WHO

GETS
THE
JOB?
INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
EXPLAINED
BY BLAKE DAIR.
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Copyright © 2015, Blake Dair Consulting Pte Ltd
Published by Blake Dair Consulting Pte Ltd
First Edition: 2015

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the
w r i t t e n p e r m i s s i o n o f t h e c o p y r i g h t o w n e r.

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WHO GETS THE JOB?
S u c c e s s o r f a i l u r e i n a n i n t e r v i e w d e p e n d s u p o n m a n y d i ff e r e n t f a c t o r s

and this can make the process a little daunting for prospective interviewees.

I f t h a t s o u n d s l i k e y o u , d o n ’ t w o r r y, w e ’ r e h e r e t o h e l p .

By learning from our clients, coaching our candidates and most importantly

sharing these experiences within our own consultants; the team at Blake Dair

are able to break down

the myths about interviews and ultimately answer the big question;

who gets the job?

T h e r e a r e m a n y d i ff e r e n t s t a g e s i n t h e r e c r u i t m e n t c y c l e a n d l o t s o f o p p o r t u n i -

ties

for people to give themselves the best chance of being properly understood

and seen in a positive light. A key part of the process is the one to one,

o r fa ce to fa ce i n te r v i ew. T h i s i s of te n w h e re t h i n g s ca n g o w ro n g b e ca u s e

candidates are underprepared for the questions,

or do not fully understand how an interview works.

As well as outlining best practices for an interview; this ebook will explain

what each question means, why it is being asked and give you some hints

as to how you might answer it in order to give the best possible impression.

WHO WE ARE
Established in the 2011, Blake Dair has become one of the leading names in retail and

logistics recruitment in Singapore. The quality of our consultants and their absolute

commitment to client delivery lie at the heart of our success.

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G E T T I N G S TA R T E D O N
THE ROAD TO A NEW CAREER.
B e f o r e w e g e t s t a r t e d , fi r s t s o m e r e m i n d e r s f o r m a k i n g s u r e

you make the best impression at an interview:

1 ) B e n o m o r e t h a n fi v e m i n u t e s e a r l y (a n d o f c o u r s e n e v e r b e l a t e)

2) Know the name, job title and responsibilities of the interviewer

( C o m m i t m e n t a n d r e s e a r c h)

3 ) I n t r o d u c e y o u r s e l f w h i l e y o u s h a k e h a n d s a n d m a i n t a i n e y e c o n t a c t ( C o n fi -

d e n c e)

4) W h e n yo u s i t d ow n , s i t u p r i g h t a n d s l i g h t l y f o r wa rd o n yo u r c h a i r (At t e n t i ve

not casual)

5 ) A l w a y s l e t y o u r i n t e r v i e w e r fi n i s h t a l k i n g b e f o r e y o u s t a r t ( R e s p e c t )

6 ) W h e n y o u a n s w e r, j u s t a n s w e r t h e q u e s t i o n , d o n ' t o v e r a n s w e r ( C o n t r o l a n d

p r e c i s i o n)

7) Know your CV by heart, don't refer to it (Honesty)

8 ) U s e f u l l d e s c r i p t i o n s n o t a c r o n y m s ( K n o w l e d g e)

9) Remain calm and remember that smiling should be your default expression

O k a y, r e a d y t o g o … l e t ’ s a n s w e r t h e q u e s t i o n s .

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Q 1 : ‘‘ I F YO U C O U L D C H A N G E O N E
T H I N G O N YO U R R E S U M E
W H AT W O U L D I T B E A N D W H Y ? ’’
This question can be asked for a numbers of reasons, but most

likely it would be to ask if you understand whether there is

a n y t h i n g i n c o n s i s t e n t i n y o u r p r o fi l e .

Yo u c a n a n s w e r i n a n u m b e r o f w a y s , b u t fi r s t , k n o w y o u r

r e s u m e i n d e t a i l a n d t h e n y o u c a n a n s w e r w i t h a c c u r a c y. Yo u

can also use the answer below for the "what's your biggest

weakness?" question.

A n s w e r : I w i s h I h a d s t a y e d i n m y fi r s t j o b f o r l o n g e r
as I know on paper it makes me look indecisive.
I am glad to have the opportunity to explain
my decision making at that time.

Q 2 : ‘‘ T E L L M E M O R E
A B O U T YO U R S E L F ? ’’
This question is a good test of how a potential employee interacts

socially and is an indicator of their self-awareness. In your

answer to this question, plan it as a 20-30 second description of

yourself. Think of how you would introduce yourself in a

presentation to colleagues you have not met before.

Answer: Being a mother and a professional,

it’s important for me to a good role model for my
children by being a successful working mother
and being well respected by my colleagues.
I like being proud of the environment I work in,
so I do what I can to support my colleagues in
their success. 5
Q 3 : ‘‘ C A N YO U R U N M E T H R O U G H
T H E O T H E R C O M PA N I E S YO U A R E
I N T E R V I E W I N G W I T H AT T H E M O M E N T ? ’’
Often employers want to know if you will be leaving your

c u r r e n t e m p l o y e r r e g a r d l e s s o f w h i c h n e w e m p l o y e r o ff e r s y o u

a j o b a n d w h y y o u w a n t t o c h a n g e j o b s . I t a l s o a i m s t o fi n d o u t

i f y o u a r e a w a r e o f t h e d i ff e r e n c e s b e t w e e n e m p l o y e r s .

