2022

THE GUIDLINES ON
PREPARING A JOB INTERVIEW

HELPS YOU GET A BETTER LIFE IN THE

FUTURE

JOB VACANCIES
AND
INTERVIEW ADVICE
TABLE OF CONTENT

PAGE A. CREATING A CV
3 1. MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW WHEN TO USE A CV
3 2. PICK THE BEST CV FORMAT
5 3. ADD YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION THE RIGHT WAY
4. START WITH A CV PERSONAL PROFILE (CV SUMMARY OR CV
5
OBJECTIVE)
7 5. LIST YOUR RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE & KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
8 6. BUILD YOUR CV EDUCATION SECTION CORRECTLY
9 7. PUT RELEVANT SKILLS THAT FIT THE JOB OPENING
9 8. INCLUDE ADDITIONAL CV SECTIONS TO IMPRESS THE RECRUITER
10 9. ORGANIZE THIS ALL ON A PROFESSIONAL CV TEMPLATE
11 10. COMPLEMENT YOUR CV WITH A COVER LETTER
PAGE B. PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW
12 1. READ AND REVIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTION
12 2. RESEARCH THE COMPANY
12 3. APPEARANCE FOR SUCCESS
13 4. WHAT TO BRING
13 5. WHAT TO WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW
13 ❖ WHAT WOMEN SHOULD WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW
14 ❖ WHAT MEN SHOULD WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW
14 6. PLAN YOUR JOURNEY TO THE JOB INTERVIEW
15 7. MEETING THE HIRING MANAGER
15 8. HOW TO READ BODY LANGUAGE IN AN INTERVIEW
15 ❖ HEAD, FACE AND EYES
16 ❖ ARMS AND HANDS
16 ❖ POSTURE
16 ❖ LEGS AND FEET
16 ❖ OPEN TO INTERPRETATION
17 9. 10 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
19 10. QUESTIONS TO ASK IN AN INTERVIEW
20 11. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A VIDEO INTERVIEW
PAGE C. QUESTIONNAIRES FOR A SPECIFIC JOB
22 1. QUESTIONS ABOUT HOUSEKEEPING EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND
2. LEARN TO ANSWER THESE COMMON SERVER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
22
FOR WAITERS/WAITRESSES
26 3. KITCHEN STAFF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
26 4. QUESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR A MASSAGE THERAPIST JOB INTERVIEW

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A. CREATING A CV

1. MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW WHEN TO USE A CV

Let’s start with the basics to make CV writing easy:

What is a CV?
In its full form, CV stands for curriculum vitae (latin for: course of life). In the US, Canada, and
Australia, a CV is a document you use for academic purposes. The US academic CV outlines
every detail of your scholarly career. In other countries, CV is an equivalent of an American
resume. You use it when you apply for jobs. Because this document is named differently across
different countries, a lot of folks keep asking:

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What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
Let’s get this straight, once and for all:
In the hiring industry, nowadays there’s almost no formal difference between a CV and a resume.
It’s the same thing that Brits call a CV and Americans—a resume.

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Just like they do with chips and french fries, football and soccer, or Queen Elizabeth and Queen
Bey.
So, if you're applying to a European company, you should create a CV. But if you're applying to a
US-based employer, you should make a resume.
And no, a CV is not a cover letter. A curriculum vitae is a detailed list of specifications, while a
cover letter is a full-blown marketing campaign.

Here’s a disturbing thought:

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2. PICK THE BEST CV FORMAT

Every time you’re looking for a job, you compete against 250 other candidates on average.
Yes, you read that right.

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Imagine you are the recruiter and you have to review 250 job applications. Do you thoroughly read
all of them? Nah, of course you don’t.
Recruiters spend only 6 seconds scanning each CV. So the very first impression is key. If you
submit a neat, properly organised document, you’ll convince the recruiters to spend more time on
your CV.
A poorly formatted CV, on the other hand, will get you discarded in the first-round review.

Here’s how to format a CV the right way.

Start with creating a CV outline divided into the following sections:

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CV: Proper Order of Sections
1. CV Header with Contact Information

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2. Personal Profile: CV Objective or CV Summary
3. Work Experience
4. Education
5. Skills
6. Additional Sections

Tip: If you’re fresh out of uni and need to write a student CV with no experience, or if you've
graduated from a very prestigious institution within the last 5 years, put your education section
above your work experience.

When filling in the sections, always keep in mind the gold CV formatting rules:
1. Choose clear, legible fonts
Go for one of the standard CV typefaces: Arial, Tahoma, or Helvetica if you prefer sans-serif fonts,
and Times New Roman or Bookman Old Style if serif fonts are your usual pick.
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Use 11 to 12 pt font size and single spacing. For your name and section titles, pick 14 to 16 pt font
size.

2. Be consistent with your CV layout

Set one-inch margins for all four sides.
Make sure your CV headings are uniform—make them larger and in bold but go easy on italics
and underlining.
Stick to a single dates format on your CV: for example 11-2017, or November 2017.

3. Don’t cram your CV with gimmicky graphics

Less is more.
White space is your friend—recruiters need some breathing room!
Plus, most of the time, after you send out your CV, it’s going to be printed in black ink on white

4. Get photos off of your CV

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paper. Too many graphics might make it illegible.

Unless you’re explicitly asked to include your photograph in the job ad.

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If so—make sure to use a professional looking picture, but not as stiff as an ID photo.

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5. Make your CV brief and relevant
Don’t be one of those candidates stuck in the nineties who think they have to include every single
detail about their lives on their CVs.

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Hiring, nowadays, is one hell of a hectic business. Nobody’s got the time to care for what high
school you’ve attended or to read 10+ bullet point descriptions of past jobs. We’ll get to that later
on.

Tip: Once you’ve finished writing, save your CV in PDF to make sure your CV layout stays intact.
But pay close attention to the job description. Some employers won’t accept a PDF CV. If such is
the case, send your CV in Word.

3. ADD YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION THE RIGHT WAY

You want the recruiters to get back to you, so you need to let them know how they can reach you.
In the contact information section, enter your:
• Full name
• Professional title
• Email address
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile
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• Home address

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The contact information section seems fairly straightforward, but here’s the one reason it might be
tricky: Recruiters will use it to research you online. If your social media profiles are unprofessional,
or if your LinkedIn profile information doesn’t match that on your CV, you’re immediately out of the
race.

