before approaching the owner. We engaged in an open and respectful dialogue, ultimately finding a resolution that blended elements of both our suggestions and better reflected the company’s values and goals.

The outcome of this experience reinforced the importance of standing up for what I believe in and the value of effective, respectful communication, even in the face of disagreements. It also highlighted the benefits of finding solutions that balance short-term and long-term objectives while maintaining the integrity of the company’s mission and values.

Teacher Example

Interview Question: Why do you want this job – Answer Tips

April 20, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

The question “why do you want this job?” is commonly asked by interviewers as it helps them assess various aspects of a candidate simultaneously. When you explain why you want the job, you have the opportunity to emphasize your skills and experience that make you a suitable candidate. By discussing how your abilities align with the position’s requirements, you demonstrate that you have the capability to perform the tasks involved in the job. This helps the interviewer understand your potential for success in the role.

Your response to this question can also showcase your motivation and passion for the role. Expressing enthusiasm for the job, its challenges, and the company’s mission or values indicates that you are genuinely interested in the position and willing to put in the effort to achieve success. This demonstrates to the interviewer that you have the drive and motivation necessary to excel in the position.

Finally, the way you articulate your reasons for wanting the job can reveal aspects of your personality and how they align with the company culture. By highlighting your personal values, goals, and work style, you provide the interviewer with a glimpse into how you might fit in with the team and contribute to a positive work environment. A well-thought-out answer can also convey that you are a likable and approachable candidate, which is important for fostering good working relationships.

How Best To Answer ‘Why Do You Want This Job’

The best approach to answering the question “why do you want this job?” involves a combination of research, self-reflection, and effective communication. While the B-STAR method is particularly useful for behavioral interview questions that ask for specific examples from your past experiences, you can still apply some of its principles to craft a compelling answer to this question.

The best approach to answering the question “why do you want this job?” involves thorough preparation, self-reflection, and effective communication. To craft a compelling and authentic response, consider the following steps:

Research the company and the role: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, culture, and the specific job requirements. This will allow you to tailor your answer to show that you are well-informed and genuinely interested in the role. Discuss how the company’s mission or values resonate with your own beliefs, or mention specific projects or initiatives that excite you.
Reflect on your motivation and strengths: Engage in self-reflection to identify your strengths, motivations, and personal goals. Consider how these align with the job description and the company culture. This will help you demonstrate that you are not only capable of performing the job but also motivated to succeed and likely to fit in with the team.
Structure your response: Begin by expressing your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Then, highlight your skills, experience, and personal traits that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Be specific and provide examples where possible to make your response more persuasive.
Connect your goals with the role: Describe how the job aligns with your professional aspirations and how it will help you grow in your career. This will show the interviewer that you have thought about the long-term implications of the role and that you are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the company.
Be concise and articulate: Practice your answer to ensure that you can deliver it confidently and clearly during the interview. Aim to strike a balance between providing sufficient information and being concise. Remember to maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone throughout your response.

By following these steps, you can create a well-thought-out and genuine answer to the question “why do you want this job?” This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are not only capable of doing the job but also motivated and likely to fit well within the company culture.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Why Do You Want This Job – Example answers

Developer Example

I am truly excited about the Developer role at this rapidly growing FinTech company. Your commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions aligns with my passion for creating efficient and user-friendly applications that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Having researched your company, I found that your focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology in financial services resonates with my interests and experience. I am confident that my skills and background in software development make me a strong fit for this position.

What particularly attracts me to this role is the opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment that fosters professional growth. I believe that working at your company will not only allow me to broaden my knowledge of the FinTech industry but also provide me with the chance to contribute to projects that shape the future of financial services.

Overall, I am enthusiastic about this Developer role because it perfectly aligns with my career goals and passion for FinTech. I am confident that my skills, experience, and personal traits make me an ideal candidate for this position, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success.

Civil Service Example

I’m really excited about joining the Civil Service as a Business Analyst. I’ve come to appreciate its important role in supporting government functions and driving improvements across various sectors, which aligns with my desire to contribute to meaningful projects.

My experience as a Business Analyst has helped me develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which I believe would be valuable in this role. I enjoy collaborating with diverse teams and developing solutions to improve processes and achieve goals.

What draws me to this role is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects that directly influence citizens’ well-being. I’m eager to apply my skills in a context where I can make a tangible difference and help shape policies that benefit everyone.