Answer 1: I am only interviewing with you, I am happy with

my job now but I think the environment and type of business
y o u h a v e h e r e w o u l d m a k e m e a m o r e e ff e c t i v e e m p l o y e e .

Answer 2: I am interviewing at two other companies.

I a m i n a d i ffi c u l t p o s i t i o n i n m y c u r r e n t r o l e
and would like to leave soon. Both other roles at
( X a n d Y c o m p a n y, t h o u g h y o u c a n k e e p
t h e n a m e s c o n fi d e n t i a l ) h a v e p o s i t i v e
features, but overall I would prefer to
b e o ff e r e d t h i s r o l e a s I f e e l i t
i s a b e t t e r fi t f o r m e .

Q 4 : ‘‘ H O W D O YO U
H A N D L E C O N F L I C T ? ’’
A l m o s t a l l s i t u a t i o n s i n l i f e i n v o l v e c o n fl i c t , w h e t h e r i t b e f r o n t

l i n e o r o ffi c e s t a ff . S o m e e m p l o y e r s w a n t t o k n o w i f y o u

u n d e r s t a n d w h y c o n fl i c t a r i s e s a n d w h a t y o u d o w h e n i t d o e s .

A n s w e r : C o n fl i c t i s a p a r t o f l i f e , a n d t h o u g h I a m
normally good at seeing when tensions are rising
a n d c r e a t i n g a d i v e r s i o n t o d i ff u s e t h e s i t u a t i o n ,
this is not always possible. In that case I slow down,
lower my voice and try to understand the other
person's point of view and let them know that
I u n d e r s t a n d t h e m - t h i s n o r m a l l y d i ff u s e s t e n s i o n .

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 Q 5 : ‘‘ A R E YO U W I L L I N G
T O T R A V E L ? ’’
Some roles require you to travel, even if you do not want to. An

interviewer might ask this question to assess what your

commitment would be to this part of the role and also whether

y o u u n d e r s t a n d w h y t r a v e l m i g h t b e n e c e s s a r y.

A n s w e r : Tr a v e l i s p o s i t i v e f o r e n h a n c i n g
relationships through spending time together
face-to-face with overseas colleagues and
customers, and I am committed to developing both
my own experience and the company's business.
I do however believe that as with all business
expenses, travel should be when necessary and
b e d o n e e ffi c i e n t l y.

Q 6 : ‘‘ D O YO U P L A N T O
TA K E A N Y P R O F E S S I O N A L
C E R T I F I C AT I O N S ? ’’
M a n y i n d u s t r i e s a n d r o l e s h a v e s p e c i fi c t e c h n i c a l o r p r o f e s s i o n a l

q u a l i fi c a t i o n s . R e g a r d l e s s o f w h e t h e r t h i s q u e s t i o n i s a s k e d

d i r e c t l y, y o u c a n u s e y o u r a n s w e r o n t h i s f o r o t h e r q u e s t i o n s i f

you are well prepared (like the ‘where do you want to be in X

y e a r s ’ q u e s t i o n) .

A n s w e r : I n t h i s s p e c i fi c a r e a I a m q u a l i fi e d f o r t h e r o l e
t h a t y o u a r e c o n s i d e r i n g m e f o r, t h r o u g h m y e x i s t i n g
q u a l i fi c a t i o n s a n d e x p e r i e n c e , h o w e v e r I b e l i e v e t h e i n d u s t r y
is moving towards a digital transformation so I would like to
t r a i n m y s e l f i n c o n t e n t m a n a g e m e n t . I h a v e i d e n t i fi e d s o m e
extracurricular courses I could attend and will
do so when work pressures allow me.

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 Q 7 : ‘‘ W H Y S H O U L D
W E H I R E YO U ? ’’
This sounds like a simple question, but asked by most

e m p l oye r s t h i s i s b e t te r wo rd e d a s – “d o yo u u n d e r s ta n d w h a t

w e w a n t f r o m a n e w e m p l o y e e ? ” Tr y a n s w e r i n g t h i s q u e s t i o n i n

a way an employer might best understand you.

A n s w e r : I f u l fi l l t h e t e c h n i c a l a n d w o r k i n g
experience requirements for this role which gives
you comfort that I can start work and be
on-boarded in the role with minimum time and
e ff o r t f r o m t h e c o m p a n y a n d m y f u t u r e c o l l e a g u e s .
I am highly motivated to become productive as
quickly as possible, learning from my colleagues,
as well as sharing my experiences and ideas to
help make the team work best.

Q 8 : ‘‘ T E L L M E A B O U T
YO U R L A S T P E R F O R M A N C E
A P P R A I S A L . ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n h a s a f e w d i ff e r e n t l e v e l s . I t g i v e s y o u t h e

opportunity to demonstrate understanding of business procedures

by describing the appraisal system in your previous or current

c o m p a n y. H o w i t w o r k s a n d w h a t i t i s d e s i g n e d t o d o . T h e n y o u

have to describe how you performed according to these

g u i d e l i n e s a n d fi n a l l y h o w y o u f e l t . T h r o u g h t h i s y o u h a v e t h e

opportunity to show an understanding of the need to be

responsible for your own performance.