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4. START WITH A CV PERSONAL PROFILE (CV SUMMARY OR CV OBJECTIVE)

employer.
So, how to make a CV pop?
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After listing their contact information on a CV, most candidates jump right into their work
experience or education. But you’ll do better than that. You will actually get remembered by the

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All it takes is a CV personal profile statement—a short, snappy paragraph of 100 words tops that
tells the recruiters why you are just the candidate they’ve been looking for.
Your personal profile will either be a CV objective or a CV summary.

What’s the difference?

A CV objective shows what skills you’ve mastered and how you’d fit in. It’s a good choice if you’ve

student CV.

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got little work experience relevant to the job you’re trying to land, for example, if you’re writing a

A CV summary, in turn, highlights your career progress and achievements. Use it if you’re a

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seasoned professional and have a lot of experience in your field.
Now, have a look at some examples. Let’s say there’s a posting for a nursing job. Here are sample
nursing CV objectives and summaries.

Example of a CV Objective
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Newly licensed Nurse looking for a challenging nursing role in a medical facility where I can put my
skills to the test.

Not awful, right? The problem is, in this CV objective, the bottom line is basically “I want a job
because I learnt for the job.”

Objective for a CV—Example

RIGHT
Dependable licensed NMC Registered Nurse trained to work in high-stress environments and stay
calm under pressure. Seeking to leverage meticulous record-keeping and analytical skills to help
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St Francis Hospital with your upcoming challenges.
See the difference? The latter candidate focused solely on what she can offer her future employer.
She also mentioned the name of the specific hospital to which she’s applying.
And yes, name-dropping is something you, too, should definitely do in your CV objective.
True, it means you won’t be able to spam your CV out to every company that’s currently hiring but,
then again, when was the last time you replied to a “Dear User” email?
As we said before, if you’ve got some relevant job experience under your belt, begin your CV with
a CV summary instead of an objective.

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Check out these sample CV summaries.

Sample CV Summary
RIGHT

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Bilingual (English and Dutch) Pediatric Nurse with 15+ years of experience in the intensive and
neonatal care units of a community hospital. Seeking to leverage management experience as
Chief Pediatric Nurse at General Hospital, helping to implement new staff training programmes.
The General Hospital Director just picked up the phone to call this candidate.

What’s so great about this CV summary?

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Above all, it’s super-specific. It gives a complete outline of the candidate’s background and shows
how her experience will help her tackle particular problems the hospital is facing.

Here’s another example of a CV summary.

CV Example—Summary
WRONG
Pediatric Nurse with years of experience supervising the medication and health records of
newborns.

This one, on the other hand, says little more than “I am a nurse.” It presents nothing but generic
responsibilities all nurses have.
In your CV summary, don’t ever go for meaningless buzzwords.
When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff.
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5. LIST YOUR RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE & KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

More often than not, your work experience section is the most important part of your whole CV—
the one that gets the most eyetime.
If you’re thinking “Easy, I just need to list my previous positions, the dates worked, and my
responsibilities,” think again.
All of the above are must-haves in a basic CV. But “basic” won’t get you that dream job.
The thing is: recruiters know what you did. They want to know how well you did it and what you
can offer your prospective employer.

Here’s how to make your work experience section illustrate that:

1. Focus on your measurable, relevant achievements, not just your duties.
2. Use action verbs: “created,” “analysed,” “implemented,” not “responsible for creating,
analysis and implementation.”

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3. Tailor your CV to the job posting—read the job description carefully and check what tasks
will be expected of you. If you’ve done them before—put them on your CV, even if those
weren’t your primary responsibilities.

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Let’s see a real-life CV example.

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Here’s a sample job description for a position of a junior product marketing specialist.
Responsibilities:
• Filling product placement requests from the media
• Creating and maintaining media lists as needed (1)
• Writing product pitches (2)

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• Researching new media opportunities (3)
• Support creating media materials and press kits (4)
• Lead a small project (5) from start to finish
• Help in the organization of events (6)

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• Respond to media inquiries (7)
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Now, have a look at this example of a CV work experience entry.

CV Example—Work Experience Section

Product Marketer

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Nike, 10-2015–present
London
• Created and maintained lists of media contacts (1)
• Researched opportunities (3) across online media channels
• Produced product pitches (2) and press kits (4)
• Supported event organization (6)
• Responded to media inquiries (7)
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Key achievement: Lead a project team (5) in designing and implementing a comprehensive social
media relations strategy for a new line of lifestyle products, grew Facebook fan base from 0 to
12,000 in 4 months [LINK to the Facebook fanpage], gained 35,000 Instagram followers [LINK to
the Instagram account] in 3 months.

“Wow, we need this one to work with us!”

This entry is sure to bring that sort of response from the hiring manager.

What makes it so great?

First, it’s perfectly tailored to the job ad (have another look at the numbered phrases in bold). The
candidate showed she’ll be able to manage her most important future tasks because she’s done
them before.
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Secondly, it’s action-verbs-packed. “Created and maintained” instead of “responsible for creating
and maintaining,” “produced product pitches,” not “product pitches production.”
Last but not least, its central focus is the candidate’s achievements. Like the candidate above, if
you want your CV to impress, add a “key achievement” sub-section. Then, include hard numbers.
Don’t say you “significantly increased sales.” Say how much exactly. Numbers pop!

Like in the CV example discussed:

Key achievement: Lead a project team in designing and implementing a comprehensive social
media relations strategy for a new line of lifestyle products, grew Facebook fanbase from 0 to
12,000 in 4 months, gained 35,000 Instagram followers in 3 months.
Problem: Lack of sufficient social media promotion for a new line of lifestyle products
Action: New social media strategy
Result: 12,000 Facebook fans in 4 months, and 35,000 Instagram followers in 3 months.

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6. BUILD YOUR CV EDUCATION SECTION CORRECTLY

Good news is, putting your education on a CV is usually simple.

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If you’ve got any post-secondary education, include only it on your CV. Don’t mention your high
school, unless it’s your highest degree of education. List:

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• Graduation year (if you’re still studying, enter your expected graduation date)
• Your degree
• Institution name
• Honors (if applicable)

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Tip: Including your honours is optional. If you don’t want them to do you more harm than good,
add them only if they’re 2:1 or higher for the undergrad degrees, and “merit” or “distinction” for
postgrads.

Like this:
CV Example—Education Section
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2014 B.A. in French
University of Southampton
2:1 A
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Easy, right?
But what if you’re writing a CV with little or no work experience? What if you’ve just graduated and

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are looking for your first full-blown job?
If such is the case, you should do two things:

• Your dissertation title

• Favourite fields of study
• Relevant coursework A C
First of all, place your education section above your work experience.
Secondly, elaborate a bit more on your academic experience. Include, for instance:

• Your best achievements

• Extracurricular academic activities.