I see working for the Civil Service as a chance to grow professionally, learning from experts in various fields. I’m enthusiastic about this Business Analyst role and confident that my skills, experience, and personal traits make me a great candidate for this position.

Newly Qualified Teacher Example

Interview Question: Tell Me About Yourself – Answer Tips

April 19, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

This open-ended question in particular (Tell me about yourself) allows you to provide a brief overview of your background, experiences, and accomplishments that are relevant to the position. By sharing details of your education, past job experiences, and specific skills, you address the first aspect of the interviewer’s concerns – your ability to perform the job.

In addition, discussing your passion for the industry, your motivation for applying to the role, and your career goals can help demonstrate your commitment and drive to succeed in the position. This touches on the second aspect, revealing your willingness to do the job.

Lastly, when describing your personality traits, work style, or values, you have the opportunity to emphasize how they align with the company culture and the team you would be working with. This addresses the third aspect, showcasing your potential to fit in well within the organization.

So in all, this question actually hits all 3!

How Best To Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’

While the B-STAR method (Belief – Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful technique for answering behavioral interview questions, it may not be the best fit for the “tell me about yourself” question. This question typically calls for a more general overview of your background, skills, and experiences. However, you can still take inspiration from the B-STAR method to structure your response effectively. Here’s a suggested approach:

Brief Introduction: Start by providing a concise summary of who you are professionally. Mention your current role, years of experience, and any areas of expertise.
Education and Skills: Highlight your relevant educational background and the key skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. Focus on those that directly relate to the job requirements.
Work Experience: Briefly describe your professional journey, focusing on roles and accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. You can use the STAR method to explain one or two significant achievements in a concise manner. Be specific about the situations you faced, the tasks you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the results you achieved.
Motivation and Fit: Explain your interest in the role and the company, as well as how your values align with the organization’s culture. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and potential for cultural fit.
Conclusion: Wrap up by briefly mentioning your career goals and how this opportunity aligns with them. This shows that you’re motivated to succeed in the position and have a clear vision for your future.

By following this approach, you can provide a well-structured and comprehensive response to the “tell me about yourself” question that addresses your background, skills, experiences, motivation, and fit for the role.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not downplay your achievements/experience.

Do not overhype your achievements/expereince

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Tell me about yourself – Example answers

When crafting an answer to “Tell me about yourself,” it’s important to keep your response concise, relevant, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. An effective answer typically includes a brief overview of your professional background, your key skills or expertise, and a few personal attributes that make you a good fit for the role. Here’s a couple examples:

Digital Marketing Example

“I’m a digital marketing professional with over six years of experience in developing and implementing online marketing strategies for various industries, including e-commerce, healthcare, and technology. I have a proven track record in increasing website traffic, optimizing conversion rates, and managing social media campaigns. I graduated from XYZ University with a degree in Marketing and earned a certification in Google Analytics.

In my most recent role at ABC Company, I led a team of five and helped increase organic search traffic by 30% within six months, which contributed to a significant increase in overall revenue. I’m passionate about staying up-to-date with industry trends and enjoy experimenting with new marketing tactics to drive results. I believe my analytical skills, creativity, and strong communication abilities make me a great fit for this digital marketing manager position at your company.

Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter and attending marketing conferences to expand my professional network and learn from industry experts.”

Quantity Surveyor Example

“I’m a quantity surveyor with over 13 years of experience in the industry, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with four different employers since graduating from university at 21. My expertise spans various types of projects, and I’m particularly proud of my certification to work on nuclear sites.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of projects, from residential developments to large-scale infrastructure projects. This has allowed me to develop a strong skill set in cost estimation, contract management, and risk analysis. My experiences have also taught me the importance of collaboration and effective communication with various stakeholders, such as architects, contractors, and clients.

I’m excited about this opportunity because your company has a strong reputation for delivering complex, large-scale projects. I believe my experience and skills align well with the role, and I’m eager to contribute to your team. Moreover, I’ve always admired your company’s commitment to safety and innovation, which aligns with my own values as a professional. In the long term, I aim to further develop my expertise in the field and take on leadership roles in challenging projects like the ones your company handles.”

Remember to adapt the example to your own background and experiences, and make sure it aligns with the job requirements and company culture.

Interview Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? – Answer Examples

March 17, 2023 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question & Answer Sheet

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

The question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years” hits both 2 & 3.