Answer: My last appraisal was at year end, as it normally is.

We w e r e a s s e s s e d o n t h e a c c u r a c y o f o u r a t t e n d a n c e ,
task performance, our teamwork and our innovation.
M y a p p r a i s a l h a d a n o v e r a l l “a b o v e a v e r a g e ” r a n k i n g .
My one comment would be that the appraisal targets are not
aligned with the business targets where completion of tasks
quickly is most highly valued.
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Q 9 : ‘‘ W H AT ’ S YO U R FA V O R I T E
C A R T O O N C H A R A C T E R A N D W H Y ? ’’
T h i s i s p a r t l y a c o m e d y q u e s t i o n b u t i t i s a l s o t o t h r o w y o u o ff

t r a c k t o s e e i f y o u c a n d e a l w i t h a “ c u r v e b a l l ”. Ta k e t h i s a s a n

opportunity to answer quickly and move on without being

phased. This is not necessarily an opportunity to

discuss super powers!

Answer: I always enjoy watching Peppa Pig with

m y n e p h e w s , I fi n d t h e c h a r a c t e r s s i m p l e a n d
the stories endearing.

Q 1 0 : ‘‘ W H AT S K I L L S D O
YO U H A V E T H AT A R E
R E L E VA N T TO T H E J O B
YO U A R E A P P LY I N G F O R ? ’’
T h i s i s a n o t h e r q u a l i t y - c o n t r o l q u e s t i o n d e s i g n e d t o w e e d o u t l o w e r-

s t a n d a r d c a n d i d a t e s f r o m b e t t e r o n e s . Yo u w i l l n e e d t o c o n s i d e r w h a t

s k i l l s a n d e x p e r i e n c e ( f o r t h i s r o l e) t h e c o m p a n y a n d i n t e r v i e w e r m o s t

values and how you describe those skills. There is no trick to

a n s w e r i n g t h i s q u e s t i o n . Yo u n e e d t o k n o w w h a t y o u r s k i l l s a r e , h o w

they apply and be able to describe them in both a technical and

n o n - t e c h n i c a l w a y.

A n s w e r : I h a v e c e r t i fi c a t e s i n x a n d y, a n d h a v e a t t e n d e d
courses over the past two years. My experience in this
type of environment and with the processes in my current
and previous jobs appear to be consistent with the skills
required for this job. I’m also very good in teams as I
communicate well with others and like to build
relationships with my colleagues and clients.

9
Q 1 1 : ‘‘ T E L L M E A B O U T A T I M E
YO U W E R E S U C C E S S F U L ? ’’
This question is to discover what your strengths are and how

you act or react in situations where you are successful. An

employer might also want to assess where you allocate the

glory and achievement (i.e. to yourself, your team or your

company).

Answer: I was project leader once and I successfully

l e d m y t e a m t o a c c o m p l i s h t w o d i ffi c u l t p r o j e c t s i n
parallel before the client deadline. I was pleased
that I was able to manage my team well and we
c o m m u n i c a t e d i n a g o o d w a y. T h i s g a v e m e
the chance to recommend a promotion for
one of my team members.

Q 1 2 : ‘‘ D O YO U
P L AY S P O R T S ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n i s m a i n l y t o fi n d o u t m o r e a b o u t y o u r p e r s o n a l i t y

and character and whether you place emphasis on work alone or

i f y o u h a v e o t h e r p a s t t i m e s . U s u a l l y, p e o p l e w h o p l a y s p o r t s a r e

g o o d i n t e a m s (d e p e n d i n g o n t h e s p o r t ) a n d h a v e e n d u r a n c e .

They are willing to face challenges.

A n s w e r : Ye s I d o . I p l a y b a d m i n t o n o n w e e k e n d s
w i t h a g r o u p o f f r i e n d s t h a t l i v e s n e a r b y. We u s u a l l y
go to the community centre to play as it’s convenient
for all of us. Even though I am not an excellent
sportsperson I enjoy team sports with
an element of competition.

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 Q 1 3 : ‘‘ H O W D O YO U
H A N D L E P R E S S U R E ? ’’
This question is to test whether you will be able to handle

unexpected situations at work or whether you are able to be

fl e x i b l e , i t a l s o i n d i c a t e s i f y o u c a n h a n d l e a n o n - s t a n d a r d

schedule at work. It tests whether you will crack under the

p r e s s u r e o r h a v e l e a r n t t o g e t t h r o u g h i t a n d c o m e o u t s t r o n g e r.

A n s w e r : I w i l l fi r s t t a k e a b r e a t h e r a n d s t e p a w a y
from the situation. After that, I will carefully manage
my time to accomplish the tasks at hand.

Q 1 4 : ‘‘ W H AT D O YO U
K N O W A B O U T O U R C O M PA N Y ? ’’
This question is to test whether you have done research before the

i n t e r v i e w . I t i s a l s o t o fi n d o u t h o w m u c h y o u w a n t t h e j o b b a s e d o n

your pre-interview research and preparation. This will give the

i n t e r v i e w e r a n i d e a o f h o w m u c h y o u w a n t t h e j o b . Tr y h e r e t o a p p l y

your research in several levels; company description, Singapore

activities, news and references to current employees.