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A C 7. PUT RELEVANT SKILLS THAT FIT THE JOB OPENING

Now, for your skills. You’ve probably got plenty of these. But would a list of a dozen and a half
skills look good on a CV?

Anything but.

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When it comes to skills for a CV, one issue is more important than any other: relevance. The skills
you decide to include on your CV have to be relevant to the job you’re trying to land.

How to do it?
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Remember when I mentioned tailoring your CV to the job description? Here it comes again.

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Start with a spreadsheet. In it, list all your professional skills (that’s right, it means “eyebrow
dancing” doesn’t count). Then check the job description for the skills desired by your prospective
employer.

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Do they match some of the skills from your spreadsheet? Presto! These are the ones to put in your
CV skills section. Include an appropriate mix of hard skills, soft skills, and anything in between.

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Tip: When you list your skills, add a short description of each to indicate your level of proficiency.
For example “Excellent,” “Advanced,” or “Basic.”

8. INCLUDE ADDITIONAL CV SECTIONS TO IMPRESS THE RECRUITER

Let us all confess to something.

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We constantly lie about ourselves. We just can’t help it—those little white lies that help put us in a
slightly better light.

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Care to venture a guess what group of people excels in lying? Job seekers.

They all lie on their CVs in frail hopes that recruiters won’t be bothered to verify, say, “full bilingual
proficiency in French.”

Here’s the thing: recruiters are trained to spot liars, so don’t even entertain the thought of
embellishing your past achievements or skills.
But what if you could help the recruiters avoid interviewing CV fabulists altogether? There’s a
surefire way to do it:

On your CV, include an additional section in which you show off your unquestionable triumphs:
things that prove your value as a candidate.
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Such as?
The following:

Sample CV Additional Sections

• Industry awards
• Professional certifications
• Publications
• Professional affiliations
• Conferences attended
• Additional training

A well crafted additional section can be the decisive factor in choosing you over another candidate
with a seemingly similar background. Don’t ignore this chance to stand out from the crowd.

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Don’t worry if you’re still studying and can yet showcase none of the above.
A good student CV will still benefit from an additional section. Here are some ideas:

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Sample Student CV Additional Sections
• Volunteer experience

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• Hobbies and interests
• Projects
• Freelance work
• Academic achievements
• Personal blog

Let’s face it—

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9. ORGANIZE THIS ALL ON A PROFESSIONAL CV TEMPLATE

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No one likes to mess around with formatting a CV in MS Word.
Luckily, there are hundreds of ready, fill-in-the-blanks CV templates available online. And we

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happen to offer some truly cracking ones.

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10. COMPLEMENT YOUR CV WITH A COVER LETTER

“Stalk your prospective boss to show commitment.”

Sound like the worst career advice one can get?
Well… And probably is so. But guess what—
“You don’t need to write a cover letter” comes in a close second.

Why?
Because as many as 45 out of 100 recruiters won’t even get around to reviewing your CV if there’s
no cover letter attached, according to our HR statistics report. True, the other 55 might think a
cover letter for a CV is redundant. But here’s who does read cover letters:

Hiring managers. And, at the end of the day, it’s their decision whether or not you’re getting the
job.

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Most people hate writing cover letters for CVs because they are clueless about how to write them
properly. And writing great cover letters is much easier than it seems.

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Hiring has changed drastically. It’s fast and furious. To get your foot in the door, you’ll need to go
an extra mile with your CV. Here's how to make a CV:

Begin your CV with a personal profile—either a summary or a CV objective. Write a short and
sweet paragraph telling why you’re just the candidate the employer’s been looking for.
• When describing your work experience, focus on your achievements and accomplishments.
No recruiter wants to read a dull list of bullet points describing past duties.
• Validate your worth as a candidate by adding a section with your top wins: certifications,
awards, publications, or even extracurricular training or attended conferences.
• Finally, attach a cover letter to your job application and double your chances of getting
hired.
• All check? Get ready for all those interview call-ins!

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B. PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

The job interview is probably the most important step you will take in your job search journey - it’s
your best chance to show the company and hiring manager that you’re the best person for their
job.
To help you land your next job, here are job interview tips from one of the premier recruitment
agencies in Auckland.

You never get a second chance to make a great first impression during your job interview,
so having a well-prepared plan is vitally important to increase your chances of landing that
dream job.
Interview preparation is the key to success and a well-polished presentation can give you an edge
over others whose credentials might just be better than yours.

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1. READ AND REVIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTION

You’ve received a call for that dream job, so how do you prepare for the interview? The first step in

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the preparation process should be to go back and review the job description. Most job descriptions
follow a similar pattern and are usually categorised by the following points:
• Job title/Department
• Duties and tasks
• Skills required

The job title and department will give you an understanding of the major purpose of the position

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and where the role fits into the organisation, allowing you to discover who your potential line
manager could be.
Read and review the job description very thoroughly and be sure to align your competencies with
the skills required for the job. You will consequently ready yourself for questions around your

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previous experiences, performing similar duties in other organisations.

2. RESEARCH THE COMPANY

Organisations look to hire people with similar values to those of the company culture. Researching
the company before an interview will give you an insight into the organisation's future goals and
plans and being able to discuss these points will make you seem like a long-term investment to

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your future employer. The following interview preparation tips will give you a guide as to which
aspect of the company should be researched:
• Company financials: Check the company website. Doing a Google search can also
uncover the current state of the company. Have they gone through a merger? - or have they

or former employees.
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expanded recently? LinkedIn is also a good source of information.
• Culture: Look at LinkedIn and Facebook or check Google reviews for comments by current

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• Executive team: Look through the company website to research the company hierarchy
and find out who the executives are.
• Competitors: Find out who the company’s main competitors are and look into the websites
of organisations in the same industry.

3. APPEARANCE FOR SUCCESS

Your appearance says a lot about you. To make the best first impression at your interview, be
clean, well groomed, and nicely dressed. A good rule of thumb is to dress one step above what
you would wear on the job, or at minimum in good, clean dress clothing.
Before your interview, you need to:
• Get a haircut
• Groom your hands and nails
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• If you have a beard or moustache, trim it so it looks neat
• Lay your clothing out the night before so you are sure it is clean and all there
• Get a good night's sleep
To prepare the morning of the interview you need to:
• Take a shower or bath
• Wash your hair
• Use extra unscented deodorant
• Do not use perfume or aftershave (some people are allergic)
• Cover visible piercings or tattoos
• Eat a light meal or snack before the interview
• Brush and floss your teeth
• Use mouthwash or breath mints
• Light makeup (women)

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• Bring a small mirror, brush, and/or comb

Learning how to dress smart for your interview will create a great impression and also give your

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self-confidence a real boost. Do not wait until the night before to prepare. Your job interview is too
important, so get yourself organized early.

