You think the interview is the hardest part… but are you even answering the questions they’re really asking?
After 40, interviews feel different.
You’re not just proving skills, you’re showcasing confidence, experience, and expectations. Here are 10 questions you cannot afford to wing:
- Tell me about yourself🎯
✔️Keep it focused, don’t tell your life story. You have up to 2 minutes to keep their interested.
✔️Don’t repeat your CV word by word or recite your personal profile, say something that is not in your CV to attract the employer.
✔️You can approach from personal or professional point of view to catch their attention. Is there something you do outside of work that help you to improve your abilities?
Who you are + what you’ve done + where you’re heading.
- What’s your biggest weakness? 📢
Skip the clichés.
✔️Show self-awareness and how you’re actively improving.
✔️Be honest but concise: Avoid oversharing or dwelling on negative aspects.
e.g. I sometimes struggle with delegating tasks because I want to ensure everything is done perfectly OR I need to improve my IT skills, in particular Excel.
- Why do you want to work here? 🏢
Generic answers won’t work.
✔️Show you’ve done your research and actually care about the role
✔️Refer to their mission statement, values or reviews on Google/Trust Pilot, it will impress them.
- Why should we hire you? ✅
This is your moment TO SHINE!
✔️Connect your experience directly to their needs, with evidence. You can pick up a project from their portfolio they have been working on and cross reference with your skills and experience and match with the person specification as well.
- How do you perform under pressure? 🎲
Don’t just say it—prove it.
✔️Give a real example with a clear outcome,
✔️Use STAR format: situation – task – action – result. Have two examples to choose from.
- Tell me about a difficult situation? ❌
This about how you handle stress, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. They want to see your critical thinking, communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills, as well as your ability to remain professional under pressure.
Your response helps them predict how you might perform in similar situations in the future and whether you can contribute positively to the company. Again, use STAR format. Have two examples ready related to the role.
✔️Show how you think, act, and resolve challenges.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 🔮
You don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future BUT you can tell them how you wish to grow and progress, and if the values align with yours – great, tell them that.
✔️You want to grow and learn.
- *What are your salary expectations?. 💰
Know your worth.
✔️Do your research and don’t undersell your experience.*
✔️Ask for the salary range they have, if not indicated, and what is the budget. You can negotiate as well. With reason.
- What would your employer say about you if we call them now? ☎️
This question is to see how the candidates react. This is your reputation speaking. They want to know what to except if the call for references.
✔️ Think about the positive stuff you have done, contributions to and the impact on your team and productivity.
- Do you have any questions? ❓
Never say ‘NO’ that will be the end and lasting, not flattering memory.
✔️Ask about growth and training opportunities
✔️Ask about typical day and the teams dynamics
✔️What challenges they face in the team
✔️Or recent success
Interviews can be stressful. It’s OK to be feel anxious and nervous, that is because you care. Practice the questions before your big day. Focus on your body language, be positive and BE YOURSELF!
REMEMBER:
✔️Prepare a list of your soft and hard skills
✔️ Use STAR examples to show structure and clear explanation
✔️Be positive about you team and company – do not slag them off!
Q: Which questions do you struggle with the most?
If you are applying for jobs and struggle with your CV content and want to practice your interview techniques – click on CONTACT ME and drop me a message for a FREE 30 min ‘Brainstorming session.’