A n s w e r : Fr o m t h e r e s e a r c h I h a v e d o n e o n m y o w n a b o u t
y o u r c o m p a n y, i t w a s f o u n d e d i n y e a r x b y p e r s o n y a n d
h a s g r o w n t o f o c u s o n ( f o r e x a m p l e) s e m i c o n d u c t o r
manufacturing testing equipments. I see from news articles
how your company handles constantly changing technology
and I like the way your approach changes. I also appreciate
the fact that your company is the leader in x in the market.
Having researched the people you already have on board,
b y l o o k i n g a t L i n k e d I n p r o fi l e s , I f e e l t h i s w i l l b e t h e b e s t
environment for me to continue to grow in.

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 Q 1 5 : ‘‘ O N A S C A L E O F
1-10, HOW LUCKY DO
YO U T H I N K YO U A R E
A N D W H Y ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t a b o u t y o u r o u t l o o k o n l i f e a n d

whether you’re a positive person. It’s not a question about

whether you believe in luck, but how you would rank your

lifetime performance in the context of the events in your life.

Answer: I would say seven. I believe that we create

our own luck. Planning ahead and making sure that
I am always prepared will ensure that when the
opportunity arises, I would seem to be
“luckier” than my peers.

Q 1 6 : ‘‘ W H E R E D O YO U S E E
YO U R S E L F I N F I V E Y E A R S ? ’’
Companies like people with a vision that motivates them.

People with a goal in mind will work harder towards their goals

a s c o m p a r e d t o s o m e o n e w h o d o e s s o m e t h i n g o n l y f o r t o d a y.

It also highlights dreamers who cannot focus on the gap analysis

required to be successful.

A n s w e r : I n fi v e y e a r s t i m e , I s e e m y s e l f i n a m a n a g e r i a l l e v e l
i n t h i s c o m p a n y. I w o u l d h a v e l e d s e v e r a l s u c c e s s f u l
projects and have started towards making a family of my own.
I would have contributed to this company through training
juniors for the future.

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Q 1 7 : ‘‘ D O YO U F O L L O W A S P O R T S
T E A M O R P L AY E R , A N D I F YO U D O
H O W W O U L D YO U M A N A G E
T H E M D I F F E R E N T LY ? ’’
This might be a disguised question to see how you would

m a n a g e a t e a m i f y o u b e c a m e a t e a m l e a d e r, o r i f y o u h a v e

t h e p o t e n t i a l t o b e c o m e a l e a d e r i n t h e c o m p a n y. I t c a n a l s o

be a question to determine whether you undermine managers

i n g e n e r a l w i t h s u ffi c i e n t k n o w l e d g e o r i n f o r m a t i o n .

A n s w e r : I f o l l o w T i g e r Wo o d s , a s I a m a n a v i d f a n o f g o l f .
I f I w e r e t o m a n a g e h i m , I w o u l d s e e k o u t o ff - t h e - w a l l
sponsors and turn him into an exciting underdog.
Golf has a long playing time and building Tiger back
to his best would take a lot of patience. It would
involve getting a huge support base. I believe
a focus on golf would depressurise
everything else.

Q 1 8 : ‘‘ W H AT M O T I V AT E S
YO U T O W O R K ? ’’
This question aims to uncover what drives you and what is

important to you, and also to see what your character is like.

A n s w e r : M y b i g g e s t m o t i v a t o r i s m y f a m i l y.
I want to work and do my job well so that I can
provide for my children while at the same time
be proud of my work achievements
so I can be a good role model for them.

13
Q 1 9 : ‘‘ W H AT S A L A R Y
D O YO U R E Q U I R E ? ’’
This is a rough gauge of what you would like to earn in this

c o m p a n y, a n d w i l l a l s o l e t t h e i n t e r v i e w e r k n o w h o w m u c h y o u

value your work. Be honest and be reasonable with market

references to appear most professional.

Answer 1: Based on my experiences, skills, and past jobs,

I think that a salary of $x is reasonable.
I am open to negotiations as well.

Q 2 0 : ‘‘ H O W D O YO U
E X P L A I N YO U R
C A R E E R B R E A K S ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t i f y o u h a v e g o o d a n d l o g i c a l

reasons for leaving work without a job in the past and if this is a

risk in the future.

Answer: I had one break in year x. I wanted to take

this break to focus on completing my degree in y so
that I could upgrade my skills and gain new knowledge,
which was hard to complete during full time work.
I also had another short break between my last
two roles as I wanted to travel with my family so I
could commit fully when I started my new job.

If you have taken a break to look after a family

m e m b e r, s i m p l y b e h o n e s t a n d e x p l a i n h o w y o u h e l p e d
during this period.

14
 Q 2 1 : ‘‘ D O YO U H A V E
O T H E R Q U E S T I O N S YO U
W O U L D L I K E T O A S K ? ’’
This is the time to ask the interviewer questions about him or her

a s w e l l a s t h e c o m p a n y, o r t o c l a r i f y a n y d o u b t s . A t t h e t i m e ,

ask reasonable questions that might not be public knowledge

(p l e a s e d o n’ t a s k q u e s t i o n s t h a t m i g h t b e i n a n e m p l oy m e n t

o ff e r l i k e a n n u a l l e a v e , m e d i c a l i n s u r a n c e , e t c ) .

