The worst interview question ever.....

[fraggletits]

a few years ago for me was

Can you tell us 5 positive things about yourself, and 5 negative things!

I ended up squirming in my seat unable to think of appropriate negative things to tell them! I mean, I'm only doing this for the money, I'm a bit of a clock watcher just doesn't sound all that promising.

I've got my first interview in 6 years on Monday morning for an admin role in the NHS. I'm trying not to get worked up about it but I'm really out of practice and just wondering if anyone has any interview advice out there!

Thanks

bump

5 negatives and 5 positives is a bit of a shallow question IMO because the danger is people will just trot out a list.

However, a question I have used a number of times, which is incredibly useful in helping me to form a judgement is:

'Tell me about a situation where you made a mistake/wrong judgement'. It doesn't necessarily have to apply to the workplace - I've had people tell me about a bad judgement they made in a relationship or other situation, but it gives a chance to expand a bit more on how they deal with people and situations. Another good one is asking about a decision they have made which they feel really pleased and proud about.

Expect the obvious things: ' What has brought you to apply for this job at this particular time?' 'What skills/experience do you bring?' etc You may also be given some real life situations and asked what you would do, or some sort of admin task - eg: intray exercise - several letters/documents and you have to prioritise them for dealing with etc

Good luck!!

I've recently had some interviews for admin in the NHS. And do you know what screwed me in the interview? Overpreparing . I had worked myself up, thought of every trick question they could ask me, and in the end the questions were all very straightforward, but I wasn't prepared for them as I was convinced they would try and trip me up. They didn't, and tbh was absolutely mad at myself afterwards. Expect lots of questions about the actual job, what you think it involves, what it means to be a member of a team, that kind of thing. It was the simplest questions that I faltered over.

NHS should be competency based questions rather than stupid 5 negative things type was.

Will be things along the lines of "can you give us an example of a time when xxx"

I would imagine you'll need examples on things like teamwork, prioritising workload, communication, that kind of thing.

Did you get the competency framework for the job through with the application pack? Those are the kind of things they'll be asking questions about.

Thanks everyone this is all really helpful.

I'm going to get the full details of the job on Friday afternoon from the employment agency. I can mull over it all through the weekend and then the interview is Monday morning.

I'm going to read through my CV and like you all say focus on skills I bring and think about what priorities they'll look for. Just don't want to be stuck for words and seem thick!

That stupid 5 negatives question was for a PA role years ago when I was a youngster and this woman who would have been my boss was on a real power trip in that interview. I didn't get that job thank god!

I once had interview in House of Commons, and that old grumpy women first question was "Who is you local MP"?, I had no idea, than she asked "Do you know how to find out who is you local MP is"?, I had no idea, so she said "You have to look it up on internet" - and I said to her "Why would I need to know who is my MP"???) So it did not go well at all. of couse I did not get the job... but I have no regrets, thanks God!!!

I went on an interveiw skills workshop just before being made redundant. The tutor said if your asked for negative things about you say thing like - I'm a perfectionist

'Well you left this job after 6 months last time after we had invested in you and trained you ..... why should we think you'd stay this time?'

I was mortified, but I got the job

"So, would you say you're a good person then?"

This wasn't for a position as a saint, but as a web designer. I did take the job but left after a few months as they were just odd...

There is a fab book called Great Answers to Tough Interview Questions.
It has all the stinkers in there (and some suggested replies).

Worst one I ever had was a 'Sell me this Chair' type question.

Yes it'll be competency based. So give us a scenario where you performed well. How did you make decisions at the time, what would you change etc. None of this what animal are you crap.

I'm a pig btw.

Where do you see yourself on the passive aggressive spectrum I actually laughed out loud when he asked