The questions you will be asked
Most interviews draw on a predictable set of questions. Preparing strong answers in advance frees your attention for listening and adapting.
Key ideas
- 'Tell me about yourself' is a two-minute pitch, not a life story.
- 'Why this role?' needs reasons specific to this organisation.
- Map your stories to the job description's key requirements.
Step by step
- 1
List the top ten likely questions for your target role.
- 2
Draft a two-minute 'tell me about yourself' linking past, present and why now.
- 3
Match a STAR story to each key requirement.
- 4
Rehearse aloud and time every answer.
Example
A candidate reads the job advert, finds five key requirements and prepares a story for each. Every question in the interview maps to one of them.
Your drill
Write and rehearse your two-minute 'tell me about yourself', then record it twice.
Common mistakes
- Memorising answers word for word so they sound scripted.
- Giving the same generic 'why us' answer to every employer.
Check yourself
What should 'tell me about yourself' cover?
Show the answer
A brief path from your relevant past to your present strengths and why this role is the right next step.
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