•
•
•
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Paper and pen for taking notes
Your driver's license (if applicable)
Samples of your work
4. WHAT TO BRING

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•
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•
A copy of your application
Your reference list
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Copies of transcripts, educational certificates, and professional qualifications
Copies of your résumé

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Your list of questions that you would like to ask

5. WHAT TO WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW

When it comes to a job interview, first impressions count and being able to dress to impress will go
a long way to help secure your dream job. Although it might seem quite natural to put on your best
suit, skirt or dress for the interview as though you already work there, there are more elements to

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take into consideration. You want to look ready to step into the role you’re seeking.
Being able to answer questions and concentrate during an interview is important, so wear an outfit
you feel comfortable in. Be sure to check the weather the night before and have a couple of outfits
ready just in case the day looks like it might be hot or cold.

confidence when answering questions.

❖ What women should wear to a job interview

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Our tips on how to dress for an interview will help you make a good impression and give you

• Clothing
Make sure you wear a professional and clean freshly pressed shirt or blouse without a deep
neckline. If you wear a skirt, be sure that the skirt is no shorter than two inches above the
knee. Don’t forget to put on tights or stockings under your skirt. Alternatively, wear a pair of
trousers.
• Colours
If you’re going for an interview with a very corporate company, more muted tones would be
better suited to the formal environment. Black and dark blue are the ideal business colours,
grey or brown are also good options. Pair this with a blouse or shirt in white or pastel colours.
But don’t combine more than three colours and two patterns.

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• Shoes
Open shoes like flip-flops or sandals are a no-go for a job interview. Footwear should be either
closed toe pumps with a subtle heel or closed toe black high heels.
• Jewellery
Stay away from too much jewellery such as large necklaces and bangles, as too much
clanging can cause unnecessary distraction. Be sure to only wear subtle earrings. Your watch
should be slim and just wear a wedding band or no rings at all.
• Make-up
Don’t overdo the make-up, keep it conservative and natural looking and just a light touch of
perfume.
• Tattoos and piercings
Cover your tattoos and remove facial piercings.

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❖ What men should wear to a job interview
• Clothing
Put on a clean crisp suit. Wear a clean, freshly ironed, long sleeve white shirt and clean jacket.
Be sure to have freshly pressed pants.
• Tie

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Accessorise with a modest tie. Add a traditional business tie hung to the beltline. Make sure

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your belt is matched to the colour of your shoes and the buckle is not too prominent.
• Colours
Wear a business shirt of a solid colour, preferably white. Complete the outfit with a dark blue,
black or charcoal two or three-piece suit. Make sure your tie is subtle in colour and design.
• Shoes

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Wear shoes that have been polished and make sure they are clean. Try to match the colour of
your socks to your suit.
• Accessories:

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Wear a conservative belt and tie. Watches should be conservative with a link or leather band.
Minimise your hand luggage - limit to just a leather purse or briefcase if possible. When it
comes to perfume and aftershave, less is best. The last thing you want is to be remembered

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for your cologne and not your answers.
• Tattoos and piercings:
Be sure to cover your tattoos and remove facial piercings.

A professional outfit can help you make a strong first impression on a hiring manager, but don’t

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forget your body language. Exhibit good posture and maintain a pleasant, open expression on your
face. Ultimately you want the hiring manager to picture you in the role and visualise you in their

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team.

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6. PLAN YOUR JOURNEY TO THE JOB INTERVIEW

Go to bed early the night before and wake up early to give yourself plenty of time.

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First, make sure that you know the time that the interview is scheduled for, where the interview will
take place, the name and job title of the person who will interview you, and whether you need to
bring anything to the interview.

Knowing in advance where the interview will take place increases your confidence and decreases
the possibility of arriving late. Allow at least 15 minutes early for unexpected delays.
One of the most important things to consider is how you are going to get there. A failure to plan is
a plan to fail. If you are planning on driving to the interview, make sure you fill your car with fuel the
night before. You don’t want to be filling up on the way dressed in your suit.
If the place of interview is in a busy part of town or where parking spaces are limited, you may
want to consider using public transportation.

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7. MEETING THE HIRING MANAGER

Most interviews start with introductions, handshakes, and casual conversation. Remember that the
interviewer may be nervous too! This conversation helps everyone relax a bit. Be energetic and
enthusiastic, smile, and offer a firm handshake. It is fine for you to initiate the handshake. If you
are meeting someone who is unable to shake hands for some reason, it is still polite for you to
offer your right hand.
Sit up straight in the chair, leaning forward occasionally. Look the potential employer straight in the
eye, because good eye contact means that you are interested in the person and confident in
yourself. It is alright to smile and laugh during the interview, as long as it is appropriate.

The interviewer may give you a lot of detail about the job, or he or she may start by asking about
you. Many times job interviews turn into conversations, and that is fine. Feel free to ask questions

pressure.

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throughout the interview. Remain composed and enthusiastic to show how well you work under

It is also important to articulate your skill set to the interviewer. Although you need to answer the

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questions they ask, it is essential to illustrate your skills and abilities through your answers to the
questions and make your qualifications clear to the interviewer. It may feel uncomfortable to be so
forward about your abilities, but this is not the time to be shy!
Expect that the interviewer will have a prepared list of questions and may take notes as you
answer the questions. Do not be concerned if the interviewer is writing things down.

8. HOW TO READ BODY LANGUAGE IN AN INTERVIEW

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In the workplace, active listening is not just about hearing; it’s about observing body language and
responding accordingly. The ability to anticipate the needs of a boss or colleague – and deliver on
them before they have verbally asked for them – is a skill that will make you stand out.

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During an interview, it’s even more important to be aware of body language and be responsive to
it. Learning how to read body language is essential to interpreting how well you are performing in
an interview, so that you can adjust your responses to interview questions and win them over. It’s

and confident.
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also just as important to modify your own movements to show your best side and appear warm

Here’s the low-down on job interview body language, starting from the top down:

❖ Head, face and eyes

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In an interview – particularly video interviews – focus on the head, face and eyes for important
cues as to how the interviewer feels.