A n s w e r : Ye s , I d o . W h a t i s t h e c o m p a n y c u l t u r e h e r e
l i k e ? D o t h e t e a m s w o r k w e l l t o g e t h e r a n d fi n a l l y
may I ask what do you think the future holds for
this industry?

Q 2 2 : ‘‘ A R E YO U A B L E T O W O R K
O V E R T I M E W I T H N O E X T R A PAY ? ’’
Sometimes, overtime is a necessary evil due to something that crops

up or a deadline that gets pushed forward. This question is really

t r y i n g t o fi n d o u t a b o u t y o u r d e d i c a t i o n t o t h e j o b .

A n s w e r : I w o u l d b e w i l l i n g t o w o r k o v e r t i m e w i t h n o p a y,
b u t n o t e v e r y d a y. I a m d e d i c a t e d t o d o i n g m y j o b w e l l ,
but I also have a family at home and my general health
to maintain. I also believe that overtime every day indicates
p r o c e s s i n e ffi c i e n c i e s w h i c h I w o u l d s e e k t o r e s o l v e .

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 Q 2 3 : ‘‘ W H AT ’ S T H E
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION
A B O U T YO U ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t m o r e a b o u t y o u r p e r s o n a l i t y. I t

also gives you a chance to debunk any common opinions that

p e o p l e f o r m a b o u t y o u b a s e d o n fi r s t i m p r e s s i o n s . R e m e m b e r

t h a t y o u h a v e j u s t m a d e a fi r s t i m p r e s s i o n .

Answer: I think the biggest misconception people

h a v e a b o u t m e i s t h a t I a m v e r y fi e r c e o r d i s t r a c t e d ,
especially when I am concentrating or not smiling.
I am not. I am friendly and bubbly and I like to
talk to people and make new friends. It’s just that
sometimes my face does not convey that.

Q 2 4 : ‘‘ T E L L M E A B O U T
YO U R C U R R E N T J O B S C O P E ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t w h a t y o u k n o w h o w t o d o . I t i s a l s o t o

see how you understand your role and skills. It can show a potential

e m p l o y e r h o w y o u w i l l fi t i n a n d g e n e r a t e v a l u e f o r t h e i r

organisation.

A n s w e r : R i g h t n o w , I s p e c i a l i s e i n x a n d y. I d o x e v e r y d a y
a n d y w e e k l y. I ’ m v e r y g o o d w i t h t h e c o m p u t e r a n d
M i c r o s o f t O ffi c e w h i c h i s a r e q u i r e m e n t f o r m y j o b .
My colleagues and managers rely most on my timeliness.

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Q 2 5 : ‘‘ C A N YO U D E S C R I B E
T O M E YO U R FA V O R I T E
C H I L D H O O D M E M O R Y ? ’’
This question is designed to help the interviewer know more

a b o u t y o u , a n d a l s o t o fi n d o u t w h a t m a t t e r s t o y o u . D o n ’ t

overthink this question!

Answer: My favorite memory was when my parents

w o u l d t a k e m y s i b l i n g s a n d I f o r w e e k e n d t r i p s t o J o h o r.
We w o u l d t a k e t h e c a r a n d d r i v e o v e r t h e c a u s e w a y
a n d s t a y i n a h o t e l . We w o u l d s p e n d t h e w h o l e w e e k e n d
relaxing in the rooms, eating great food and going out to shop.
I r e a l l y v a l u e d t h e s e t i m e s w h e n w e d i d e v e r y t h i n g a s a f a m i l y.

Q 2 6 : ‘‘ A R E YO U
C U R R E N T LY A V A I L A B L E ? ’’
This question, often asked for urgent hires, is to see whether you

have other obligations and the time to commit to the job

i m m e d i a t e l y. D o n ’ t b e t o o k e e n a s y o u n e e d t o m e n t a l l y p r e p a r e

to start any new role.

Answer: I will be able to start working next week,

and I will be fully committed to this job.

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Q 2 7 : ‘‘ H O W D O YO U L I K E
T O B E M A N A G E D ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t m o r e a b o u t y o u r w o r k i n g s t y l e

a n d y o u r p e r s o n a l i t y, b o t h a s a t e a m m e m b e r a n d a

subordinate.

Answer: I like to be given clear direction with a task.

I like my superiors to have passion for the company
and what we do. I like to have some latitude in how I
or the team completes a task. This helps me,
and the team, to buy into the process.

Q 2 8 : ‘‘ H O W D O YO U
RECOVER FROM
A B A D S I T U AT I O N ? ’’
This assesses how you deal with a situation when things don’t go

according to plan, whether or not you caused the situation.

Consider the sequence of events that followed the bad situation

and try to explain them.

Answer: Whenever I encounter a bad situation,

I a l w a y s t a k e t i m e t o r e fl e c t . I l o o k a t t h e s i t u a t i o n
and try to work out the steps to get back on track.
When I have been confronted with negative business
outcomes before I have found it best to be honest,
describe the event to my bosses and colleagues and
s e e k t h e i r a d v i c e o n r e c o v e r y. I a l s o l o o k a t h o w
I s h o u l d h a v e r e a c t e d a n d r e fl e c t e d o n t h i n g s t h a t
I can change so that I can avoid the
same situation happening in the future.

