How do I prepare for a graduate interview?
The best way to prepare is to (i) research the company or organization you are applying to join, (ii) consider carefully why you have chosen their organization and the sector, (iii) read and understand what is involved during the scheme and which aspects you will find most challenging, (iv) what you plan to get out of the scheme, (v) what you can bring to their organization.
Q1. Tell me about yourself and the skills and qualities you have that will help you successfully complete this Graduate Scheme?
"I am a determined, positive, enthusiastic and committed person who enjoys working with other people to complete challenging tasks that help to make a difference. Although I am young, I have a mindset that tells me I will only achieve my life goals and aspirations if I work hard, if I apply myself and if I take the opportunities that come my way. The skills and qualities I possess include the ability to work as part of a team and also on my own; the ability to focus on building positive relationships with work colleagues, customers and clients; a hard-working attitude that wants to complete tasks to a high standard; and the desire to continually learn and develop by listening to and applying the information and knowledge that others are willing to pass on to me."
Q2. What has attracted you to this Graduate Scheme?
Q3. How can we be sure you'll complete the Graduate Scheme to the necessary standard?
Q4. What can you bring to our team whilst on this Graduate Scheme?
Q5. Tell me a time when you faced adversity and how you felt before, during and after?
Q6. What challenges do you think you will face whilst working on this Graduate Scheme?
Q7. A work colleague asks you for help with completing an important task, but you have two other deadlines to meet. What would you say and do?Q8. What do you hope to get out of this Graduate Scheme?
Q9. What are the habits of successful people?
Q10. What are your strengths?
Q11. If you didn't get on with someone within your team, what would you do?
Q12. Do you think rules and procedures are there to be followed, or sometimes broken?
Q13. It's a quiet period during the Graduate Scheme and you find yourself with nothing to do. What would you do?
Q14. What's been your greatest achievement in life so far?
Q15. What are your interests outside of work and how could these be to your advantage during the Graduate Scheme?
Q16. What's your biggest weakness?
Q17. Give me an example of great customer service you received recently?
Q18. Describe a time when you contributed to a team's goal or objective?
Q19. Tell me a time when you completed a difficult task under pressure?
Q20. Describe a stressful situation at work and how you handled it?
Q21. Describe a time when you worked alone on a project or task for a long period of time.
Q22. What was the last piece of personal or professional development you undertook?
Q23. Where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
Q24. That's the end of your Graduate Scheme interview. Do you have questions for the panel?