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What to look for
• Direct eye contact. This shows confidence, trust and interest. Conversely, if your employer

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continually looks away or over your shoulder, this shows that he or she is preoccupied,
impatient or disinterested. Consider whether you might be being too long-winded in your
answer, and bring your response back on point.
• A head that is slightly tilted displays interest and empathy.
• A sincere smile. When the interviewer smiles, look at the corners of the eyes for a crinkle.
This indicates that the smile is genuine. If the smile is only in the mouth, you’ll know if the
interviewer is just being polite or forcing the smile. Think about awkward family portraits that
you may have been in in the past – often the reason the portraits look awkward is because
the smiles are forced.
What to do
• Tilt your head slightly when the hiring manager is speaking and maintain eye contact.
However, keep it looking natural and don’t stare. It’s ok to look away occasionally, for
example, if you need to refer to your notes or write something down.

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• Smile, smile, smile. Before you walk into the interview, put yourself in a positive frame of
mind by thinking about how good you’ll feel if you get the job. That positivity will shine
through in a genuine way, and you will make a great entrance.

❖ Arms and hands

Many people ‘talk with their hands’, so this is an easy and obvious way to attune to how the hiring
manager is feeling.
What to look for
• Arms wide open. If the hiring manager has extended or opened arms, this usually means
that they are relaxed and open to your ideas. Crossed arms are usually an obvious
indication of unengaged and uncomfortable.
• Jazz hands (well, not literally). Big, expansive hand gestures usually mean passion – which
can be a positive or negative thing, depending on the context.
What to do
•

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Shake hands. At the start and end of the interview, give a firm (but not clenching)
handshake, smile, and look your interviewer in the eye. You will come across as warm and

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confident and make a lasting impression.
• Keep your arms and hands open. Even if you’re cold, don’t cross your arms – it will appear
as a barrier between you and the hiring manager and hinder your ability to connect.
•

❖ Posture A
Don’t fidget or touch your face – it shows nervousness and discomfort.

Posture is a subtle indicator of how someone feels, but it’s a critical piece of the body language

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puzzle.
What to look for
•
confident.

C E
Sitting up straight – a straight and open torso indicates the interviewer is at ease and is

• A hunched torso. Conversely, a hunched torso can indicate the interviewer is defensive, or
weary of the interview.

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What to do
• Lean in. Position your torso so that it is leaning in slightly towards the interviewer. This will
make you appear interested in the content of the interview and the role itself.
• Monkey see, monkey do. Mirroring the interviewer’s body posture in a subtle way indicates
an alignment of views, as well as comfort and connection.

❖ Legs and feet

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They might be difficult to see, but the legs and feet are, surprisingly, a good indicator of how
someone is feeling towards you.
What to look for
•
openness to connection.

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Both feet pointing towards you – standing or sitting in this way, indicates interest and an

• A foot pointed out or away. This indicates a desire to leave (almost literally, the person is
telling you they would like to put one foot out the door).
• Crossed legs – usually means the person is defensive or closed off.
• Shifting weight or a leg twitching – shows the interviewer is anxious or stressed.
What to do
• Sit comfortably, with a straight back and both feet pointed towards the interviewer. Even if
you are doing a phone interview or a video interview and your lower half can’t be seen; if
you act as you would in an in-person interview, you will come across as enthusiastic.

❖ Open to interpretation
Remember that each person is different and the context will tell a considerable part of the story.
Crossed arms are often a sign of being closed off – but the person could also simply be chilly.
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Being fidgety could indicate boredom or impatience – but it can also be an indication of excitement
or enthusiasm. It’s important to judge each situation individually and take into account personal
quirks and personalities.

9. 10 COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Our expert New Zealand recruitment consultants have identified the must-know interview
questions and answers, to ensure your next interview is a success.

1. Tell Me About Yourself - Best Answers

This is one of the first questions you are likely to be asked. Be prepared to talk about yourself, and
why you're an ideal candidate for the position. The interviewer wants to know why you're
an excellent fit for the job.

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Try to answer questions about yourself without giving too much, or too little, personal information.
You can start by sharing some of your personal interests and experiences that don't relate directly
to work, such as a favorite hobby or a brief account of where you grew up, your education, and
what motivates you.

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You can even share some fun facts and showcase your personality to make the interview a little
more interesting.

2. Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? - Best Answers
Are you the best candidate for the job? The hiring manager wants to know whether you have all
the required qualifications. Be prepared to explain why you're the applicant who should be hired.
Make your response a confident, concise, focused sales pitch that explains what you have to

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offer and why you should get the job. This is a good time to review the qualifications and the
requirements in the job listing, so you can craft a response that aligns with what the interviewer is
looking for.

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3. Why Do You Want This Job? - Best Answers
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Why are you a good fit for the position? What would you accomplish if you were hired? This

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interview question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer what you know about the job
and the company, so take time beforehand to thoroughly research the company, its products,
services, culture, and mission.
Be specific about what makes you a good fit for this role, and mention aspects of the company and
position that appeal to you most.

4. How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? - Best Answers

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Hiring managers use this question to learn how your previous work experience and educational
background fit the job. To prepare to respond, make a list of the most relevant qualifications you

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have and match them to the requirements listed in the job description.
It's important to explain how your experience will help the employer if you were to be hired. You
can use the STAR interview method to prepare examples to share with the interviewer. You don't

previous roles.
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need to memorize your answers, but do be ready to share what you've accomplished in your

5. Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? - Best Answers
Be prepared with a response to this question. You'll need to give an answer that’s honest and
reflects your specific circumstances but keeps it positive. Even if you quit under challenging
circumstances, now isn't the best time to share what could be construed as too much information
with the interviewer.
The interviewer wants to know why you left your job and why you want to work for their company.
When asked about why you are moving on from your current position, stick with the facts, be
direct, and focus your answer on the future, especially if your departure wasn't under the best
circumstances.

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6. What Is Your Greatest Strength? - Best Answers
This is one of the questions that employers almost always ask to determine how well you are
qualified for the position. When you are asked about your greatest strengths, it's important to
discuss the attributes that qualify you for that specific job, and that will set you apart from other
candidates.
When you're answering this question, remember to “show” rather than “tell.” For example, rather
than stating that you are an excellent problem solver, instead tell a story that demonstrates this,
ideally drawing on an anecdote from your professional experience.

7. What Is Your Greatest Weakness? - Best Answers

Another typical question that interviewers will ask is about your weaknesses. Do your best to frame
your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee, turning seeming
“weaknesses” into strengths.

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This question is an opportunity to show the hiring manager that you're well qualified for the job. In
addition to learning whether you've got the right credentials, the hiring manager wants to know
whether you can take on challenges and learn new tasks.
You can share examples of skills you have improved, providing specific instances of how you have

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recognized a weakness and taken steps to correct it.