2 – The employer is looking to see if you are someone who will do the job. If your 5 year plan is to be a rally car driver (as a very cool example) and you are applying for a long-term full-time office position then the interviewer will be weary about taking you on. Similarly it may be that the role will be rapidly expanding and the person who takes up the mantle will be expected to take on more responsibility and ‘climb the ladder’ quickly. If you are someone that is just looking to tread the water and remain in the same position long term then this is something that is best figured out at the interview stage.

3 – Will you fit in? Similar to what was said above, the interviewer will be looking to see if your 5 year goals match the firm’s 5 year goals. It is a good idea therefore when you are researching your prospective employer that you look for any public statements the firm has made regarding their future plans. As an example you might read that the firm is looking to expand into other countries, you could use this question as an opportunity to say that in 5 years time you hope to be working overseas or to have established more global connections in your industry.

How Best To Answer ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years’ Questions

The usual recommendation for how to fully and succinctly answer interview questions is to follow the B-STAR technique. This answering method allows the interviewee to be able to state both their thoughts/feelings on the subject but also back it up with a real world example showing the candidates experience in the matter.

For this question we are going to change it up a little bit. Instead of B-STAR we only need B-A. (There is no S-T because there’s no example to share, and we can’t give R because there’s no results to speak of as the 5 years haven’t happened yet!)

B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? – Answer the question truthfully, don’t just tell the interviewer what you think they want to hear. You don’t want to take up a position where their five year plan is completely misaligned with what your goals are. So ask yourself where do you want to be in 5 years time? If you don’t know where you want to be then it is worth taking some time to think about it prior to your interview.

A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them – For this question instead of ‘detail the steps you took’ you should ‘detail the steps you will take’. If your 5 year goal is to be a qualified accountant (as an example) you could detail how you plan to study toward the exams during night classes.

What You Should NOT Do When Answering Questions

Do not avoid the question.

Do not describe a failure (unless specifically asked).

Do not downplay the situation.

Do not overhype the situation.

Do not say you have no experience with the subject matter.

Do not reject the premise of the question.

Do not have a passive role in the situation.

Do not give a one-sentence answer.

Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action

‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ – Example answers

Example 1 – Junior PM

As a junior project manager, I see myself in five years as a seasoned project manager with a proven track record of successfully leading teams and delivering projects on time and within budget. I aim to have honed my skills in project management methodologies, risk assessment, and stakeholder management. Additionally, I would like to have developed expertise in a specific industry and have contributed to its growth and development. In the long term, I hope to use my experience and knowledge to mentor and guide other aspiring project managers.

Example 2 – Trainee solicitor

As a trainee solicitor, I see myself in five years having completed my training contract and qualified as a solicitor. I aim to have gained broad experience in several practice areas, and to have developed expertise in a specific area of law. I also hope to have established a strong reputation as a competent and reliable solicitor, able to provide practical and effective legal advice to clients. In the long term, I aim to continue learning and growing as a legal professional, taking on new challenges and opportunities to serve my clients and advance my career.

Example 3 – Generic Answer

As someone entering a new field, I see myself in five years having gained a strong foundation in the industry and a reputation as a dedicated and skilled professional. I hope to have taken on increasing responsibilities and challenging projects, developing a broad range of skills and expertise. I also aim to have established a network of colleagues and industry contacts, and to have made a meaningful contribution to the field. Ultimately, I hope to be known as a knowledgeable and reliable professional, ready to take on new opportunities and continuously grow and develop.

Interview Question: What are your three biggest strengths? – Answer Tips

November 7, 2022 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:

That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.

This is a relatively straight forward question. And it is obvious that the interviewer is trying to find out No. 1 above – “Can you do the job?”

There’s no real hidden agenda at play. The interviewer simply wants to know where you believe your strengths lie.

The interviewer will be coming into the interview knowing exactly what their team/organisation need. What experience or skill set is missing from their current employee base. They are looking to see if your strengths will marry up well with what they are looking for.

The interviewer will have your CV so they will know exactly what you’ve done, but they want to know in your own words what areas of the job you excel in.

The best approach to answering this question

This is an interview so there is no point being modest. The best answers will briefly discuss how you believe that you have a quite varied skill set and a possess a great many strengths that are applicable to the role before drilling down into 3 that you believe to be your best.

