10 Top Questions Asked in An Interview and How to Prepare for Them

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10 Top Questions Asked in An Interview and How to Prepare for Them

“Dear candidate – here’s your interview invite. Congratulations, you’ve progressed through the application process”. No matter whether this is your first-ever interview or your 100th, this message alone can cause high emotions. From the excitement of a potential new job to the nerve-fuelled doubt.

At this time, the best step you can take to increase your impending interview performance is preparation. This may sound obvious. Yet, some candidates do overlook the preparation steps, expecting all interviews to be similar – aren’t they wrong?

Do your research. Refine your CV. But most importantly, practice your answers to the most common questions asked in an interview setting. You never know, you may crumble in that next interview; difficulties may arise when turning your thoughts into words; you may struggle to stand out through the influx of candidates. Or you can shine in that next interview; you could ooze suitability; you could sell yourself well – all through researching the top interview questions and preparing valuable answers.

Although a section of the interview will focus on industry specifics, there are general areas hiring managers will aim to examine. You’ll likely be asked questions to showcase your personality and ability to perform in certain situations. This information will then be used to gauge your suitability for the role and company.

Here are 10 top questions asked in an interview, and how to prepare for them… You never know, they may creep up and throw you off, or help you secure that new job… You decide!

Why should you prepare for common questions asked in an interview?

A simple answer will no longer cut it. Hiring managers expect insightful answers that paint a picture of your whole being – both personally and professionally.

Within this picture, they are likely to expect answers which follow a STAR approach. Sharing your experience, situations you’ve been in and results you’ve achieved will help you form and communicate high-quality answers.

This is why it’s recommended to research the most common questions asked in an interview and prepare for them. You’ll have the ability to think of STAR answers, offering quantifiable evidence of your ability. Whether that’s innovating new ideas that have taken off or reaching KPI’s in your existing job, this will work in your favour.

Share new VR innovations you’ve produced, POS campaigns you’ve designed and the sales figures from them, or even a game demo.

10 top questions asked in an interview to look out for

Here are common questions asked in an interview that you should prepare for. Your answers should reflect your personal characteristics, experience, goals, intentions, and values. It is important to remember that some questions may differ in your next interview. Yet your prepared answers will have their use, transferring across a wide range of behavioural and situational questions.

1. Why do you want to work for our company?

This is one of the frequent questions asked in an interview to help hiring managers gauge your intentions.

Prepare an honest answer, reflecting your motives behind applying for this opportunity. Whether that’s for career progression, higher salary expectations, or in short, you love what the company stands for.

2. What challenges are you looking for in a role?

Here, hiring managers will want to understand your barriers, your ways of working, your definition of a challenge.

They will also want to examine your attitude to challenges – whether you’ll see them as an obstacle, or as an opportunity to grow. We advise that you prepare an answer which shares previous challenges you’ve been through, how you’ve overcome them, and how they have helped you learn, to be the professional you are today.

3. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?

This is one of the most used questions, asked in an interview. It’s used to test creativity and differentiation. Common answers include… ‘By going above and beyond’, ‘by going the extra mile’ or ‘by utilising my years of experience’.

These answers will not set you apart from other candidates. They, in fact, categorise you in the same, unprepared box. This is your time to prepare an answer that truly combines your key skills, achievements, and personal attributes. Touch on your values, while referring back to the job description.

For example – “I have 5 years’ experience in developing POS campaigns and have achieved X results for my most successful one. These results, along with my passion for customer experiences, drives my desire to progress in this industry – ultimately, adding value to your team and company”.

4. What motivates you?

This isn’t a trick. You do not need to try and paint a superhuman picture here (although many do). This is a personal question. It’s used to tap into your personality.

This question is asked in an interview to gauge the exact motive that will carry you through hard or stressful times; what do you work hard for? Is it your family, the money, your own self-worth, or your passion to make a change?

Whatever it may be, this is one of the likely questions asked in an interview where you can truly express your intentions as an employee.

5. What is your biggest weakness?

Many candidates struggle to answer this question correctly. This is exactly why preparation is recommended.

The best way to answer interview questions based on weaknesses or challenges is by honestly identifying your drawbacks. Yet, share strategies where those drawbacks are flipped on their head, using them to your advantage.

