Common interview questions and answers 💬

“I’m [first name] from [area], I studied Marketing Communications at Bournemouth University and have recently graduated with a 2.1.

I am keen to pursue a career in digital marketing, having completed my dissertation on ‘The Impact of Digital Marketing on Businesses Today’, for which I analysed the digital marketing strategies of 10 businesses, giving me a sound understanding of key digital marketing tools and the importance of getting your strategy right.

As well as being part of the marketing society at Uni, I also write a blog in my spare time, educating people about ways in which social media can be used effectively.

Juggling this with my university work has strengthened my organisation skills, I always plan my week’s work in advance, prioritising tasks to ensure that I work efficiently to complete everything on time.

Last year I gained work experience within a digital marketing agency which reinforced my desire to get a job in this sector.

I love maths and have a very analytical mindset so I am keen to build on my SEO and digital analytics knowledge.

I think I would really enjoy the job role and I believe I could bring significant value to your team; it’s always easy to market something you’re passionate about!”

“I have always had a keen interest in the technology sector and when I saw the job role advertised online, I was excited at the prospect of working for a top tech brand that’s leading the future of the industry.

You have a very impressive portfolio of high-tech software and big clients, and having worked in sales for 2 years now I am confident that I can help to grow this portfolio and become a strong asset to your team!”

“As I mentioned previously, I have gained some really good work experience within PR, I have many contacts within the industry already and I am very eager to engage with both new and existing clients.

For this reason, the salary that I think is right for me is £X. I feel that I can bring significant value to your team and with my hard-working personality, I am confident that I would excel in every challenge I am faced with”.

“My greatest achievement so far is completing my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Completing both awards meant that I volunteered for a total of 9 months, in a charity garden centre and helping at a local Scouts group.

I was also required to take part in a physical activity or learn a skill for 9 months, I played netball and learnt Spanish, attending language evening classes in my spare time.

Finally, I completed 2 expeditions which involved endurance and teamwork. A group of us hiked from one town to another over 5 days. I took on the role of the group leader, delegating tasks fairly around the group and motivating my team, which helped us to finish the expedition first!

This achievement gave me the opportunity to learn and improve some excellent transferable skills, and I think my Spanish speaking skills would add real value within your Global Team.”​

• Why did you choose to work for this organisation and what do you enjoy most about working here?
• What does a typical working day or week look like here?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• Please could you tell me about the team I would be working with?
• How are employees recognised for their hard work?
• Do you have regular performance reviews? How often?
• Are employees involved in the structuring of their own KPIs at all?
• Is there an opportunity for progression in this role?
• Would I be managing any of my own projects?
• Do you offer any training opportunities?

“My career plan for the next five years is to push myself to excel in every challenge I am faced with and take on more and more responsibility.

I saw on your website you have a mentor scheme which I think is a great idea for new employees starting the company and something that I would be keen to get involved in.

If the opportunity arose, I would of course be interested in further job progression, maybe even leading a small team, but I understand that any extra responsibility comes with time once I have proven myself and helped the company to grow.”

“Based on the research I have done prior to the interview, and from what you’ve said today, you are looking for an individual with excellent time management skills.

Not only did I organise multiple events requiring critical timing throughout University, but during my summer work placement, I worked across two different teams and had two managers to report to.

This strengthened my time management skills significantly, as I had to organise my workload by prioritising tasks, to ensure that I completed activities for each manager within the specific deadlines.”

• Involvement in a sports team – indicating to an employer that you will be a good team player
• An interest in the arts and painting – suggesting that you are a creative person
• Writing a blog – implying that you use your free time to develop your skills (particularly relevant to marketing graduate jobs!) Practising writing also helps with vocabulary expansion
• Volunteering or community work – read more about how volunteering can boost your employability.
• Techy hobbies like learning to code – showing a willingness to upskill and you enjoy a challenge
• Running your own online store – indicating to an employer that you have an entrepreneurial spirit
• Music – if you play a musical instrument, or even produce or write your own music it shows that you are a keen learner and committed to practicing
• Reading – shows intelligence, focus and concentration skills as well as better writing skills. Make sure you explain to the employer what you like to read.

“I had an interview with ‘We Are Recruitment’ last week and I have two interviews coming up with ‘Quick Jobs’ and ‘Give A Grad A Go’, all for HR Assistant positions.

Based on the job descriptions for each of these, I have been most excited about this interview, as the role entails many different responsibilities and challenges which I am keen to help you overcome.”

“I actually believe that a little bit of stress can be a good thing. I work well in a fast-paced and healthy stressful situation, as I enjoy a challenge and I find that extra bit of pressure can spur me on to get tasks completed quicker, pushing me to work even harder!

I think that’s why I enjoy working in sales so much, because I am able to work towards a target; in my current Sales Executive role I have exceeded my target every month, increasing this by around 10% each time.”

“I am motivated by professional growth. In my current job role, I am always looking for ways to teach myself new things.

For example, I watch YouTube tutorials and read blogs in order to learn more about different topics.

I find developing my industry knowledge and upskilling really valuable, and that’s something I can really see myself doing in this role.”

“The unique skill that I can bring to your workplace is my ability to pick anything up and get jobs done very quickly and efficiently.

Having already worked at a small startup company before, I am happy to take on additional responsibilities outside of my ‘remit’, and I am always keen to get involved with new areas of the business.

I understand the importance of being open minded and flexible, particularly within a startup environment.”

“I’ve had a fantastic time working at x over the last two years, but I think I’ve learnt all I can in this particular company.

Having joined as a graduate in 2017, I’ve worked my way up from Business Development Executive, to leading my own team of 3 as a Sales Manager.

I’m now looking to leave my job, take on a new challenge and join a bigger team; that’s why this particular role appeals to me so much.”