This is not a story based question (like a ‘Tell me about a time‘ question) where the interviewer is expecting you to walk them through one of your experiences (where the B-STAR technique is the correct approach)

No for this question the ideal approach is to list all 3 strengths and then in turn go into further detail about why you feel that you possess each strength and how you are able to use that strength in your current role (the best answers will also relate this strength to the role that is being discussed).

How NOT to answer this question

Do not avoid the question. – This question is about your strengths. Ensure that is the question you answer. I have seen people take this question all sorts of ways; ranging from candidates just rehashing their experience without mentioning what it was they were good at, to someone who actually talked about what areas she thought she was weakest in. Keep it straight forward. The interviewer asked for strengths, give them some strengths.

Do not be overly modest. – It’s an interview, you are allowed, – nay – required, to sell yourself. Blow your own horn and share with the interviewer what your skills are. Being modest here will just mean that you do not get the job.

Do not give a one-sentence answer. – Just listing off 3 strengths will not get you far with this question. You need to explain to the interviewer why you feel this is one of your strengths, linking back to your previous experience and trying to tie that in to how you would use this strength in your future role.

BIGGEST STRENGTHS – Example answer

“As you can see from my CV I have a great deal of experience in a wide range of roles. This experience has afforded me the opportunity to considerably grow my skill set over the years to the point that now I believe I possess a great many strengths that can be applied to excelling in this role.

You asked for my 3 biggest. I think my 3 biggest strengths are my problem solving abilities, my communication skills and my industry knowledge.

The first of these strengths I wish to discuss is my industry knowledge. I have been working in this area for my full career, working all across the spectrum in various roles. I believe this puts me firmly in the Expert category when it comes to our sector, I will bring this knowledge into every project I work.

My 2nd biggest strength is my communication skills. After 3 years of sales experience I have no problem building rapport and in creating instant connections with stakeholders of any level. I have created long lasting relationships with customers, suppliers and all levels of management. If I were to join X company not only would I seek to make a great first impression to all my new stakeholders I would also seek to tap into my existing network for the betterment of the organisation.

The last strength I wish to discuss may sound a bit cliche but I do think it is my strongest area. I am able to quickly and efficiently solve problems as they land on my desk. In my last role this came in handy during COVID when we were working remotely with a reduced workforce, everything needed to be completed quickly but without sacrificing quality. I can use these skills to aid in projects that have tight turnaround times or that require ‘thinking on your feet’.“

Interview Question: How do you feel about deadlines? – Answer Tips

September 6, 2022 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank
Project Manager Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Deadlines.

We all have them. Whether it is a report that needs to be submitted by no later than 5pm or it is a major project that needs to be delivered before Q3, we’ve all been there.

This is a particularly unusual question as normally interviewers ask how you are at dealing with tight deadlines, or multiple deadlines (or multiple competing tight deadlines). When they ask these questions the interviewer wants to see how you cope under pressure and whether you are able to prioritise your tasks in order to meet the deadline with a quality output.

But this question is more general than that. It is asking how you feel about deadlines as a whole. It is one of the questions in the Civil Service bank of questions so it is definitely worth practising an answer if you are applying for a government position.

For this question the interviewer wants to see if you understand the importance of deadlines and your experience with working toward deadlines. If you are applying for a senior position the interviewer may also be looking to see how you would approach setting deadlines for your team members.

There are a few competing schools of thought when it comes to deadline setting. Some managers believe giving short deadlines results in people working harder and therefore increasing output, other managers will prefer to give a lot more slack when setting deadlines (where possible) as they find it is more important for their team to focus on quality rather than quantity or speed.

Whichever approach you take just ensure that you are able to discuss the pros/cons when the interviewer asks their follow up questions.

The best approach to answering this question

This is an opinion question so in theory there is no right or wrong answers.

In practice however you should probably avoid saying that deadlines can go *&^% themselves!

The best approach to this question will use the B-STAR technique as while this is an opinion based question (and not, for example, a “Tell me about a time” question) you will want to back your answer up with an example from your experience, and the best way to structure your answer when dealing with examples is to follow the B-STAR process.

Let’s see how that would work when answering this question:

B – Belief – What are you thoughts / feelings on the subject? – Discuss what you feel about deadlines. Good answers will talk about how when deadlines are set appropriately that they provide structure to activities and motivation to the team.

S – Situation – What was the scenario? – Following on from what you feel about deadlines pick an example of a good deadline that you had in one of your projects.