This is what making the best out of a bad situation means.

6. What previous achievements are you proud of?

This again is one of the questions asked in an interview where you can mix both personal and professional life. Hiring managers want to see your passion. They want to see how proud you are of personal success.

No matter how big or small that achievement may be, if it means something to you, and you worked hard for it, share it. It will promote your work ethic, your desire to meet goals and also strive for more.

7. Describe a time where you failed and how did you overcome this?

This question isn’t asked to bring back bad memories or put a negative twist on the interview. It’s asked to utilise the STAR approach, which will be very handy to use when preparing your answer.

Hiring managers will want to see how proactive you are, even when things go wrong. It will identify exactly how you deal with failure, and whether you can surpass negative results.

We’ve all failed at something whether in personal life or professional – share an honest experience, which you’ve turned into a learning opportunity.

8. What would your ideal working day look like?

Do not worry, you do not need to describe every little detail. However, this is a great way for hiring managers to gauge how you best work. What type of environment do you work best in? Do you get important things done in the morning or do you work at your best in the afternoon? How do you tackle a day’s work?

These are all small questions that you can utilise when preparing an answer. You’re ultimately painting a picture of how you spend your day as an employee.

9. How would you cope in [insert situation]?

You will be asked situational questions, this is inevitable. However, depending on your industry, the situation will always differ.

You may have to think on your feet with questions like this one. Yet, by noting down common challenges in your current role, and how you cope, this will help you prepare.

Questions asked in an interview which place you in a situation are testing your awareness and problem-solving skills. Show that you can cope through challenges or awkward situations.

10. What type of working environment do you strive in?

Identifying whether the workplace is suitable for you is a must in an interview. Autonomy is promoted at some companies, offering relaxed environments. Others will follow stricter, organised offices. There’s no right or wrong answer here. This interview is also about finding the right workplace for you.

Do not try to fit yourself into the ideal answer. It’s important that you’re honest to reach suitability, on both parts.

Last but not least… Do you have any questions for us?

Although the above questions may deviate slightly, you will without a doubt be asked if you have any questions. As a result, we recommend that you also prepare your own. This is a topic that can be covered in a blog itself yet ensure that they are valuable and insightful; helping you decide if it’s the role/company for you.

Above are 10 top questions asked in an interview that you should definitely prepare for. Yet, some others may creep in – so preparation is key, no matter how senior the role may be.

If you’re looking for some support with your job search or application preparation, here at 3ecruit, we can help. We are specialist recruiters, working in industries including additive manufacturing, POS and VR, to marketing and gamification. Get in touch today for more information on our latest vacancies.

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Interview Tips for Hiring Managers

By Shazamme System User • February 15, 2025

Hiring the right candidates for your company is essential for building a productive and positive work environment. At 3ecruit, we've been helping businesses find top talent in the 3D Printing, Print Management, and IT sectors for years. We understand the nuances that can make an interview process successful. Here are some valuable tips for hiring managers to get the best from their next interviews. Know What You're Looking For Define the Role Clearly It all starts with having a crystal-clear understanding of the role you're hiring for. This will help you identify the key skills and experience essential for the position and consider what kind of person would fit well with your company culture. Once you're clear on what you're looking for, create a list of questions to help determine if each candidate possesses these qualities. Defining the role clearly sets the stage for a focused and effective interview process. Prepare Thoughtfully Develop a Structured Interview Framework A structured interview not only standardises the process but also makes it less stressful for both you and the candidate. Drafting a set of core questions can make the comparison between candidates simpler. It also helps you avoid asking the same question multiple times and ensures that you cover all the important topics. When drafting your questions, think about what you want to learn from each one. For example: What are their strengths? How do they handle conflict? Can they work independently or need a lot of direction? Do Your Homework Review the candidate's CV thoroughly before they arrive. It shows respect and interest in them personally and helps you to prepare for the interview. You can ask questions about their experience and qualifications, which will show that you have done your homework.

