
<p>When <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/preparing-for-an-interview-when-employed/?id=469">preparing for an interview</a></strong>, you need to brace yourself for tough questions. And one of the hardest interview questions is this one: <em>Tell me about a time you failed.</em> It’s tricky because you have to talk about the negatives. But the key to answering this question is to put a positive spin on it. </p>



<p>Use our top tips for answering this tricky interview question.</p>



<h3>1. Frame your answer</h3>



<p>Always frame your answer using the<strong> <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-use-the-star-interview-technique/?id=1065">STAR interview method</a></strong>. First, explain the Situation (your job title, company etc). Then talk about the Task you had. After, describe the Actions you took. And lastly, talk about the Result.</p>



<p></p>



<h3>2. Don’t be cliche</h3>



<p>Don’t answer this question by saying ‘<em>I don’t believe in failure.’ </em>That’s cliche and is only avoiding the question. You need to be honest and really think about your failures. Interviewers can tell when you’re trying to dodge a question. So face it head on!</p>



<h3>3. Don’t dig yourself a grave</h3>



<p>We want you to be honest. But you also need to be smart in your answer. Don’t pick a failure that doesn’t have a happy ending. You need to pick a failure that you managed to fix. Otherwise, the interviewers will start to question your ability to do the role.</p>



<h3>4. Focus on what you learned</h3>



<p>Failure can teach us to be better. But not everyone learns from their mistakes. The interviewers really want to know you’re the kind of person who learns. The type who can bounce back. So wherever your story goes, always bring it back to what it taught you.</p>



<h3>5. Be accountable</h3>



<p>Don’t play the blame game. Don’t point the finger. These are big red flags for employers. Always hold yourself accountable for your failures. Companies want to hire people who can learn from their mistakes. They don’t want to hire people who can’t be accountable for their actions.</p>



<h3>6. Show appreciation</h3>



<p>You’ll gain bonus points from the interviewers if you can appreciate the lessons you learned. It’s a great attitude to have.</p>



<h2>Sample answer to ‘Tell me about a time you failed”</h2>



<h3>Example 1: Sales role</h3>



<p>“<em>I was working as a Sales Consultant for Ford in 2019. I was close to hitting my annual target and still had a whole month to go. I had worked really hard all year. But I made the mistake of thinking it would be easy to hit my target in the final month. So I didn’t put in the same amount of calls I normally would. Unfortunately, I ended up not hitting my target and missing out on my bonus. It was completely my fault. I’d been overconfident. But in a way, I’m grateful because this taught me a huge lesson to never take business for granted. The following year, I never gave up on hitting my target even when I thought it was in the bag. In the end, I exceeded my 2020 sales target by 20%.</em>”</p>



<h3>Example 2: Hospitality role</h3>



<p>“<em>My biggest failure was when I was working as a waitress for a Michelin star restaurant. I was fairly new to waitressing and inexperienced. One table asked me several questions about the menu and I wasn’t able to answer them because I hadn’t studied the menu.&nbsp; It was quite embarrassing for me and reflected poorly on the restaurant. The customers complained to my manager since they expected a higher level of service. Ever since that evening, I stepped up my game and studied everything I could about the menu. My manager said he was very impressed with how I turned things around so quickly. It was a good lesson to learn. It taught me that customers have certain expectations. And if you don’t meet those expectations, you’ll fail. It’s as simple as that. 4 years on and I’m still working in Michelin star restaurants at management level so I must be doing something right now!</em>”.</p>



<h2>Prepare to fail!</h2>



<p>Failure is a natural part of everyone’s career progression. We wouldn’t learn if we didn’t fail. So don’t be scared of talking about your failures. Just be sure to prepare your answers in advance so you can answer confidently!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want a quick career change? SonicJobs can help you find a job in record time. </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Get started today!</em></a></p>


Example interview answer: tell me about a time you failed


<p>Once the hiring manager has finished asking their <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/interview-questions-with-answers/?id=486">interview questions</a></strong>, you may breathe a sigh of relief that it’s all over. But not so fast. The interview doesn’t end when the questions end. The hiring managers are still assessing you all the way until you exit the building. And you want to be sure the last impression they have of you is the best. So stay on guard. And use our top tips for closing your interview the right way.</p>