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8. How Do You Handle Stress and Pressure? - Best Answers
What do you do when things don’t go smoothly at work? How do you deal with difficult situations?
The employer wants to know how you handle workplace stress.
Do you work well in high-stress situations? Do you thrive on pressure, or would you prefer a more
low-key job? What do you do when something goes wrong?

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The best way to respond to this question is to share an example of how you have successfully
handled stress in a previous position.

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Avoid claiming that you never, or rarely, experience stress. Rather, formulate your answer in a way
that acknowledges workplace stress and explains how you’ve overcome it, or even used it to your
advantage.

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9. What Are Your Salary Expectations? - Best Answers
What are you looking for in terms of salary? Questions about money are always tricky to answer.
You don't want to sell yourself short or price yourself out of a job offer. In some locations,
employers are legally prohibited from asking you about salary history—but they can ask how much
you expect to get paid.
Do your research before the meeting so that you’ll be prepared to name a salary (or salary range)

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if you’re asked. There are several free online salary calculators that can provide you with a
reasonable range based on your job title, employer, experience, skills, and location.

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10. What Are Your Career Goals? - Best Answers
Are you a job hopper? Or do you plan on staying with the company, at least for a while? Where do
you envision your career going? Do your plans for the future match the career path for someone
typically hired for this position?

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This question is designed to find out if you’re going to stick around or move on as soon as you find
a better opportunity. Keep your answer focused on the job and the company, and reiterate to the
interviewer that the position aligns with your long-term goals.
Employer Follow-Up Questions
Here are some related questions you might be asked during a job interview that will require some
thought to answer.
• How do you handle success?
• How do you handle failure?
• Do you work well with other people?
• Why should we hire you?
• Do you have any questions for me?

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10. QUESTIONS TO ASK IN AN INTERVIEW

Have you ever wondered what questions to ask at a job interview?

In seeking a job, it’s important to remember that an interview isn’t just an opportunity for the
employer to find out if you are a suitable candidate - the interview works both ways.
During an interview, it’s easy to let nerves get in the way of you obtaining the outcome you want. If
you come prepared with a list of good questions to ask in an interview, and tick them off as you go,
you’ll be well on your way to making the interview a success.

Why is it important to prepare questions to ask?

If you bring good interview questions for managers to the table, you’ll find out quickly if the job is
the right match for you.

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You’ll also demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are interested and prepared, and find out
some insights as to whether the manager has any niggling reservations about you.

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If appropriate, try to weave these questions in as the interview is progressing. It demonstrates to

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the interviewer that you’re proactive and engaged in the process. Alternatively, wait until the end -
but if the question has already been answered during the course of the interview, don’t ask it.
Related: How to read body language in an interview
And don’t ask a question that can easily be answered by researching the company website or
completing a simple Google search.

1. Can you walk me through a typical day in the life of this role?

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This question helps to get down to the nitty-gritty of the day-to-day role.
Sometimes, the interviewing manager can dangle a lot of appealing carrots, but the actual reality

be spending your time.

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2. What will be my biggest challenge in this role? E
of the role can be as humdrum as hay. This question will help you to discover how you will really

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This question has the twofold benefit of demonstrating to your interviewing manager that you are
keen to tackle challenges; and helping you to uncover what unique obstacles you may face.
No role is perfect; it’s important that you understand what the unique challenges of the role will be
so that you can evaluate if they are challenges you feel motivated to overcome or not.
Related: Steps to writing the perfect interview thank you email or letter

3. How will my success be measured in this role?

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This is one of the most popular questions to ask in an interview. It demonstrates that you are
results-driven, which is a very appealing quality to a hiring manager.

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It may also help you understand if the business is one that is focussed on growth and if you will be
set up for success.

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4. What have you enjoyed most about working here?
This question gives you an opportunity to connect with your manager on a personal level, to
understand his or her personal drivers and motivations.
You may uncover something about his or her personal life that you can connect over, and you may
also discover a little about the culture in the team and wider business.

5. Who do you think would be the ideal candidate for this role, and how do I measure up?
This question helps you to understand if the hiring manager is concerned about any gaps in your
experience or skill set. Listen carefully to the answer. You may have an opportunity to allay any
concerns.
Alternatively, if you do indeed have a skill or experience gap, it’s an opportunity for you to convey
your self-awareness and interest in training or development to bring you up to speed.
Related: Second interview questions to expect
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6. Why did the previous person leave this role?
This is another good question to ask in an interview. It can help you understand if the person was
promoted – which would indicate that the company encourages career development – or it may
reveal if there are any cultural issues within the company that you may need to be concerned
about.

7. What are the opportunities for growth within this role?

Asking this question demonstrates to your potential employer that you are career-orientated and
keen to expand your knowledge and develop within the organisation.

11. HOW TO PREPARE FOR A VIDEO INTERVIEW

Video job interviews are becoming more common each year. How can you be sure to impress the

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hiring manager via webcam? Make sure you’re prepared to get in front of the camera by watching
our video interview checklist, or by scrolling down to read more video interview tips.

Preparing for a video interview

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Equipment check
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Check your surroundings. Be sure to set up your webcam in a quiet, distraction free zone. Make
sure the background is free from clutter and embarrassing items like laundry piles. Try to avoid too
much background noise like cars passing or ticking clocks.

Get familiar with the webcam and microphone and understand how they work. The audio and
video must come through clearly and the camera should be set at eye level. If you have a friend or

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family member who can assist doing a trial run, this will help prevent potential equipment issues.
You’ll be more at ease during the video interview if you do a technical trial run.

Charge your battery

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Charge your laptop or tablet the night before. If you are using a tablet be sure to set it up on a solid

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surface so that the screen doesn’t look shaky.

Lighting check

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If you put a light behind your computer your face will be illuminated. This will help avoid shadows.

Appearance
When preparing for a video interview, appearance matters a lot. Even though you are not

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interviewing face-to-face, you should still wear business attire. To avoid contrast issues, stick to
solid colours that aren’t too dark or too light and stay away from stripes and plaids .

Rehearse some video interview questions

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more confident in the interview.