The Benefits of Using a Specialist Recruiter to Find a Job

December 7, 2024

Do you need a specialist recruiter to find your next 3d print, print management or IT job? It’s likely that you’ll be working right up until the ripe old age of 65, maybe even beyond! Therefore, it’s imperative that you’re working in a job that you love, for a company that respects and invests in you. If you’re feeling like your career has hit a dead end and a change is needed, be that with a new company or even a complete career change, you’ve come to the right place. Sifting through job boards, perfecting your CV, applications, interviews and rejection can be both stressful and extremely time consuming. This, on top everyday life, can all become a little too much and can leave you feeling a lost. However, have you ever considered letting a specialist recruiter do the work for you? Take a look at our latest vacancies to see what we are working on at the moment. Recruitment agencies are hired by businesses who are looking to fill their current vacancies with employees. Therefore, recruiters don’t find jobs for people, they find people for jobs. Here are just some of the many benefits of working with a specialist recruiter like 3ecruit. 1. Time saving If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a new job before, how many hours did you spend looking through job boards and filling in applications? We can imagine it was a lot more than you would have liked. This time could be halved if you were to use a recruiter like ourselves. We spend hours of our day searching for suitable candidates for our clients. We know what jobs are out there and we know that you’re out there, so as soon as a suitable job becomes available, we would let you know. 2.Your networking pool becomes a whole lot bigger! You may have built up an impressive amount of connections over the years. However, by working with us, you can also gain access to our thousands of connections, helping you get the most out of your job search. When you send off an application, you are relying solely on your CV to represent who you are, what you’re about and what you can do. But, if we think you’re a good fit for a job, we can back this up further. Part of our job is to make connections and with us helping you with your job search, it will in turn enhance your own network. 3. A helping hand through the recruitment process with a specialist recruiter A good recruiter wants the best for their candidate. We will help you prepare for everything from applications to accepting an offer. We can even help you with improving your CV, interview techniques and provide you with feedback on your interview performance. 4. Recruiters want to place you! In most cases, a recruiter will receive commission for placing you. Therefore, we will work hard to place you in a role that you’ll both enjoy and thrive within. We will support you with any queries or worries you have; help you prepare and look after you throughout the entire process, in order to give you the best possible chance of securing your dream job. 5. Use a specialist recruiter to access to more job opportunities Something you might not know is that not every vacancy is posted on a job board. Some companies only post them on their website, whilst others rely on external agencies such as ours. We can point you in the direction of roles that are hard to come by which could actually be the dream job you’ve been searching for. With more job opportunities available, the better the chance that you’ll find just the job for you. 6. Do you have specialist skills? Result! Often, for roles that require specialist skills, there are fewer suitable candidates than vacancies. We get to know you, your skill set and your capabilities. Which means we know exactly whether or not a role is suitable for you. We can also provide you with details about the business that you would never have known just from reading the job description. 7. You remain on our database If, unfortunately, you aren’t selected for the first role you go for, you would still remain on our database and be on our radar should another suitable position become available. Don’t worry, you won’t be forgotten about. We use applicant tracking systems to make sorting candidates easy. Therefore, when the right vacancy becomes available, your CV will surface.

How to Stand Out in Print Management: A Guide for Job Seekers

By Shazamme System User • August 30, 2024

If you’ve found your way to our website, chances are you’re keen to make your mark in the print management industry. And you’re not alone. The world of print management recruitment is bustling with talents vying for attention. In such a competitive arena, blending into the crowd is the last thing you want to do. But that's where we come in! Let's start with a little story. A few years back, a friend of mine, let's call her Jamie, was diving headfirst into the print management job search. Despite her solid qualifications, Jamie was struggling to get her foot in the door. It was a classic case of "great talent, lost in the sea of applicants." Fast forward to some strategic tweaks in her approach, and bam! She landed her dream job. How did she do it? Sit tight, as we're about to share the tips and tricks that not only helped Jamie but can position you as a top contender in the print management sector. Understanding the Print Management Industry Before anything else, getting a firm grip on the pulse of the print management industry is crucial. Trends come and go, and what was in demand yesterday might not hold the same weight today. For instance, a surge in digital printing technologies has shifted the skill demands somewhat. Keeping abreast of such trends can help you tailor your application to meet the current needs. Remember Jamie? She started attending webinars and subscribing to industry newsletters, which paid off significantly. This proactive approach demonstrated her commitment and up-to-date knowledge during interviews, significantly boosting her appeal. Building a Strong Foundation A rock-solid foundation in the principles of print management is non-negotiable. Certifications can often give you an edge. Whether it's a diploma or a certification in a specific technology used in the industry, these qualifications vouch for your expertise. But there’s something else - experience is just as valuable, if not more so. Internships or entry-level roles can provide invaluable hands-on experience. They offer not just skills but also insights into the industry’s ins and outs that you can’t get anywhere else. Customising Your Application Your CV and cover letter are your first (and sometimes only) chance to make an impression. The key? Tailoring them to highlight your relevancy. Use industry-specific language and clearly link your achievements to potential value for your future employer. We helped Jamie to tweaked her CV to emphasise her project management skills (with specific examples) after noticing many job descriptions highlighted this need. It was the change she needed to secure a great job!