T – Task – What was your role? – In the scenario you are describing what had you been assigned to do? Good answers here will have you in the exact same role that you are applying for.

A – Activity – What did you do? – Run through the steps that you took and why.

R – Result – How did everything end up? – This is an interview so the best option is always to describe a successful result. Make sure to tie the result back into how you feel about deadlines to really round out your answer.

How NOT to answer this question

Do not say deadlines stress you out. They stress everyone out at some point in time but you are looking to impress the interviewer so you should talk about how you find them motivating instead of daunting.

Do not answer a different question. As discussed earlier this question is often asked in a way that refers to tight deadlines or competing deadlines. While it is encouraged to talk about these things in your answer ensure that you do not only talk about these things.

How do you feel about deadlines? – Example answer

“Obviously having a future date that something is due looming over you can be daunting, especially when it is a hard deadline. It is quite easy for people to get overwhelmed and get stressed. But I feel differently. I hold a begrudging respect for deadlines. I appreciate their importance as they force you to provide more structure to your work and can act as a motivator. Without deadlines I feel like a lot of work would just not get done.

To give you an example, last year I was brought in as Project Manager on an infrastructure upgrade project. This project had been ongoing for 3 years with no end in sight. There was no urgency within the team to get their work completed as there was no deadline to meet. Instead the team would prioritise other pieces of work over this project.

Eventually this pushed on long enough that a hard deadline did appear. This infrastructure upgrade became a dependency for another project of mine and it needed to be completed before I could go-live with my project.

Immediately on taking ownership of the project I created a project plan using the new deadline to create a work breakdown structure. Then I spoke with all project team members and stakeholders to advise them of the new deadline and the new plan that everyone was to adhere to.

In the end the infrastructure upgrade was deployed successfully. As a result I was able to deploy my other project on time also. So to circle back to the question I truly believe that deadlines are important as otherwise I do not believe a lot of work would get completed.“

Interview Question: What do you like to do in your spare time? – Answer tips

August 31, 2022 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

What you do in your free time says a lot about your personality and how you operate as a person.

While this question may seem a bit intrusive, the interviewer isn’t trying to pry into your personal life – they more want to see if your character and energy levels are inline with what they are looking for and importantly whether they would fit in with the team and wider organisation you are applying for.

So don’t feel like the interviewer is asking deeply personal questions about what you get up to (that might even be illegal), treat the question as more asking what hobbies you like and how those hobbies reflect on you as a person and as a work colleague.

The best approach to answering this question

The best approach to this question is to be honest (but not too honest).

This is not a ‘tell me about a time‘ which relies on you retelling your experiences, or a skill based question that has you explaining technical matters related to your job role.

This is a question about you, who you are, what you like and how you act around others.

That is why the best approach is to to be honest (but not too honest).

You want to tell the interviewer something that you genuinely like to do in your spare time, but tie it back to the job you are applying for.

Maybe you like to do puzzles and that’s why you are applying to a cryptography role.
Maybe you are captain of your local rugby team and can segue that experience into a management position.
Maybe you travel a lot and are good at itinerary planning as a result – this would look good in a number of positions to do with projects or corporate planning.
Maybe…

Whatever it is you like to do in your spare time just tell the interviewer and tie it back to how that would make you a good fit for the role. And be prepared for follow up questions. The interviewer is definitely going to want to hear more about your hobby or interests.

BONUS: If you have a common interest with the interviewer definitely use it. You should be researching the organisation as prep work for your interview anyway so if you find out that you and the interviewer share any hobbies or outside interests make a note of it. If you can get the interviewer talking to you about something they genuinely enjoy the interviewer will leave with a genuinely positive impression of you which will almost certainly help later on when they are assessing all of the candidates.

How NOT to answer this question

“THAT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS”. As I said earlier the interviewer has a reason for asking this question. They want to know your personality and what sort of energy you would bring to a team. Sure if you really don’t want to share any details you are free to say so (try to phrase it a bit better though), but if you do refuse the question don’t be surprised if this goes negatively against you during the assessment.

Do not lie to the interviewer. It might seem like a good idea at the time. Just a little white lie. But it’s not worth it. The main reason is because the interviewer is likely to have some follow-up questions. And that is when the whole lie will come crumbling down like a house of cards. And even if they don’t are you sure you want to keep up this lie for the entire time you are working for this organisation?