<h2>What NOT to do at the end of an interview</h2>



<ul><li>Don’t take yourself off guard</li><li>Don’t ask the interviewer how you did</li><li>Don’t undo your top button / tie</li><li>Don’t be too hasty to get out the door</li><li>Don’t linger outside having a cigarette (yes, people actually do this!)</li></ul>



<h2>How to close your job interview properly</h2>



<h3>Ask insightful questions</h3>



<p>The end of the interview is designed for you to <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/questions-to-ask-an-interviewer/?id=475">ask your own questions to the hiring manager</a></strong>. Don’t make the mistake of thinking asking questions is weak. The interviewers want you to ask questions. In fact, it would be rude not to! But just make sure your questions are carefully thought out. Don’t ask anything basic that’s already been covered in the interview. Here are a few ideas:</p>



<ul><li>Could you tell me a little more about the training program?</li><li>What would you expect me to achieve in months 3 and 6?</li><li>What does the career progression look like in the company?</li><li>What do you like about the company?</li></ul>



<h3>Address any issues</h3>



<p>Before leaving the interview, you want to smooth out any issues. If you haven’t understood something about the job role, get to the bottom of it! If you drew a blank on one of the questions, circle back around to it. You want to leave the interview with no unresolved questions. And vice versa: you don’t want the interviewer to have any doubts about you.</p>



<h3>Know the next steps</h3>



<p>Make sure you know what to expect over the coming days and weeks. Find out how many other candidates they have to interview. Ask how long it will be before you hear an answer. See if they’ll contact you by email or by telephone. This way, you’ll be totally prepared for what’s ahead and you’ll know <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-follow-up-after-an-interview/?id=1282">when to follow up</a></strong>.</p>



<h3>Re-express your interest in the role</h3>



<p>Your closing lines should be about your interest in the role. Let them know you really like the sound of the position and company. If the hiring managers had any doubts about your interest in the role, this will put their mind at ease. Sometimes this one point will be the difference between a rejection and a job offer.</p>



<h3>Stand to shake hands</h3>



<p>Always end your interview with a standing handshake. It shows confidence and professionalism. It’s THE most professional way to close your interview and leave a lasting impression.</p>



<h2>Final impressions matter</h2>



<p>Your final impression matters just as much as your first… if not more! Just remember that even after the questions end, the camera’s still rolling. So keep up your appearance and end your interview on a strong note. If the interviewer remembers one thing, it will be your final words. So make them count!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To find a job you love, browse over half a million live jobs on the </em><strong><em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SonicJobs</a></em></strong><em> app!</em></p>


How to end your interview the RIGHT way


<p>Interviews are a two-way street. Yes, you want the hiring manager to know you’re the right candidate. But you also want to make sure they’re the right company for you. And trust us when we say not all companies are born equal! That’s why you ask <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/questions-to-ask-an-interviewer/?id=475">questions at the end of your interview</a></strong>. But it’s even more important for you to find the right company in times of uncertainty. And as you know, with inflation rising, the UK faces an economic downturn. So you need to find a company that’s built to weather the storm. Make your job security a priority.</p>



<p>To <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-cope-with-stress-while-job-hunting/?id=1135">minimise your job-hunting stress</a></strong>, we’ve prepared 5 questions to ask interviewers during times of economic uncertainty.</p>



<h2>5 questions to ask interviewers during a recession</h2>



<h3>1. What are your plans to survive the downturn?</h3>



<p>When on the brink of a recession, companies need to prepare as much as possible. It’s not a question of ‘waiting and seeing how it goes.’ That screams trouble. You want to hear about all the ways the company is preparing.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>2. Have you laid off any staff?</h3>



<p>As we said before, your job security should be your priority. But you want to be cautious of choosing a company that’s laying off staff left, right and centre. Because chances are, it won’t be long before the redundancy tirade will land on your doorstep. If the company has been laying off staff, ask them what reassurances they can make that your job will be safe.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>3. Has the company survived a recession before? If so, how?</h3>