The Journey to Sustainable Print Management

By Shazamme System User • July 13, 2024

At 3ecruit we've witnessed first-hand how the winds of change have brought a fresh, green perspective to the print management industry. As a Print Recruitment Agency deeply embedded in the nuances of print management jobs, we've seen a wealth of transformations that our industry has gone through. But none has been quite as revolutionary as the green wave of sustainability! Sustainability: The Pulse of Print Management It wasn't so long ago that 'green printing' was just another buzzword – kind of like that trendy diet everyone talks about but nobody really knows how to start (been there, done that!). Nowadays, it's the heartbeat of our industry. Companies are reaching out to us eager to find those gems of talent who don't just talk the green talk but walk it on a daily basis. A Personal Tale from the Green Frontline We once worked with a client who were on a mission to revolutionise their print management operations. They aimed to cut down waste to an absolute minimum. We sat down with their Hiring Manager, outlining what they really needed in a candidate. It wasn't just about experience or a stellar portfolio. No, it was about finding someone with that fiery passion for sustainability and innovation. Someone who could make 'green' the gold standard in their business. Why Sustainability in Print Management Isn't Just a Fad Sustainability isn't just about saving trees or using eco-friendly ink – it's about a whole new way of seeing print management. It's a commitment to future-proofing our industry, to making sure we're still around years down the line, bumping elbows with the digital bigwigs and saying, "Yeah, we've got this!" Plus, let's be real, customers are loving businesses that put Mother Earth first. It's smart, it's ethical, and honestly, it's just plain cool! Sustainable Talent: The New MVP in Print Management Shifting to sustainable practices within the well-established world of print management can feel a bit like learning a new dance. It's a delicate balance between the familiar comfort of traditional methods and the exciting rhythm of innovative, eco-friendly approaches. It's not just about swapping out old light bulbs for LEDs—although, that is a good first step. It's really about threading sustainable practices through every aspect of a print management company's daily operations.

Soft Skills That Make a World of Difference in Print Management

By Shazamme System User • June 14, 2024

Here at 3ecruit, we've been connecting the dots in the print management puzzle for nearly two decades, and we've learned something incredibly valuable along the way. It's not just the whir of machines or the clickety-clack of keyboards that determine success in our bustling industry—oh no! There's an entire universe of non-technical magic at play, those all-important soft skills. Why the Fuss Over Soft Skills in Print Management? A few years ago, I had a meeting with a client to discuss their requirements for hiring a new project manager. During our conversation, it became apparent that their focus wasn't solely on technical skills. Instead, they emphasised the importance of finding a candidate who could navigate challenging situations with poise and maintain a positive demeanour, traits that would enable them to effectively manage both projects and people under pressure. This isn't just fluff. In print management, where deadlines are tight, and client demands are tighter, having the right blend of technical know-how and soft skills can mean the difference between a project that runs like a well-oiled machine and one that grinds to a screeching halt. The Top Soft Skills That Print Management Professionals Should Have Clear Communication: Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk Let us share a story to put this into perspective. We once worked with a project manager, let's call her Sarah. Sarah had an uncanny ability to break down the most complex printing lingo into bite-sized, digestible pieces for clients. Her projects? Always on point, because everyone—her team, the clients, even the suppliers—understood exactly what was needed and why. Sarah showed us that clear communication is less about talking and more about connecting, and in print management, that connection is golden. Adaptability: Embrace the Change Picture this: It's a Thursday afternoon, and a major project's specs change, almost at the eleventh hour. We've seen it happen, and boy, it's a test. But here's where adaptability shines. We once worked with a candidate who viewed these moments not as setbacks but as opportunities to innovate. His mantra was "Change is the only constant," and his adaptability not only saved numerous projects but also taught us all the power of positive thinking in the face of challenges.