Do not talk about drinking, partying etc. Everyone loves a good party, and a lot of people do love a good drink – especially in this country! But even if all you do in your spare time is hit the pub with your mates try to come up with a different answer that doesn’t leave the impression you like to get boozed up at every opportunity – as true as it may be!

What do you like to do in your spare time? – Interview Answers

Example 1

“I love to travel but I like to stray from the beaten path and take the trips that don’t show up on any tourist websites. This often requires a lot of scheduling and detailed itineraries to be made so I do really lean on my Project Planning skills when doing this”

Example 2

“I am a big reader of both fiction and non-fiction. I always like to have at least 2 books on the go; one for entertainment – most often some kind of science fiction (I am currently reading the Expanse series) and one for learning. I always like to be learning new things, I find it fun and also incredibly rewarding to learn a new skill. I even find it rewarding when I fail miserably – as I do often – as I always learn something from the experience, I suppose this desire to learn new things and improve is why I was drawn to change management.”

Example 3

“As a mother I spend most of my spare time doing my second job; being a parent. Having small children around the house is a blessing and a curse in that your time is never your own. I like to go on walks with my children every night where we take our dogs to the local woods. This is one of the reasons I am so keen on conservation and why I pursued a career in it. I want to ensure that my children – and their children – are able to enjoy nature to its fullest as I have been able to.”

Interview Question: What energises you? – Answer Tips

August 29, 2022 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

Energises is the word that the Civil Service Interview guide likes to use for this question. In other sectors though it is most often worded as “What motivates you?” and it is a strength based question that I really hated when I was a fresh-faced youngster applying for my first jobs.

It’s a nuisance question because it gives you no indication as to what the interviewer actually wants. What energises me?…I suppose that pint can of Monster I just downed is giving off some energy I suppose.

So what does the interviewer want?

They are looking to see what makes you tick, how do you gather up the energy to come into work and do a good job day after day, what part of the role do you find actually interests you.

And finally they want to see if what energises (or motivates) you is in line with their organisation and how they work.

The best approach to answering this question

So how do you answer this question when you don’t even know what they want?

Firstly you should ensure that you are well prepared for the interview. Research the company itself on Glassdoor and LinkedIn, you are looking to see if anyone has left a review on the interview process and any feedback they were given. If you are lucky you will get some good information about what it is they are looking for.

Make sure you have read the job description over and over looking for any clues as to what they are looking for – the first paragraph is usually were they keep all their buzzwords; “Results-driven”, “Inquisitive nature”, “People person”.

Use these buzzwords when tailoring your answer.

So if they say they are looking for someone who is ‘passionate about improvement’ then in your answer talk about how self-improvement and process improvement is a passion of yours and that is what energises you through the day – the continued pursuit of development.

How NOT to answer this question

Don’t talk about personal activities – It’s easy to say that your family motivates you (or something similar), and while it is almost certainly true it’s not really an appropriate answer here. The interviewer is going to assume that you already love your family, what they want to know is what motivates you in the workplace.

(Side note – I did hear a fantastic answer once were a candidate said their kids were their biggest motivator, the role was with Forestry England and the candidate talked about how much the Forestry service played a role in her childhood and how ensuring that her kids could have the same experiences as her is what would motivate her in helping to preserve and enhance the woodlands across the UK – So the above isn’t a hard rule, but if you are going to talk about personal motivators make sure you can tie them into the job somehow)

Don’t talk about money – Interviews are a weird construct that we humans have devised. Everyone knows that the primary reason anyone is applying for a job is to make money, but for some reason it is uncouth to say as much. But this is an interview and you want this job so you have to play the game. Don’t talk abut how your primary motivator is to get paid.

Don’t talk about what motivated you to apply for the role – It’s easy to confuse what energises/motivates you in work with what motivated you to apply for this job, particularly as that is also a very popular interview question, but this question is not about that.

What energises you? – Example answers

Motivators Example Answer 1

“I am motivated by the people I work with. I enjoy when we succeed together and I am spurred on during difficult times knowing that I have a solid team around me. For example in my most recent role I was on a great team that really had each other’s backs. When one of our colleagues dropped the ball on a piece of work we all rallied together and worked overtime so that there was no gap in output from the team. This type of team support is what energised me to perform in that role.”

Motivators Example Answer 2

“Success is what energises me. This is why I prefer project type roles. The ability to say that a project has been successfully deployed is what drives me during the more mundane run of the mill day-to-day activities. Recently I was able to close the book on a 30-month IT infrastructure deployment. This was a project that had been completely re-scoped 3 times just during the time I was attached to the project. But knowing that the project would eventually be deployed is what drove me throughout.”