<p>This question depends on the age of the company. If they have survived a recession, this is a good sign. It means the company has experience in dealing with financial hardship. Ask about what they went through. What challenges did they face? And how did they overcome them?</p>



<h3>4. How has the downturn impacted your company?</h3>



<p>Recessions impact every company. Some companies lose earnings. Others cancel product launches. It varies from company to company. So find out exactly how this is being felt by the company. It’s normal for companies to stop focusing on growth during economic downturns. Instead, they focus more on stability.</p>



<h3>5. How has the downturn impacted your industry?</h3>



<p>Just like most companies are affected by economic uncertainty, so are most industries. Look at the pandemic, for example. The travel industry completely shut down. And so did <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/the-ultimate-career-guide-to-working-in-hospitality-2022/?id=1259">hospitality</a></strong>. But at the same time, online shopping platforms like Amazon shot through the roof. So it’s important to understand the challenges of each industry.</p>



<h2>Job security for the win</h2>



<p>Proceed with caution when job hunting during economic downturns. You want to find a company that can provide as much job security as possible. Although asking these questions can feel awkward, it’s totally necessary. Not only does your job depend on it, but your life too. It’s kinda a big deal! So look for those companies who have experience handling recessions and are prepared for worst case scenarios!</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to find a new role? Browse over half a million live jobs on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app</em></p>


Interviewing during a recession? Questions you need to ask the interviewer


<p>When interviewing for a retail position, hiring managers are looking for a variety of skills. They want to hire people who are sociable, friendly, <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-wear-to-an-interview/?id=1151">presentable</a></strong> and hardworking. And sometimes the competition can be stiff!  So if you really want to <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-ace-a-job-interview-presentation/?id=1292">ace your interview</a></strong>, revise these common retail interview questions.</p>



<h2>6 retail interview questions (with sample answers)</h2>



<h3>Why do you want to work in retail?</h3>



<p>This is one of the most common retail interview questions. Show that you’re passionate about retail. You want the hiring manager to know you won’t take just any old job…it has to be retail!</p>



<p><em>“I’ve always enjoyed working with people. And I love to provide a first-class experience to customers. I know retail can be a busy industry sometimes, but I thrive in these conditions.”</em></p>



<h3>Why do you want to work for us?</h3>



<p>Always make sure you find specific reasons why you want to work for this particular company. Do your research before the interview to make sure you know the company inside out!</p>



<p><em>“Firstly, I adore your products. I’ve shopped here for many years so I’ve already fallen in love with the products and the quality. Secondly, I know you’re a well-reputed employer from the awards you’ve won. I have also seen on your website that you offer great career progression, which is something that’s important to me.”</em></p>



<h3>What do you consider good customer service?</h3>



<p>Customer service is the most important part of retail. So be sure to talk about going the extra mile for the customer and knowing the product like the back of your hand.</p>



<p><em>“Good customer service starts from the second they walk in the door. Customers should always be greeted and know they have assistance to hand. I think it’s also about listening to the customer and truly understanding their needs. One of the other aspects of good customer service is being knowledgeable about the product. This builds trust between you and the customer and results in repeat business.”</em></p>



<h3>How would you handle busy periods with long queues?</h3>



<p>Working in retail can have you rushed off your feet. Especially during sales or the festive season. So you’ll need to prove to the hiring manager that you can keep your cool during busier periods.</p>



<p><em>“I’d work efficiently but still keep calm and pleasant for the customers. If I was working on the tills, I’d apologise to each customer for the wait. It’s also important to offer help to your team members where possible during busy periods. If I see the tills need an extra person, I’ll be the first to volunteer myself.”</em></p>



<h3>How would you deal with an unhappy customer?</h3>



<p>You’re always going to get unhappy customers. They might be unhappy about the queue. Or they could be annoyed because the product let them down. Either way, you need to show you can turn a bad situation into a positive.</p>



