ways2work - Parents and carers
Sample interview questions and answers
Practicing your answers to these common questions with a friend or family member will help to prepare for the interview and ease your nerves.
Question 1
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Answer
- Give a brief summary of your work experience relevant to the job – four minutes is enough. Include your life experience and mention the skills you have developed as a parent or carer.
Question 2
Why did you apply for this job?
Answer
- Explain why this job is a good fit for you.
- If relevant point out how this job will develop your skills and fit into your career path.
- Mention why this workplace appeals to you – this could include the organisations' good values, reputation, or their approach to work life balance.
Question 3
What do you know about our organisation?
Answer
- This is where Preparing for the interview pays off. Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and the organisation's place within it. Mention any challenges you know they are facing and if you can explain how you can help them to meet those challenges.
Question 4
What are your major achievements to date? What skills and experience do you bring to this position?
Answer
- Include examples of things you have done, whether in paid and unpaid work, that show you have the kind of skills and qualities that the employer is looking for. Expand on examples you have mentioned in your application or revise your About Me profile for more ideas.
Question 5
Why should we give you this job?
Answer
- Talk about the sort of role you believe you could fulfil and the benefits and value you bring to the organisation.
Question 6
How do you deal with conflict? Do you work well with others?
Answer
- Talk about your personal qualities and approach. You could give examples from your role as a parent or carer. For example you could emphasise your maturity, patience, empathy, the importance of good communication, how you find out what different people think about an issue, how you work with difficult people to get the job done.
Question 7
What are your career plans?
Answer
- Your hopes for the future in terms of your career – do you want more responsibility or does flexibility mean more to you than promotion?
- If you think it's appropriate you could also ask the employer what opportunities might be available for advancement, including training.
Question 8
How does your work experience relate to this role?
Answer
- Include any relevant volunteer and unpaid work you’ve done – you might need to think laterally. Somewhere along the line there will be some relevant things you’ve done and skills you’ve developed. Be confident and put things in a positive light. If an employer thinks you're a capable person and likes your positive attitude, they may prefer to train you on the job than hire someone with experience who doesn't have the personal qualities they are looking for.
Tell Us Your Story.
We'd like to hear from you about your experiences of balancing work and family.