good answers to interview questions.

f.dennis

Hi all, I have an interview tomorrow (with an insurance company) and it is only like my second ever! My first was one a competency based interview which wasn't so bad as I was talking about examples where I had displayed certain skills etc. However, I don't know what tomorrow's one is going to be like so was hoping you could help me with a few things.

1) Tell me about yourself
- What is the best way to answer such a question,e.g, do you talk about your skills or previous employment?

2) Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

3) What sort of questions are good one's to ask an employer at the end if they say 'do you have any questions?'

Vader123

Hi

I'll answer the questions as a fictitous person.

Tell me about yourself

You want a brief overview of you, your education, relavant experience and a little tit bit of info about you personally, ie

Well I am originally from London and I went to school at xxx secondary. From there I did my A Levels and went to university at Bath where I completed a degree in nuclear fission. My first exposure to the insurance industry was at Acme Insurance where I was employed as a claims handler. Acme insurance covers all types of experience and therefore this role give me a great overview of the industry. MY current/last role was with Smith & Jones Insurance who specialise in canal boat insurance which helps with this role. On a personal note I am a avid rock climber and enjoy playing chess semi-professionally.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Depends on how ambitious you are here.

In 5 years like time I would like to think that I have proved myself as a valuable employee and be recognised as such, perhaps by being an advanced claims handler or managing my own department.

What sort of questions are good one's to ask an employer at the end if they say 'do you have any questions?'

Things like this?

1) Is this a new post or has someone moved on?
2) What support and training would be given to me?
3) What would a typical day be if I was successful?
4) What would the expectations be of me in the first month of employment?


Good luck!
Vader

jessicamb

I sometimes ask about what is the culture like in the workplace and what does the interviewer like aboutg working there.

FlareStar

Hi f.dennis, i recently had an interview and these questions were asked!!! here's some of the advice i was given........


'Tell me about yourself'
totally agree with Vader123, also:

describe your skills around the person spec or job descrip of the company i.e if person spec they want someone who is a 'teamplayer' or 'flexible' say your a teamplayer and can be flexible - even better still would be to give an example where you can show this from past work or outside of work.

Also dont forget to add (at the end as this could be good way to end the question) your interests outside of work i.e. sport, hobbies etc which would show you have a life outside of work, you socialable and not a just a workaholic! ....:D

'where do you see yourself in five years'
if you would eventually like to be in a higher level position such as team leader or assist manager ( i dont no what the structure is in a insurance co) .........just say somethinig along the lines of ' in five years i would like to be in a team leader position.....etc'.... most employers like to hear that a potential employee is ambitous......:cool:

'What sort of questions are good one's to ask an employer at the end if they say 'do you have any questions?'

once again, i agree with all of Vader123 suggestions, just like to add:

- is there a chance for progression / promotion within the company?

hope that helps

Good luck for 2moro!!:T

f.dennis

How is this for - tell me about yourself ?

I've lived in East Anglia all my life except for Lancaster where I undertook my undergraduate studies. I graduated in 2008 with first class honours in Religious Studies and Philosophy and believe that I acquired many skills, such as communication skills and effective team work, which I have continued to use at work and in personal life. I joined Aviva soon after graduating and very much enjoyed my experiences there, especially because I felt as though I was playing an important role in offering security in life to customers. On a personal note, I like reading and going to the cinema with friends.

Vader123

f.dennis wrote: »

How is this for - tell me about yourself ?

I've lived in East Anglia all my life except for Lancaster where I undertook my undergraduate studies. I graduated in 2008 with first class honours in Religious Studies and Philosophy and believe that I acquired many skills, such as communication skills and effective team work, which I have continued to use at work and in personal life. I joined Aviva soon after graduating and very much enjoyed my experiences there, especially because I felt as though I was playing an important role in offering security in life to customers. On a personal note, I like reading and going to the cinema with friends.

Its a bit....well.... so what?

Can I re-write even though I know nothing about you.........

"I am originally from East Anglia but took my degree in Lancaster. The degree was Religious Studies & Philosophy and got rewarded with first class honours. The course concentrated on communication skills and teamwork, two important skills that are relavant to this job, indeed mentioned on the job description.

Upon graduation I was accepted at Aviva, I enjoyed my work there and understood the importance of offering life security to their customers.

On a personal level, I enjoy reading, books, one paticular favourite is "The Da Vinci Code" this book really got my imagination going, plus I enjoy the cinema, the last film I saw was "Star Wars", which while being a great film, the best part is discussing it with my friends afterwards."

Vader


(ignore the bad spelling... you get the jist)

Dave_Ham

Make sure that you have researched your new potential employer. Drop some relevant questions based upon your research.

e.g. I noticed you have recently started getting into the **** market. I think this is really interesting as ..... how has it gone ???

Just shows you are interested in that actual firm !!

Good luck !

f.dennis

Vader123 wrote: »

Its a bit....well.... so what?

Can I re-write even though I know nothing about you.........

"I am originally from East Anglia but took my degree in Lancaster. The degree was Religious Studies & Philosophy and got rewarded with first class honours. The course concentrated on communication skills and teamwork, two important skills that are relavant to this job, indeed mentioned on the job description.

Upon graduation I was accepted at Aviva, I enjoyed my work there and understood the importance of offering life security to their customers.

On a personal level, I enjoy reading, books, one paticular favourite is "The Da Vinci Code" this book really got my imagination going, plus I enjoy the cinema, the last film I saw was "Star Wars", which while being a great film, the best part is discussing it with my friends afterwards."

Vader


(ignore the bad spelling... you get the jist)

Thanks very much!! You've really helped me prepare for tomorrow should this question come up. I'll let you all know.:o