<p><em>“I think the first thing to do with unhappy customers is give them your undivided attention. Listen to them and make sure they know they’re being heard. Once they feel their problem has been understood, they already start to feel better. I’d then empathise with them to show I understand their predicament. Finally, I’d let them know their custom is important to us and offer the best solution possible. That could be a refund, a replacement, or simply an apology for the inconvenience.”</em></p>



<h3>When have you gone the extra mile for a customer?</h3>



<p>This question swings back to customer service. It’s another way of seeing how you’ve overperformed for customers in the past. Think of a time when you really went above and beyond for a customer. And don’t forget to talk about the end result! How did this make the customer feel?</p>



<p><em>“When I was working as a retail assistant, a customer came in looking for an outfit for a little girl as a present. He seemed totally clueless about what to buy. So I asked him some questions about the girl to find out her age and style. I went on to pick out two separate outfits for the customer to choose from. In the end, he decided to buy both outfits! He was so grateful for the help and left us a raving review on our website.”</em></p>



<h2>Practise to succeed!</h2>



<p>The best way to succeed in your retail interview is to practise! Always prepare answers in advance. And don’t forget to use the <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-use-the-star-interview-technique/?id=1065">STAR interview method</a></strong>. This will help you to structure your answers properly! </p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to work in retail? Access thousands of retail jobs on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app today!</em></p>


Common retail interview questions and answers


<p>Interview presentations are a popular choice among interviewers. It allows them to assess different skills like organisation and communication. But job interview presentations come in different shapes and sizes. You may need to give a powerpoint presentation<a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-answer-tell-me-about-yourself-in-an-interview/?id=1227"> <strong>about yourself</strong></a>. Or you could be asked to sell a product or give a presentation about a topic.</p>



<p>Either way, there are some key things to remember when you’ve got an interview with a presentation. Follow these tips to <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/top-interview-tips/?id=388">crush your interview</a></strong>!</p>



<h2>What skills are employers assessing during an interview presentation?</h2>



<p>Of course, the presentation is part of the interview process for a reason. It’s to assess a variety of <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-hard-and-soft-skills/?id=1148"><strong>hard and soft skills</strong></a>:</p>



<ul><li>Communication</li><li>Persuasiveness</li><li>Confidence</li><li>Organisation</li><li>Attention to detail</li><li>Written skills</li><li>IT skills</li><li>Time management</li><li>Research</li><li>Ability to work under pressure</li></ul>



<h2>12 tips to smash your interview presentation</h2>



<h3>Read the brief</h3>



<p>Before even putting your presentation together, go back and read the brief. Make sure you’ve understood the assignment before getting to work. Many people will overlook important details in the brief. But interviewers assess your attention to detail to see if you’ll stick to the brief.</p>



<h3>Frame your presentation</h3>



<p>Always start by framing your presentation. This means explaining what you’re going to cover during the presentation. This helps the audience feel comfortable and know what to expect.</p>



<h3>Use images and white space</h3>



<p>If you’re making a powerpoint presentation, make sure you include lots of images and white space. Don’t just fill your slides with text. This is a quick way to put your audience to sleep!</p>



<h3>Keep it uniform</h3>



<p>Make sure all your slides follow the same format. That means using the same colours, same borders and positions for titles. This makes it look neater and is easier for the audience to follow. This will show the employer you’ve got an eye for detail too.</p>



<h3>Use brand colours</h3>



<p>To really make your presentation pop, use the company’s brand colours. This is an extra little detail that shows you’ve put thought into your presentation. It’s the little touches that make a big impression.</p>



<h3>Use statistics</h3>



<p>Statistics are a GREAT way to engage an audience. Whatever point you’re trying to make, use statistics to strengthen your argument.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Engage the audience</h3>



<p>Be sure to include your interviewers in the presentation. Ask them a few questions throughout the presentation to keep them on their toes.</p>



<h3>Make eye contact</h3>



<p>Don’t spend the whole time staring at your powerpoint presentation. Be sure to engage the audience by looking at them as much as possible.</p>