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 Q 2 9 : ‘‘ H O W A R E YO U R
TIME MANAGEMENT
S K I L L S ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t m o r e a b o u t y o u r t i m e m a n a g e m e n t

skills and whether you will be able to meet deadlines in your job.

Answer: I manage my time fairly well.

I always keep a daily to-do list as well as
a l o n g e r- t e r m o u t l o o k o r g a n i z e r s o t h a t
I can track tasks and important deadlines.
Through this I generally achieve what I want
t o i n a p r e d i c t a b l e w a y.

Q 3 0 : ‘‘ T E L L M E A B O U T
YO U R FA M I LY ? ’’
This question is to let the interviewer know more about you and how

your relationship is like with your family and the environment you

grew up in. Unfortunately many interviewers will have opinions about

types of backgrounds, so you just have to be honest and positive.

Answer: I come from a single-parent family as my parents

d i v o r c e d w h e n I w a s y o u n g e r. I a m v e r y c l o s e t o m y m o t h e r
who worked as a tea lady when I was growing up and we still
s e e e a c h o t h e r f r e q u e n t l y. I a l s o h a v e a y o u n g e r s i s t e r w h o i s
currently in university pursuing medicine, we see her every break
when she comes back to Singapore.

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 Q 3 1 : ‘‘ W H AT ’ S T H E B E S T
C O M P L I M E N T YO U
H A V E E V E R R E C E I V E D ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t a b o u t y o u r s t r e n g t h s a n d /o r

c h a r a c t e r a n d h o w y o u s e e y o u r s e l f i n o t h e r s ’ e y e s . Tr y t o

m e a s u r e y o u r r e s p o n s e h e r e s o i t ’ s n o t t o o s u p e r fi c i a l , o r

a l t e r n a t i v e l y, n o t t o o a r r o g a n t .

Answer: The best compliment I have ever received is

“you have done your family proud” from my close
c o l l e a g u e w h e n I g o t m y fi r s t p r o m o t i o n a t w o r k .
I felt validated that even though I was promoted
ahead of him, he felt that it was fair and
that my family would be proud.

Q 3 2 : ‘‘ W H AT A R E YO U R
S T R E N G T H S A N D W E A K N E S S E S ? ’’
T h i s i s a q u e s t i o n t h a t b e c a m e p o p u l a r i n r e c e n t y e a r s . I n t h e o r y,

t h i s q u e s t i o n fi n d s o u t m o r e a b o u t y o u r p e r s o n a l i t y a n d h o w y o u a r e

when you are in a working environment. As this question is so common

y o u n e e d a s o l i d a n s w e r t o k e e p t h e i n t e r v i e w fl o w i n g .

Answer: I think my strength is that I focus on helping my team work

to their abilities, I listen to my colleagues and I communicate well.
On the other hand, my weakness is that sometimes I tend to worry
t o o m u c h a n d o v e r- t h i n k t h i n g s w h e n t h e s o l u t i o n m a y b e s i m p l e .

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 Q 3 3 : ‘‘ W H AT D O YO U
T H I N K A B O U T P R O B AT I O N
P E R I O D S W H E N YO U
S TA R T A N E W J O B ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t m o r e a b o u t w h a t y o u t h i n k y o u r

obligations and entitlements are in a working environment and

whether you believe in proving yourself in a new job.

Answer: I think that probation periods are

necessary as not every one is suited for the job
eve n i f t h ey p a s s t h e i n te r v i ew. T h e p ro b a t i o n
period gives the company a sort of “safety net” so
t h a t t h e y o n l y c o n fi r m t h e b e s t c a n d i d a t e s .
Fr o m t h e e m p l o y e e p e r s p e c t i v e , p a s s i n g p r o b a t i o n
is motivating as it accelerates learning in a new
environment.

Q 3 4 : ‘‘ W H AT M A K E S YO U
T H I N K T H AT YO U W I L L F I T I N ? ’’
T h i s i s a p e r s o n a l i t y q u e s t i o n t o fi n d o u t h o w w e l l y o u k n o w w h a t ' s

g o i n g t o b e e x p e c t e d o f y o u i n t h i s j o b a n d a n y s p e c i fi c s y o u k n o w

about the environment.

Answer: I understand that this department is busy and

you won't have much time to train me, so the fact that
I a m m o t i v a t e d a n d I p i c k t h i n g s u p f a s t s h o u l d h e l p m e fi t i n .
I have also looked into the team and they have
interesting backgrounds, some of them similar to mine,
s o I t h i n k w e w i l l h a v e t h i n g s i n c o m m o n t h a t w i l l h e l p m e fi t i n .

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Q 3 5 : ‘‘ H A V E YO U E V E R
B E E N S A C K E D ? ’’
This question aims to see if you have any behavioral problems

or personality traits that may deem you as an undesirable

employee who doesn’t play well with others and whether you

will be honest.

Answer 1: I have never been sacked. I have left each job

willingly and on good terms with my bosses.

A n s w e r 2 : I w a s fi r e d i n o n e o f m y fi r s t j o b s , t h e b u s i n e s s
w a s g o i n g t h r o u g h s o m e fi n a n c i a l d i ffi c u l t i e s
and started downsizing.

Q 3 6 : ‘‘ W H AT D O YO U
T H I N K A B O U T YO U R
G R E AT E S T A C H I E V E M E N T S ? ’’
This is a personality question, it is not so much about what you

have accomplished but what you think about your

accomplishments.