General video interview tips A C

Your video camera will have a recording function. Prior to the interview, rehearse your video
interview questions and answers direct to camera. It will give you some great insights to how you
are delivering your answers so that you can make adjustments in advance, and make you feel

• Keep it professional. Be sure that if you are using Skype or another video platform your
user name is professional just as you would with your email address and social media
accounts.
• Maintain eye contact. Look directly into the camera, try to avoid looking into the centre of
the screen. Speak directly into the microphone so the interviewer can hear you clearly.
• Take a pause. Let the interviewer finish before giving your answers. Digital video streaming
can be delayed so take a couple of seconds before responding.
• Keep your resume close. Finally, it’s not a bad idea to keep your resume close. Just be
sure not to look away from the camera too much. Having notes can be a good tool to refer
to between the video interview questions.
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• Remember that they can see you. Unlike a phone interview, the interviewer can see you.
It may seem obvious, but in the midst of delivering an answer, it’s easy to forget that you
are on camera. Remember to smile and come across as warm and personable. You have
more opportunity to connect and bond with the interviewer than in a phone interview, so use
it to your advantage.

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C. QUESTIONNAIRES FOR A SPECIFIC JOB

1. QUESTIONS ABOUT HOUSEKEEPING EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND

These questions help an employer determine if you have the right experience and background to
be a housekeeper:
1. Are you aware of how to ergonomically perform housekeeping duties?
2. What does a good work environment look like to you?
3. What challenges have you experienced as a housekeeper?
4. What is one of your greatest accomplishments as a housekeeper?
5. What responsibilities and tasks did you have in your previous job?
6. How familiar are you with OSHA regulations?
7. Explain how you maintain a safe work environment.
8.

9. Explain your cleaning process.

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Have you ever been asked to do a task outside of your job description? How did you handle
this situation?

10. Do you have experience cleaning after large events?

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11. How do you delegate large tasks with colleagues?
12. Related: 10 Workplace Safety Tips to Stay Productive and Protected

In-depth questions
These in-depth questions help an employer gain specific insight into your organizational strategies,
work ethic and other skills related to housekeeping:
1. What would you do in a situation where a client is unsatisfied with your work?
2.
3.
4.
5.
Why are you a qualified housekeeper?

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Tell me what you would do if you saw a colleague acting inappropriately at work.
What strategies do you use to stay organized?

What was the most challenging housekeeping task you have completed?
6.
7.
8.
9.
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What experience do you have cleaning interiors?
What experience do you have cleaning exteriors?
How do you stay positive and motivated during especially challenging tasks?
What types of facilities have you cleaned?
10. What type of environment do you find the easiest to clean?
11. What type of environment do you find the most tedious to clean?
12. Have there been times you disagreed with a client or supervisor? How did you solve this
situation?

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2. LEARN TO ANSWER THESE COMMON SERVER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR
WAITERS/WAITRESSES
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C
Want to become a waitress or waiter? Being a server is a great job that offers the chance to

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interact with customers and the opportunity to earn more income with flexible shifts. Whether
you are searching for a full time server position, or a part time gig to earn extra cash to pay
your bills, being a waiter or waitress is a fun and satisfying experience.

Learning the most common waiter and waitress interview questions and how to answer them. It
gives you a leg up and helps you stand out from everyone else.
Server positions can be very lucrative. Some servers earn $350 or more in tips in a single day.
However, you have to get hired at a restaurant where you’ll make big tips. The high -paying
waitress and waiter jobs are more competitive. That means you need to prepare for the waiter
or waitress interview. Learn how to answer the most common waitress and waiter interview
questions and you will look like a pro and get a big leg up on the competition.

Don’t underestimate the server interview process. Hiring managers want to make sure you are
right for the job. They have specific questions they ask servers to see if they are right for the
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job. Take time to study these common waitress and waiter interview questions and you will
answer with confidence and professionalism. That will give you a leg up on the competition.
Here are the most common waiter and waitress interview questions and how to answer:

1. Why do you want to be a waitress or waiter?

This is so common it might be the first one you hear. Offer two or three reasons why you want
to be a server. Include things that prove you will be a good employee and are able to learn on
the job, make customers happy and deliver the top notch service hiring managers want from
their wait staff.

Answer: Waitressing allows me to get to know other people which I enjoy, but it also allows me
to learn quickly and develop new skills, and ensure I can deliver the top -notch service
everyone expects when they go out to eat.

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2. What is your greatest strength as a server?
This question is open-ended and it can be scary trying to tackle it head on. Just remember they
want something specific. Your interviewer is trying to get to know you and learn how much

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experience you have. They want to see what you excel at and where you need help with.
Include how much experience you have and a time you went above and beyond to make a
customer feel good.

Answer: In my ten years serving people I’ve always been prompt and attentive and never left a
table sitting for long. I am dedicated to a higher level of service and making sure everyone
works together as a team.

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Be confident about your strengths and weaknesses as a server. Remember, the waiter/waitress
interviewer is trying to get to know more about you and how you contribute to the team.

3. What is your biggest weakness when serving?

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Be honest about your weaknesses but don’t spend much time on this one. If you mention
tardiness or missing shifts the interview will end in a heartbeat. Instead wrap your “weakness”

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in a strength and make an example of how it shows good character and the ambition to be
good at your job.

Answer: My weakness is trying to do too much at once, because I want every customer to be
happy and feel comfortable and taken care of. But I do need to learn to slow down and
prioritize so I don’t get overwhelmed.

4. What is your experience level as a waiter/waitress?

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This is a fairly easy waiter/waitress interview question and your hiring manager will appreciate

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a straightforward answer. Be honest and upfront. Remember, you can still get a job as a server
without any experience at all if you sound confident and professional.

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Answer (if you have experience): I have over 6 years experience as a server. In that time I
have served a range of customers. I have used many different POS systems, set tables,
learned how to make certain drinks and always tried to contribute to the team atmosphere.
Answer (with no experience): I don’t have any formal experience but I am really excited to
learn how to be the best server I can be. I am outgoing, personable, and I really want
customers to have a great experience. I’ll put my best foot forward and am ready to be trained
and learn the ropes.

5. What do you love most about being a waiter or waitress?

This is your chance to show your passion for being a waitress. Restaurants have a high
turnover rate, so they really want to hire people that love their job and will have a great
attitude. Most of all, they want servers who really try to give their customers the best service
possible.
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Answer: I love being a server because it allows me to interact with people, think on my feet
and each day I can learn one new way to deliver better service. I love seeing customers smile
and enjoy themselves. I love staying busy and there’s always a million things to do when you
are a server.

6. What do you absolutely hate about being a waiter or waitress?

This might seem like a trick interview question but it’s just a way to get to know you and see
what you really don’t like about serving. So, be honest. There’s always things you won’t like
about the job. Show them how you work through the issue as well.

Answer: I don’t like it when I have to deal with the customer that’s impossible to satisfy. In fact,
I hate it when any customer is not happy. But I always try to find a way to make them happy
and leave with a good impression.

the issue.