<h3>Stick to the timeframe</h3>



<p>One of the skills the interviewers will be testing is your time-keeping skills. So make sure you don’t overrun. Practise your presentation before the interview day. And keep timing yourself to make sure it runs smoothly.</p>



<h3>Proofread</h3>



<p>There’s nothing more embarrassing than giving a presentation with a huge typo on the screen. Always double and triple-check your work. The interviewers may mark you down for typos!</p>



<h3>Take cue cards</h3>



<p>Prepare some cue cards to help prompt you throughout your presentation. You might not need them. But it’s good to have them handy in case stage fright gets the better of you.</p>



<h3>Leave time for questions</h3>



<p>At the end of your interview, you&#8217;ll have time to ask the interviewer questions. So you should also leave time at the end of your presentation for questions from the interviewer. This is an essential part of any presentation.</p>



<h2>Breathe deep!</h2>



<p>As much as you prepare for your presentation, it’s still a daunting experience. Just remember to take a deep breath before you begin.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Ready to climb the ladder? Browse jobs on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> and apply from your phone!</em></p>


How to ACE a job interview presentation


<p>So you’ve had your interview but haven’t heard anything back.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now what?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whether you’ve had a 1:1, <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-stand-out-in-a-group-interview/?id=1218">group</a></strong> or <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/how-to-nail-a-phone-interview/?id=1059">telephone interview</a></strong>, it’s good to take matters into your own hands. Sending a follow-up email after an interview is a great way to keep yourself on the radar. Employers will see you’re proactive and keen on the position.</p>



<p>Use our guide to writing a follow-up email after your interview.</p>



<h2>How long after an interview should you follow up?</h2>



<p>Ideally, you’ll have asked the hiring manager during the interview how long it will be before you hear back. But if you’ve not done this, don’t worry. They’ve probably got other candidates to interview. So<strong> leave it a few days </strong>before sending your follow-up email.</p>



<h2>How to write a follow-up email after your interview</h2>



<h3>Write a clear subject line</h3>



<p>Chances are, the hiring manager’s inbox will be flooded with emails on a daily basis. So be sure to use a clear subject line that includes your name. Avoid anything vague or generic like ‘FAO manager’. This helps to make sure your email doesn’t get missed.</p>



<p><strong>Examples</strong></p>



<ul><li><em>Re: Tom Smith interview update</em></li><li><em>Re: Jane Green, interview 12th August</em></li><li><em>Re: Ben Lowe, Sales Associate interview</em></li></ul>



<h3>Address the hiring manager by name</h3>



<p>When you start your email, address the hiring manager by their name. This makes the email more personable. Instead of writing, ‘<em>Dear Mr Walker</em>’, you can write ‘<em>Dear Alan</em>.’</p>



<h3>Recount the details&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Some interviewers will interview many people for one role. And sometimes, the candidates start to blur into one. It’s not the interviewer’s fault! So don’t assume they know exactly who you are. Jog their memory by letting them know when you attended the interview, and what role it was for. If you can think of anything more personal to add, do it. For example, if you had a good chat about football, mention that.</p>



<h3>Show them you’re still interested</h3>



<p>Sure, you wouldn’t be writing a follow-up email if you weren’t interested. But it’s best practice to let the hiring manager know you’re still keen on the role. Or, tell them what you liked most about the position.</p>



<h3>Clearly ask for an update</h3>



<p>After your introductory lines, let them know you’re writing for an update. Ask them if they’ve made a decision on the role. Or you could ask when they’re likely to have a decision.</p>



<h3>Don’t show frustration</h3>



<p>Always keep the tone light. Even if you’ve had to send a couple of follow-up emails already, don’t show any frustration.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Keep it short</h3>



<p>Keep the email as short as possible. Hiring managers are busy people. And this isn’t an opportunity to re-sell yourself in an email. Keep it short and to the point.</p>



<h3>Spellcheck</h3>



<p>Don’t just double-check your email. Triple-check it. Typos can be really off-putting. So use a spellchecker and maybe even ask a friend to look over the email for you.</p>