Embracing Emotional Intelligence in Recruitment: The 3ecruit Way

By Shazamme System User • May 10, 2024

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re on the hunt for the crème de la crème of talent in the 3D printing , print management , or IT sectors. You’ve come to the right place! At 3ecruit, we understand that the perfect match goes beyond just skill sets and experience - it’s also about the person behind the CV. That's why we're big on Emotional Intelligence (EI), and it’s a game-changer. Emotional Intelligence So, what's this buzzword that’s got everyone in a twist? Emotional Intelligence. It might sound like something out of a self-help book, but believe me, it’s as real and as crucial as it gets - especially in the fast-evolving industries we deal with. Imagine this: You're part of a ground-breaking 3D printing project that's about to change the world (exciting, right?). But here's the catch - technology and innovation alone won't get you across the finish line. It's the human touch, the ability to ride the wave of change, manage stress, and work seamlessly in teams, that makes all the difference. And that’s where EI comes into play. Why We Bet Big on EI Remember when we spotted that seismic shift in technology companies' recruitment needs back in 2014? Well, we noticed something else – the undeniable value of Emotional Intelligence in 3D printing, print management, and IT. So, we made it part of our DNA here at 3ecruit. Once, we had a client who was struggling to find the right fit for their team. On paper, the candidates were exceptional, but something was missing. We switched gears and focused on EI attributes like empathy, adaptability, and communication skills. The result? We found them a candidate who not only excelled in their role but also uplifted the entire team morale. Talk about a win-win! Riding the Wave with EI In our line of work, we've seen how Emotional Intelligence can make or break a project. We’ve helped countless organisations and candidates find their perfect match, focusing not just on technical know-how but on those all-important EI skills. After all, it’s the glue that holds teams together and drives projects to success. The Magical Ingredients of Emotional Intelligence You might be wondering, “What exactly makes up Emotional Intelligence?” Well, think of EI as a delicious pie (Who doesn’t love pie, right?). The main ingredients include self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. When mixed together perfectly, they create the most delightful treat that’s hard to resist – in people! A Story of Self-Awareness We once placed a candidate who was a whizz with 3D printing technology. But his real superpower? Self-awareness. He knew his strengths and weaknesses like the back of his hand, which made him incredibly easy to work with and remarkably efficient at problem-solving. His ability to acknowledge when he needed help not only endeared him to his colleagues but also made projects move smoother and quicker.

