“The first thing I can say is that any question will be tricky if the research isn’t done,” says Sinead, who is an expert in career planning and runs career management services company, Hilt – Back Yourself.

Sinead founded this company over 10 years ago, and prior to starting Hilt she worked in investment banking for 13 years. At JP Morgan in London, she was vice president and business manager of one of the bank’s largest industry groups.

Sinead advises that you spend two full business days preparing for an interview. Though most people won’t have the luxury of spending 9am to 5pm prepping, 16 hours must be spent before stepping into any interview room.

Googling potential answers is a bad idea, according to Sinead, who believes the hundreds of questions that appear on the search engine often overwhelm people.

“Instead, take out your highlighter and circle each of the key competencies and skills that are required for the job,” says Sinead. “Then prepare evidence and examples surrounding these skills to show that you are the perfect match for the job.”

What’s in a question?

“Every question returns to the simple question – what do you have that we need? Interviews are completely predictable and the employer wants to make sure you are the right fit for the company,” Sinead says.

“Interviewers don’t want to catch you out, but they do want to get to know you. So if you are asked about your biggest weakness, don’t come out with the textbook answer, I am a perfectionist,” Sinead urges.

“Tell them something honest about yourself. Everyone has flaws. Most importantly, tell them how you intend to overcome your weakness,” she adds.

Negative and open-ended questions seem to throw most people. Take Sinead’s advice by bringing each question back to the skills and experiences that you have.

A question, like “what will you do if you don’t get this job?” is asked to see if you truly are an organised person and have a plan B, according to Sinead.

“An interviewer wants to know what you do when things don’t work out because in reality, a project never runs smoothly,” Sinead says.

With open questions, remember again to relay experience and skills. “The interviewer doesn’t want to know your dog’s name; identify five or six key things you have that they need.”

Sinead says the question “tell me about yourself” is the same as asking “what can you bring to this role?”

Company research

When it comes to researching the company, you need to focus on three areas, according to Sinead:

  • Where does the company make its money?
  • Who are its main competitors?
  • What are its top three challenges?

    • “Realistically, the company wants to see if you have an understanding of the company, so look at the company website and find its investor presentations where you will find the challenges the company faces. Also, look at where the company has appeared in the news recently to discover separate opinions,” says Sinead.

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