<h2>Example interview follow-up email</h2>



<p><em>“Dear Sarah,</em></p>



<p><em>I hope you are well.</em></p>



<p><em>This is Alison Woods. I had an interview for the position of Sales Associate on Wednesday 3rd June in your Manchester branch.</em></p>



<p><em>Many thanks for your time &#8211; I really love the look of the job and company. I also really enjoyed our little chat about interior design!</em></p>



<p><em>I’m just writing to see if you have managed to reach a decision about the role?</em></p>



<p><em>Many thanks again for the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon.</em></p>



<p><em>Yours sincerely,</em></p>



<p><em>Alison Woods”</em></p>



<h2>Looking for a new role?</h2>



<p>If you’re looking for your next position, why not try the <a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SonicJobs</strong></a> app?! We have over half a million jobs and you can apply with 1 tap. Browse our free app today to start your job hunt!</p>


How to follow up after an interview

The ultimate career guide to working in hospitality (2022)


<p>Before your interview, we recommend practising the answerings to the <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/most-common-interview-questions-and-answers/?id=400">most common interview questions</a></strong>. Some common questions are <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-your-weaknesses-sonicjobs/?id=544">‘<strong>what are your weaknesses</strong>’</a> and <a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/examples-of-problem-solving-sonicjobs/?id=547">‘<strong>Give me an example of problem-solving</strong>’</a>. But 9 times out of 10, you’ll also be asked to tell the interviewer about yourself. But before you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, plan out your answer.</p>



<h2>Why do interviewers ask this question?</h2>



<ul><li>To see your personality</li><li>To evaluate your fit for the role</li><li>To assess your communication skills</li></ul>



<h2>Tips for answering ‘Tell me about yourself’ in an interview</h2>



<h3>Keep it brief</h3>



<p>It’s easy for you to go off on a tangent when answering this question. But part of the skill is in keeping it brief and knowing which bits of your life to talk about. They don’t have time to hear your whole life story. If you overtalk, the interviewers may think you have poor communication skills. This is especially true if you’re interviewing for a customer-facing role. They want to know you won’t overtalk when dealing with customers.</p>



<h3>Keep it relevant</h3>



<p>You want to make sure you talk about the most relevant parts of your experience. There’s no point in talking about unrelated jobs you had 15 years ago. Give them a summary of the most impressive parts of your experience that relate to the job role.</p>



<h3>Add in some personal details</h3>



<p>Although you want to keep your answer relevant, there’s no harm in sharing a couple of sentences about your hobbies. But only when this supports your job interview. For example, it would make sense for a salesperson to talk about any competitive sports they’ve played. But it wouldn’t make sense for a salesperson to talk about spending every Sunday with their granny.</p>



<h3>Don’t just recite your CV</h3>



<p>Make sure what you’re saying matches up with dates on your CV. But don’t just recite everything on your CV. Give the interviewers new pieces of information. Or expand on some details that you left out of your CV. This could be more details about your responsibilities or any key figures.</p>



<h3>Tailor it to the company</h3>



<p>When crafting your answer, one size doesn’t fit all. If you’ve got multiple interviews lined up, make sure you tailor each of your answers to the company and role. This will make your answer more impressive.</p>



<h3>Talk about the future</h3>



<p>In your answer, talk about your past experience. But don’t forget to talk about the future. Tell the hiring managers about your goals and ambitions. This will show them you’re serious about the opportunity and that you’re motivated.</p>



<h3>Show your personality</h3>



<p>This interview question is a fantastic opportunity to show your personality. Keep it professional. But don’t be afraid of adding in a splash of humour.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Don’t over-rehearse</h3>



<p>It’s important that your answer sounds as natural as possible. So try not to rehearse it word for word. Make sure you vary your tone of voice so that it doesn’t sound robotic. And take pauses in between sentences to show you’re thinking about your answer.</p>



