3 Sample Interview Answers

Going for your first interview? Not sure what a good interview answers looks like? Here are three standard, competency interview questions and three simple answers.

Remember, it’s not about the complexity of the answer it’s about the structure; Right length, some personalisation and showing the relevant skills. See here for more info on those.

Example 1. Can you give me an example of your organisation/time management skills?

When I make cup of tea at home, I click the kettle and while its boiling I get the mug, put a tea bag in it, get a spoon and the milk. Sometimes I get a biscuit to go with it. When the kettle is boiled I pour in the water, stir the bag, squeeze it and then throw it in the bin. I add milk, stir and then put the spoon in the sink (or dishwasher). Much faster than waiting for the kettle to boil then getting everything ready to make it afterwards. I even put the kettle in-between where I keep my mugs, my spoons and the fridge. Works for coffee too or even making multiple cups.

No unnecessary detail, answers the question and hits home the skills used.

Example 2. Can you tell me about a time you had to prioritise multiple tasks?

I was in the office one day and the boss asked me to make him a cup of tea. I was getting up to do it when the phone rang. I decided to answer it instead of making the tea because it might have been a customer giving us some business. It was. If I had let it ring out while I made the tea instead, we might have lost the business and, if we kept missing calls about business, the boss will end up making his own tea at home as we’d have no business.

A simple decision but made for the right reasons showing commercial awareness.

Example 3. Can you give me an example of when you exceeded expectations?

I was working in a supermarket and a customer asked me to show her where the blueberry yogurt was. I brought her to the correct shelf but there was none there. I checked the storeroom but there was none there either. I asked the manager and she explained it would be back in stock either later that day or first thing the next morning – we operated a just-in-time ordering stock system. I went out and explained to the customer and apologised. To make up for it, I suggested that if she liked blueberries and was looking for something sweet she should try our new blueberry dessert sauce and brought her to where it was and pointed out the current offer on it. She bought it. The next week she saw me, pointed to both the blueberry yogurt and sauce in her basket and smiled.

Shows how to turn a negative into a positive. Great relationship building.

Finally, just for fun, a bad interview answer…

Can you tell me about a time when you took responsibility for your actions? My cousin and I were trying to rob a car and the cops came around the corner and spotted us. My cousin ran off and the cops caught me and I took responsibility.

Its technically answers the question but wasn't quite what I was looking for.

Of course, I’ve heard more impressive answers (and much worse ones!) over the years, but I always remember the ones above as simple, structured and effective.

Please share any good (or bad) interview examples you have.