Answer: I do not dwell too much on achievements,

I think of them more as completed tasks.
One of the tasks that most excited me was a
recent project I completed with a group of
overseas colleagues to implement a new system.
Any task I complete serves as a reminder
that I am capable.

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Q 3 7 : ‘‘ C A N YO U M U LT I -TA S K ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n s e r v e s t o fi n d o u t i f y o u e n j o y b e i n g b u s y a n d a r e

able to do several things at once or if you like to focus on

c o m p l e t i n g t a s k s o n e a f t e r t h e o t h e r.

A n s w e r : I c a n m u l t i - t a s k i n a w a y. T h e w a y I m u l t i - t a s k i s
to work through the priorities of the tasks at hand
and then I focus on completing the tasks piecemeal.
I take a break regularly to reassess whether
the priority list is correct.

Q 3 8 : ‘‘ H O W D O YO U
H A N D L E S T R E S S ? ’’
Stress is a part of any important job and you will face it at one

p o i n t i n y o u r c a r e e r o r a n o t h e r. T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o s e e h o w y o u

deal with something inevitable.

Answer: My life is well-balanced with work,

e x e r c i s e a n d f a m i l y, w h i c h a l l o w s m e t o h a n d l e
stress well. I have encountered stress many times before
and I have learnt to quickly rationalize the stressors,
eliminate them and move on to become productive again.

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 Q 3 9 : ‘‘ H O W D O YO U
S TAY C U R R E N T ? ’’
Business behaviors, trends, processes and technology is always

changing. This question aims to see if you’re stuck in your ways

or if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone to embrace

change.

Answer: I constantly get my children to teach me how

to use new applications or update me about new
trends. Besides that, I read and listen to
business-related podcasts and ask my colleagues
for their opinions on current issues.

Q 4 0 : ‘‘ W H AT A R E YO U
LOOKING TO ACHIEVE IN
YO U R N E X T P O S I T I O N ? ’’
This question aims to see what goals and motivations you have and

how you plan to achieve them. This might directly apply to the

t e c h n i c a l s p e c i fi c s o f t h e p o s i t i o n y o u ’ r e i n t e r v i e w i n g f o r.

Answer: I plan to do my assigned tasks and complete them as quickly

as I can while picking up company practices from my colleagues.
Over time I hope to build up trust and lead a few big projects
a n d h e l p t h e c o m p a n y t o g r o w p r o fi t a b l y.

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 Q 4 1 : ‘‘ H O W W O U L D YO U
R AT E U S A G A I N S T
O U R C O M P E T I T I O N ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n a i m s t o fi n d o u t h o w m u c h y o u k n o w a b o u t t h e

company and its market as well as what you think about the

c o m p a n y. Yo u h a v e t o b e p r e p a r e d f o r t h i s q u e s t i o n .

Answer: I haven't been able to get all the relevant

industry statistics however I have my personal
experience as a consumer and I have done
s o m e m a r k e t r e s e a r c h . Yo u r c o m p a n y h a s a
good name and while it doesn't have a global
presence, it does appear to focus on quality of
p r o d u c t a n d s e r v i c e d e l i v e r y w h i c h d i ff e r e n t i a t e s
it from its competitors.

Q 4 2 : ‘‘ W H AT W A S YO U R
FA V O R I T E S U B J E C T AT S C H O O L ? ’’
T h i s q u e s t i o n i s t o fi n d o u t h o w " s t r a i g h t l i n e " y o u r p r o g r e s s i n l i f e

has been. It is also designed to discover whether you have hidden

talents or interests and if you are able to remember your school life

i n a p o s i t i v e w a y.

Answer 1: At school my favorite subject was mathematics.

There are two things I enjoy most in life, logical reasoning
and problems that are made up of mini tasks.
As I enjoy completing tasks, this was rewarding for me.

Answer 2: At school my favorite subject was history

as I enjoyed knowing how decisions made by people and
countries led to events, and seeing what the options were
and how many factors contributed to the end outcome.
To t h i s d a y I a m s t i l l i n t e r e s t e d i n l e a r n i n g m o r e a b o u t
h i s t o r i c a l e v e n t s a n d t h a t i s w h y I t e n d t o r e a d n o n - fi c t i o n .

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Q 4 3 : ‘‘ W H AT T E C H N I Q U E S
O R S K I L L S D I D YO U U S E
I N YO U R P R E V I O U S J O B ? ’’
I n t e r v i e w e r s j u s t w a n t t o fi n d o u t i f y o u u n d e r s t o o d w h y y o u r

s k i l l s w e r e v a l u a b l e i n y o u r l a s t c o m p a n y a n d w h y.

Answer: I used skills x, y and z in my previous job.

I learnt a lot in my previous company which helped me
with x, y and z. My use of the skills I learnt helped
my team complete assignments under budget and faster
than expected, which contributed to the company’s
success and the faith the team had in itself.

Q 4 4 : ‘‘ W H AT D O YO U
L O O K F O R I N A T E A M ? ’’
This question aims to see whom, from experience, you like to work

with and what types of people you think you will be able to work

well with to accomplish tasks and goals.