<h2>Sample answer to ‘Tell me about yourself’.</h2>



<p>“I’ve worked in sales for 6 years now. I’m currently working for Insurance4You selling holiday insurance, where I’ve been for 2.5 years. I really enjoy working in a quick-paced sales environment, working towards targets and KPIs. That competitive spirit is in my DNA. I’ve always competed in sports and have always been motivated by winning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Before my current job, I spent 4 years working in sales for Vodafone. Again, I really enjoyed the buzz I got from achieving sales targets. But now I’m looking to progress to higher ticket items. At the same time, I really want to sell a product I’m genuinely passionate about. And that’s why I’ve applied to your company. I love the product and would use it myself!”</p>



<h2>Planning is key</h2>



<p>The most important takeaway of this blog is to plan your answer in advance. That way, you’ll be more prepared when they ask the question. And you’ll already have the most relevant parts of your experience at the front of your mind.</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>To start your job search, use the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to get applying with one tap!</em></p>


How to answer “tell me about yourself” in an interview


<p>Companies often use group interviews to assess candidates in the early <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/five-answers-that-can-get-you-rejected-from-a-job-at-the-interview-stage/?id=117">stages of the interview process</a></strong>. They’re different to traditional 1:1 interviews. They allow employers to assess many different <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-are-hard-and-soft-skills/?id=1148">hard and soft skills</a></strong>. But because you’re interviewing with lots of other people, you need to take a different approach. </p>



<p>Follow our top group interview tips to make sure you make it through to the next round.</p>



<h2>8 PROVEN ways to ace your group interview</h2>



<h3>Look the part</h3>



<p>Looking the part is important for any interview. The interviewer should tell you what the dress code is. But if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. So be sure to put <strong><a href="https://blog.sonicjobs.net/what-to-wear-to-an-interview/?id=1151">a great interview outfit</a> </strong>together. It also helps to wear a pop of colour to help you be more memorable.</p>



<h3>Don’t be shy</h3>



<p>Group interviews are no place to be shy. This doesn’t mean you need to steal the limelight at every opportunity. You still need to allow space for other people to have their say. But just make your presence known and get involved as much as possible. If the hiring managers ask for volunteers, put yourself forward. The worst thing you can do is try to blend in.</p>



<h3>Act like a leader</h3>



<p>Group interviews are a fantastic opportunity for you to set yourself apart as a leader. Hiring managers often look out for candidates who show strong leadership ability. So be ready for any opportunity to lead the rest of the group during certain tasks.</p>



<h3>Avoid groupthink</h3>



<p>Groupthink is when a group of people fall into a pattern of thinking the same way or agreeing with each other. When this happens, it’s because people aren’t thinking critically or just want to please the rest of the group. But it’s important to always think critically and question your own methods to get the best outcome.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Take notes</h3>



<p>Throughout the group interview, you might receive presentations from the hiring managers. If this happens, be sure to note down any important details. You never know when these could come in handy later in the day.</p>



<h3>Be a problem-solver</h3>



<p>Don’t fall into the habit of just pointing out problems. If you’re going to point out a problem, be ready to follow it through with a solution.</p>



<h3>Show teamwork skills</h3>



<p>Teamwork is a big skill that gets assessed during group assessments. So be mindful of how you’re working with others. Make sure you listen to your team members and encourage them (even when things don’t go your way).</p>



<h3>Be a mood lifter</h3>



<p>Make sure you bring uplifting energy to the group interview. Group interviews can sometimes be a little awkward. And if it’s a full assessment day, it’s easy for energy levels to drop. Instead, make a conscious effort to bring bags of positive energy. Be the energy you want to attract!</p>



<h2>Embrace the room</h2>



<p>Group interviews can be daunting. But the best thing to do is embrace the day. Be yourself and let your confidence shine through.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Want to land more interviews? Apply for jobs from your phone on the </em><a href="http://www.sonicjobs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>SonicJobs</em></strong></a><em> app to speed up your job search!</em></p>


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Example interview answer: tell me about a time you failed

Example interview answer: tell me about a time you failed

How to end your interview the RIGHT way

Interviewing during a recession? Questions you need to ask the interviewer

Common retail interview questions and answers

How to ACE a job interview presentation

How to follow up after an interview

The ultimate career guide to working in hospitality (2022)

How to answer “tell me about yourself” in an interview

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SonicJobs

Your next career move. Sorted.

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