Motivators Example Answer 3

“I am motivated by helping people and by solving problems, this is why Level 2 support roles are where I flourish the most. I like being able to speak with customers and help solve their tricky problems. For example, a few weeks back a bug was discovered that was preventing a customer from making online payments through our new app. After liaising with the customer and with the relevant developers I managed to isolate that the issue was due to the customer’s VPN location. Once this was resolved the customer was able to access the app as normal. I was particularly driven by this encounter because the issue itself was particularly complex in that it had never been seen before but also the issue was very important to the customer as they were attempting to make payments abroad for hospital treatments so it was very rewarding to be able to help them with that.”

Interview Question: What are you good at? – Answer Tips

August 5, 2022 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

This isn’t a trick. This question isn’t one of those where the interviewer is asking one thing but is actually looking for something else.

This is as straight a question as you can be asked.

The interviewer wants to know what you are good at. What skills do you have. What areas of the role will you excel in.

Your CV will only give half the picture. The interviewer wants to hear straight from you what skills you bring to the table. From your answer the interviewer will be assessing whether your skills are what they need in the organisation.

The best approach to answering this question

While this is a straightforward question, you should still take care with how you answer it.

I find that most candidates fire straight into what they think their best attributes are with no regard for the role or the company.

This is a mistake. When you answer this question (and all questions in an interview) you should always be mindful of what the interviewer wants to hear.

Take time to re-read the job description before you go for your interview. This will tell you exactly what the company is looking for from the candidates. This is what you will say you are good at; when the question is asked.

Sure it is a bit deceitful. But hey, that’s how the game is played.

Be sure to talk about a few things. You do not want the interviewer to think you are a one trick pony.

The best answers will highlight a few things that you are good at while emphasising one skill that you really excel in: all the while tying back what you are saying to your experience. That is what separates good and great answers. Everyone can say that they are great at leadership, but not everyone can back up this self-reported greatness with experience.

As mentioned it is best to get your answers directly from the job description, here are some things to look out for:

Skills / Strengths for Job Interviews

Strengths you can use in a job interview (buzzwords):

Expert in an industry software
Adaptability
Leadership
Quick study
Detail oriented
Focused
Able to juggle many things at once
Planning
Communicating and Influencing
Problem solving
Experience

It is important for this question and other similar questions (like the dreaded “What are your 3 biggest strengths”) that you don’t just read off the skill and move on. You should mention the skill and go into a little more detail as to why you are so good at it. Take a look at the examples at the end of this post to see how.

How NOT to answer this question

Don’t be too humble. Sure it is difficult for some people to ‘big themselves up’. But this is not the time for false modesty. If you are ever going to show off your skills to someone this is the time and the place

Don’t say you are good at everything. If you say you are great at everything then it starts to become less believable. Limit your answer to 2 to 4 strengths.

Don’t say you are hard working. Such a cliché answer. You want to separate yourself from the rest of the candidates. Your future employer will expect all of the candidates to be hardworking you need to show something that differentiates you and shows the interviewer why you are right fit for the role.

Some other popular responses that you will want to avoid:

Honest
Punctual
Trustworthy
Reliable

Obviously these are all good traits to possess however as mentioned all of these things are expected of any employee and will not make you stand out – which is what you want in an interview.

What are you good at?

Example answer 1

“As you can see from my CV I am an experienced project manager and I do believe I am very good at my role. I am a very good planner, I am quick to adapt to changing business environments but I believe my best attribute is my communication skills.

Being a project manager is all about being able to communicate effectively and to all different types of stakeholders – something I learned recently when we released a new software upgrade and I was communicating with front-line customer service colleagues all the way up to the CEO of the whole group! – It is this experience and others that have moulded me in to the skilled communicator I am today“

Example answer 2

“I’m not usually one to toot my own horn but when in an interview I suppose it is a must. I have a few attributes that I am particularly skilled in. I am hardworking – but I guess everyone says that – I am also an extremely quick study as you can see from my qualifications. But my greatest strength that I bring to the table is my experience in the sector. I have been working in this industry for over 10 years and have worked in a multitude of departments across all areas of the supply chain. There is not much about this trade that I do not know.

