Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Job Interview Questions: What is the best answer to give for these questions at a job interview?

Ok so I have been asked these questions several times now at job interviews and I am still not sure how to answer them: "What does customer service mean to you?" "Why do you think you would make a good contribution to our team?" "Where do you see yourself in five years time?" (I know this one is more personal but what would they like to hear? Like should I say "Working here" or what?)

The Inevitable Job Interview Question: "Why Did You Leave (Are Planning To Leave) Your Last Position



Recommended Answer:
"What does customer service mean to you?" - Try to think of an instance where you were in a shop, or at a restaurant, or a hotel, or garage, or on the phone with a company regarding a problem/complaint that you had where you interacted with a member of staff. How did you find the experience? Was it positive? Why? If it was positive then take from that experience and try to be like that person, perhaps their tone was friendly or they really listened or went out of their way to help you. If it was NOT positive then take from *that* experience and know how NOT to behave - turn it around - if you felt like the person was rushing you then you know that it would have been better customer service if they had taken more time to deal with your issue and make you feel like you were important to them.

"Why do you think you would make a good contribution to our team?" - Why are you applying for the job in the first place is basically what they want to know here, but it's giving you a chance to make yourself sound good, rather than say 'because I need the money'. Try to think about what the company offers/sells and relate to that. Say it's in a clothes store. Well - You LOVE fashion, and you're really good at customising outfits, so you could help buyers with their questions AND try and sell them little extras like clutch bags and jewellery - that kind of thing.

"Where do you see yourself in five years time?" - try not to say 'working here', because that implies a lack of ambition - you're not going to push yourself or prove yourself any more, this is good enough for you... Nonono.
But, you don't want to be saying 'well, not in *this* cr*ppy place, that's for sure!' either lol
Try to really think about what steps you could take in this job to move upwards that don't neccessarily tie you to the same place. For example 'Well, I'd like to run a clothes store myself (this could mean your own store or managing one of their stores) and perhaps get into fashion design...' It doesn't really matter in the long run, they just want to know if you have ambition and motivation I think.

Anyway, Good luck with the job search, they can be gruelling!

8 Job Interview Mistakes You Should Avoid


  • As for customer service, I would probably mention how you feel it means going above and beyond to provide consumers with the best service possible. They want to leave the place feeling as if they were treated well, received excellent service, and have that "I can't wait to come back" feeling.

    Why do you think you would make a good contribution to our team. That depends on the type of job you are applying for and the company. You want to mention your excitement at the possibility of being employed, your skills and the job training that make you the perfect fit for the job.

    I would honestly answer the "where do you see yourself in five years" time question honestly. If you think this is a company that you want to work at in five years, state so. However, I would mention that you would hoped to have advanced to a hire position (shows drive and determination). With that said, if you want to start focusing soon on maybe college feel free to state that as well.

  • Pippa could not have given you a better answer :)
    I was offered a job on the spot yesterday with very similar questions/answers.
    Good luck.

  • Try to say the truth with confidence and without shy!! whatever may be that would be the better and better answer for both of you!!

  • try answers here www.all-interview.com/Commoninter…

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