Building Resilience in a High-Demand Career

By Shazamme System User • April 10, 2024

Let's set the scene. You're a professional in the exciting world of 3D printing and print management - on the frontier of technology, shaping the world of tomorrow. But with great innovation comes great responsibility - and inevitably - a great deal of stress. At 3ecruit, we get it. We're not just recruiters; we're the ones immersed in the industry, navigating the ever-evolving landscape right alongside you. And beyond connecting you with your next exciting opportunity, we're invested in supporting your well-being, too. The Growing Need for Stress Management in the 3D Printing Industry Remember the last time you glanced at your watch, expecting it to be mid-morning, only to find the afternoon well on its way? Or when you skipped lunch because you were engrossed in optimising a 3D model? Yeah, we've been there, too. Fast-paced, dynamic, and intensely competitive, careers in 3D printing and print management can often feel like you're running a marathon-at a sprinter's pace. That's where stress management comes into play. Embracing the Thrill, Navigating the Stress Is it thrilling to be part of this cutting-edge industry? Absolutely. can it also be tremendously stressful at times? You bet. The professionals shaping the future of 3D printing and print management, need to pay as much attention to managing stress as they did to mastering the latest advancements in the field. Collectively, we've been through some challenging times, but just as we've emerged stronger and more innovative after each hurdle, we can rise above the stress as well. The world of 3D printing and print management is far too extraordinary for us to not thoroughly enjoy the ride. From our own experiences and the incredible stories of resilience we've encountered across our 3ecruit community, we've gathered some practical stress management strategies. While we'll explore these , we just wanted to reassure you that it's perfectly okay to admit when you're feeling stressed, and to seek help when you need it. At 3ecruit, we're all about building real, lasting relationships, offering not just job opportunities, but genuine support, too. Remember this: you're not alone on your journey. Critical Resilience Factors for 3D Printing Professionals Without a doubt, resilience is the backbone needed to thrive in the energetic world of 3D printing and print management. We've spoken to lots of people in the sectors and want to share with you how they one person in particular got through one of their most challenging professional hurdles. A Lesson In Adaptability It was a few years ago, when a client wanted a design that would push the limits of what 3D printers could achieve. He remembers feeling like he was hitting a wall - it seemed impossible. But instead of letting stress win, he decided to look at it from a different angle (literally). He spent the whole weekend studying the printer, the software, and eventually realised that he could manipulate the orientation of his print to achieve the client's vision. This experience taught him that adaptability is crucial. As the technology and market demands continue to evolve, so must we.

Your Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing Recruitment Interview Questions

By Shazamme System User • March 13, 2024

When it comes to 3D printing recruitment, asking the right questions is pivotal in identifying the best talent for your team. By delving deeper into a candidate's knowledge, passion, skills, and uniqueness, you can ensure that you are selecting individuals who not only excel in the 3D printing industry but also align with the values and vision of your company. Asking about a candidate's knowledge of your company's involvement in the 3D printing industry can reveal their level of preparation and genuine interest in your business. This can help you gauge their enthusiasm and commitment to the role. Furthermore, enquiring about their key strengths and skills related to 3D printing can provide valuable insights into how well they would fit into your existing team. Understanding their problem-solving abilities and expertise in this field can give you an idea of how they can contribute to the success of your projects. Another important aspect is identifying the candidate's passion for the job opportunity. Beyond just seeking employment, individuals who are genuinely excited about the 3D printing projects and technologies within your company are more likely to be engaged and motivated employees in the long run. When asking a candidate why they believe they should be chosen over others for the role, you are not only assessing their confidence but also prompting them to articulate their unique selling points. This can offer you a glimpse into what they perceive as their strengths and how they can bring value to your team. Finally, encouraging candidates to ask questions about 3D printing and your company's involvement in the industry can demonstrate their curiosity and proactive approach to learning more about the role and your business. This two-way interaction can provide valuable insights into their communication skills and eagerness to understand the nuances of the 3D printing field. So let's look at the questions you need to ask...

Fall in Love with Your Next 3D Printing Superstar

By Shazamme System User • February 9, 2024

In the quest for the ideal addition to your 3D printing team, finding that rare gem of a candidate can be akin to discovering a professional soulmate. Fear not! As the experts in 3D printing recruitment, 3ecruit is here to be your guide, ensuring you fall head over heels for your next 3D printing superstar. Let's take a look into the secrets of recruiting perfection in the 3D printing industry! Define Your Dream 3D Printing Superstar Before starting your recruitment journey, envision the perfect candidate for your 3D printing team. With our expertise, we'll help you define the technical skills, expertise, and specific 3D printing experience your dream candidate should possess. Clarity is key, and we're here to ensure you attract the perfect match without wasting time on candidates who don't meet your requirements. Craft an Irresistible Job Advertisement With 3ecruit, your job advertisement becomes a magnet for top-notch 3D printing talent. We infuse industry-specific language and highlight innovative projects, painting a vivid picture of how their skills contribute to advancing 3D printing technology. Watch as the perfect candidates flock to us with the allure of such an exciting opportunity. Be a Matchmaker in the Interview Process In the interview process, 3ecruit acts as your matchmaker, assessing the compatibility between the candidate and your 3D printing team. Beyond technical skills, we focus on their passion for 3D printing, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to innovative environments. We uncover that spark that signifies the perfect fit for your team.