So you ask what am I good at, I am good at knowing where everything fits together, why certain processes are the way they are, who the best suppliers are in the area, etc. The knowledge that you can only gain from doing. I will be the person on the team that everyone comes to when they need more information about their work.“

Interview Question: What are your weaknesses? – Answer Tips

July 5, 2022 by Mike Jacobsen

Question forms part of

Civil Service Question Bank

What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question

This is a very popular question in an interview. I have found that it doesn’t matter what job you are going for or what stage of your career you are in, this question can appear at any time.

Which is unfortunate (for us as job seekers) because it is such a tricky question to gauge what it is exactly the interviewer is looking for by asking this question.

The interviewer could be looking for one of two things:

Are you the type of person who is capable of introspection to find weaknesses. Are you also the type of person who – when they identify weaknesses in themselves – takes steps toward improving in these areas.
Actual, genuine areas of weakness. The interviewer might have genuine interest in your areas of weakness. It could be that they require people strong in X and you saying that it is your weakness will rule you out.

We are not mind readers so it is hard for us to know what exactly the interviewer is looking for, but a good rule of thumb would be if the job you are looking to apply for is in a career based position where you would be expected to grow and mature as a professional with the organisation then strong bet the interviewer is looking for number 1 above.

On the other hand if you are applying for a contract position or a limited time position where you are being tasked with coming in and performing X function and then leaving the organisation, then you can safely assume they are looking for number 2 above. You should keep this in mind when formulating your answer.

The best approach to answering this question

This is not a “Tell me about a time” question, or a skill question. It is an opinion based question. The interviewer wants to hear your thoughts around your strengths/weaknesses to understand if you would make a good fit to their organisation.

With that in mind the best approach to this question is to be honest…but not too honest. Tell the interviewer your weaknesses…within reason.

No-one is great at everything and even if you are there will be some areas that you are greater in than others. The others are your weaknesses.

The best answers will approach this question by giving a frank assessment of your weakness AND discussing what steps you are taking (or will take) to overcome this weakness and become a better worker.

Talk about your weakness and how it impacts your life and work, but then detail the steps that you are taking to overcome this weakness. Try to make your answer about a weakness that can be improved and isn’t purely subjective (e.g. “I can’t use X system” vs “I don’t get on well with people”).

How NOT to answer this question

Don’t say you have no weaknesses. For a starter it is just plain not true, everyone has weaknesses. Further it will not endear you to the interviewer, they will think you are cocky and arrogant. Or even worse it shows that you are naïve and failed to prepare for the interview.

Don’t give a false weakness that is actually a strength. “Oh my biggest weakness is that I work too hard, *wink*”. Come off it. The interviewer is smarter than that. They are asking the question to see if you can determine your own weaknesses. If you truly work too hard then talk about how you have a problem setting boundaries with colleagues and saying NO to additional responsibilities outside your job role.

Don’t share a massive weakness. This question is really tricky, because you want to give a weakness and show how you are overcoming it, but at the same time you don’t want that weakness to actually cost you the job. Keep your weaknesses small but relatable, i.e. don’t say you can’t use Microsoft Office when applying for an office job (plus also learn how to use Word!)

What are your weaknesses? – Example Answers

Weakness Example Answer 1

“I have never worked with <insert tool or software> before and I see that it plays an integral role in your organisation. I have worked with <insert other tool> before and from what I hear it lacks a number of features present in <tool>. I look forward to the opportunity to use this new tool as I hear great things about it, I have also found a crash course online that I would look to take to get up to speed as quickly as possible…should I be offered the job”

Weakness Example Answer 2

“My memory is my biggest weakness. Quite frankly it sucks. I will be told something in the morning and will have completely forgotten having had the conversation by the afternoon. It held me back a lot in school were it seemed like a lot of exam preparation was just cramming as much info into your head as possible prior to an exam. I have found a good system though that works for me. I write lots of notes and set myself lots of reminders. I am not sure if you can see since we’re on video but I have been taking notes throughout this meeting as well!”

Weakness Example Answer 3

“I think my biggest weakness is my potential to get distracted. I’ve found that when I have just one task on my plate that I procrastinate a lot and it often ends up either incomplete or rushed and not finished satisfactorily. I have had good success recently with this by ensuring that I always have multiple tasks on the go at once. That way I can procrastinate on one by completing the other. It is not a perfect solution so I also perform exercises designed to improve focus and concentration at home.”

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