A n s w e r : I l o o k f o r a b l e n d o f d i ff e r e n t c h a r a c t e r s i n
a team. I know that the research says the ideal team
i s m a d e u p o f a r o u n d fi v e t o s e v e n p e o p l e o f d i ff e r e n t
character traits but I have found smaller teams tend
t o w o r k b e t t e r i n o u r i n d u s t r y. A b l e n d o f k n o w l e d g e ,
diligence and creative inspiration is the jackpot.
I’m a diligent person that likes to be the glue in a
team. I seek knowledge and creativity in my
teammates. Ultimately of course, people who love
their industry and love their jobs are the best kind
of people as they will always be motivated to
accomplish the task together as a team.

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Q 4 5 : ‘‘ A R E YO U A M O R N I N G
O R A N E V E N I N G P E R S O N ? ’’
This question just lets the interviewer know what are your more

p r o d u c t i v e t i m i n g s i n t h e d a y. I t ’ s a s i m p l e a n d b i n a r y

question, answer and move on.

Answer: I don't think of myself as ever being

u n p r o d u c t i v e , b u t I d e fi n i t e l y a m m o r e
inspired in the morning.

Q 4 6 : ‘‘ W H AT I S YO U R
A V A I L A B I L I T Y ? ’’
Though similar to Q26 this question might be asked when you are

in an existing job to assess the obligations you feel towards your

existing employer and team. Most companies do not want

s o m e o n e t h a t w i l l l e a v e t h e i r p r e v i o u s e m p l o y e r i n a d i ffi c u l t

situation and not manage their exit well.

Answer: My notice is a month and I have some

untaken leave, however as we are in the middle
o f a p r o j e c t , I w o u l d l i k e t o o ff e r t o c o m p l e t e t h i s ,
which might take 5-6 weeks.

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 Q 4 7 : ‘‘ W H AT I S
YO U R FA V O R I T E
A P P O R W E B S I T E ? ’’
T h i s i s t o fi n d o u t w h a t y o u l i k e a n d w h a t y o u s p e n d y o u r t i m e o n

and how in tune you are with pop-culture and digital business.

Answer: My favorite application is Whatsapp

as I use it the most. I use it to communicate
with everyone as it is quick and easy and
almost everyone has it though I have not worked out
how it is to be commercialised.

Q 4 8 : ‘‘ D E S C R I B E YO U R S E L F
I N T H R E E W O R D S ? ’’
This is a short personality assessment to let the interviewers know

more about you, be prepared that the interviewer might ask you to

justify how you describe yourself.

Answer: I am strong, resilient and hardworking.

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 Q 4 9 : ‘‘ H O W W O U L D YO U
R AT E YO U R G E N E R A L
C O M P U T E R S K I L L S ? ’’
Almost all jobs require their employees to have basic computer

s k i l l s , h o w e v e r d i ff e r e n t p l a c e s h a v e d i ff e r e n t d e fi n i t i o n s o f b a s i c ,

f o r e x a m p l e m a n y j o b s e i t h e r p l a c e a h e a v i e r r e l i a n c e o n Wo r d ,

Excel or PowerPoint.

Answer: I am very good with the computer and

M i c r o s o f t O ffi c e . I k n o w h o w t o u s e Wo r d , E x c e l
and PowerPoint well. Day to day I am most reliant
on and comfortable with Excel.

Q 5 0 : ‘‘ T E L L M E A B O U T
YO U R B I G G E S T FA I L U R E ? ’’
Fo r m a n y y e a r s s o m e b u s i n e s s e s h a v e b e l i e v e d t h a t y o u l e a r n m o r e

from failure than from success and failure often causes you to

reassess the reasons why you failed, whereas when you are successful

you do not often look at why you have been successful. So this

q u e s t i o n i s b e t te r u n d e r s to o d a s ‘d o yo u u n d e r s ta n d w hy yo u fa i l e d i n

a s i t u a t i o n i n t h e p a s t ? ’.

Answer: There was one time where I was leading a team on a

p r o j e c t a t w o r k . We h a d a l o t o f c o m m u n i c a t i o n i s s u e s b e c a u s e t h e
team was large and we didn’t all agree on all the details.
Parts of the work were completed and other parts were incomplete
o r n o t r e l e v a n t . B y t h e t i m e t h e d e a d l i n e c a m e , w e c o u l d n o t d e l i v e r.
T h i s w a s o n e o f t h e fi r s t p r o j e c t s I l e d , a n d w h a t I l e a r n t w a s
that work needs to be allocated and team members need to be
r e s p o n s i b l e t o e a c h o t h e r, n o t j u s t t o t h e l e a d e r a n d t h a t
w h e n t h i n g s s t a r t t o g o o ff t r a c k , e v e r y o n e n e e d s t o s i t
f a c e - t o - f a c e u n t i l t h e d i r e c t i o n i s u n d e r s t o o d p r o p e r l y.

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T H A N K S F O R YO U R T I M E
I h a v e o n e fi n a l p i e c e o f a d v i c e f o r e v e r y o n e .

If you like these answers but don't think they represent you - your
takeaway could be to make the changes in you working or home
life to better align with the person you want to present to the
world.

Everyone has the opportunity to improve, this might be yours.

Fo r h e l p f u l t i p s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n , c h e c k o u t

http://www.blake-dair.com/
h t t p : // w w w . b l a k e - d a i r. c o m

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