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7. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation and how you resolved

Every server will eventually face a difficult customer. Your interviewer wants to know how you

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will deal with these situations. Choose a time when you had an angry or discontented customer
and emphasize how you solved the issue.

Answer: One time I had a large table of 15 people and they all had complicated drink orders.
Our bar was understaffed, and our kitchen was short a few line cooks. I made sure the kitchen
was prepared for my orders and made some of the drinks at the bar. In the end, my manager
thanked me for handling the rush so professionally.

8. Why do you want to work at this restaurant?

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Great waitresses and waiters can work at any restaurant. So, your interviewer wants to know
why you want to work for them specifically. Have two or three good reasons why you want to

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work for the restaurant. It shows you have done your homework and you’ll make a good fit.
Remember, managers want employees that are excited about coming to work.

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Answer: This restaurant has the best food in the neighborhood, and I think I will really be able
to connect with the customers here because I actually enjoy coming here. My true love for the
food and atmosphere will show through.

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9. What other types of experience do you have asides from waiting tables?
Some restaurants want you to do various tasks along with serving like making desserts,

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crafting the occasional cocktail or mixed drink and table setting. They will ask you what
additional experience you have with any of the tasks servers normally perform. So, tell them

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about all the different tasks you performed in previous jobs.

Answer: At my previous job I made sundaes, prepared simple desserts and made the

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occasional cocktail to help out the bartenders. I have actual bartending experience as well. I
can also set tables. I worked for a catering company and this was part of my role. In this role I
also gained experience as a sommelier.

10. Tell me about a time you had an angry guest and how you dealt with it.
Every server encounters the disgruntled customer. Your interviewer wants to know that you’ve
dealt with this in a professional manner. Pick a situation when a customer got angry and you
diffused the situation. If you don’t have one, explain briefly how you would deal with this type of
situation.

Answer: A customer once became angry because their steak was not cooked properly. So,
after hearing their complaint I calmly replied that I would be happy to take it back to the kitchen
and have it cooked properly.
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11. Why do you think you would make a great addition to our team?
This is your chance to show them what you bring to the table (pun intended). When they ask
this interview question wow them with a team-player attitude. Most managers want real team
players that raise the level of enthusiasm for everyone. Be ready to explain how you would fit in
and what special talents you offer.

Answer: I am a hardworking server and I want to make every guest feel welcome. I always try
to be positive and this shows through in everything I do. This leading by example approach
rubs off on other servers, so I think having me around will be a positive for everyone.

12. Have you ever used a POS system or taken payments, and what type of payments
have you taken?
Servers will handle cash, take payments and use POS (point of sale) systems. Explain your

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experience taking payments and be detailed. Describe the exact experience you have using
POS and taking any other form of payment.

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Answer: I have handled credit card payments, cash and gift cards. I have used multiple types

them.

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of POS systems and software. I can learn how to run these systems very quickly and at my
previous job I helped train employees and was often asked how to solve simple issues with

13. Are you comfortable working long shifts and being on your feet all day?
Serving is tiring work because you are up and walking around all day. Be positive here and just
explain that you have worked on your feet before.

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Answer: I have worked long shifts before and at my other position I was on my feet all day. I
am a high energy person and I like to be moving around. Working long shifts won’t bother me. I
am used to it.

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14. How would you handle multiple tables and orders at the same time?

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Restaurants get busy and you need to be able to handle the rush with ease. When asked this
interview question, be ready with specific examples.

Answer: I always handle large groups and multiple tables well. I keep track of all my orders
and have a specific way of writing them down, so I keep track of everything more easily. I visit

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each table and make sure every guest is accommodated.

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15. If we hire you as a server, what responsibilities do you think your daily tasks will be?
Managers want to know you understand what’s involved in a typical server role. But not all

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server positions are the same. Be sure you read the entire job posting so you know what they
want their servers to do.

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Answer: Well, I read your job description and it said I would be waiting tables, taking orders,
serving food and using the POS system. It also mentioned table setting and prep work .

16. How important is it to maintain a safe workplace and how do you contribute to a safe
work environment for yourself and others?
Safety is extremely important in a restaurant. So, some managers might ask this one. Be ready
to answer with a short and sweet response showing how safe you are.

Answer: I always watch my step, wear comfortable, stable shoes and avoid wearing loose
clothing. I also communicate with other servers and make sure they are aware when I am
carrying plates near them.
These are just a few of the most common waitress and waiter interview questions. You will find
some real curve-ball questions during your interview. If you give positive responses, keep your
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cool and show you are willing to learn, you will land that higher paying server gig
All waiters and waitresses need to be problem solvers with a great attitude. Show them that’s
who you are! You will stand out and get hired that high-paying paying waiter job!

3. KITCHEN STAFF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Top 5 kitchen staff interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and
candidates.
1. What measures would you implement to minimize food wastage?
Reveals technical skills.
2. How would you complete multiple tasks within a short time frame?
Tests organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities.
3. What safety codes should be adhered to in the kitchen?
Highlights technical skills.

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4. How would you communicate in a high-pressure situation?
Assesses interpersonal skills and the ability to perform under pressure.
5. What systems have you implemented to promote efficiency in the kitchen?

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Kitchen Assistant Interview Questions

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Top 5 kitchen assistant interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and
candidates.
1. How do you ensure that no spoiled or expired food items are used to prepare meals?
Demonstrates the candidate's ability to follow food health and safety procedures.
2. What do you think are the most important kitchen safety practices?

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Demonstrates the candidate's knowledge of food health and safety regulations as well as experience.
3. How do you ensure that high standards of cleanliness are maintained in the kitchen?

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Demonstrates the candidate's knowledge of food health and safety regulations.
4. How do you cope with high-pressure situations?
Demonstrates the candidate's time management skills, organizational skills, and ability to work in a
fast-paced environment.

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5. What do you think is most difficult about being a kitchen assistant?

Top 5 kitchen helper interview questions with detailed tips for both hiring managers and
candidates.
1. What do you think is the most challenging aspect of being a kitchen helper?

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Demonstrates the candidate's industry knowledge and experience.
2. How do you ensure that proper standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained at

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all times?
Demonstrates the candidate's knowledge of food health and safety regulations.

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3. What do you do with food items that have accidentally been left out of the fridge the
entire day?
Demonstrates the candidate's knowledge of proper food handling procedures.

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4. How do you ensure that ingredient preparation and kitchen cleaning duties are
completed on a busy day?
Demonstrates the candidate's organizational and time management skills.
5. What do you do in a situation where the cook has been requesting you to complete tasks
that are not part of your job description?

4. QUESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR A MASSAGE THERAPIST JOB INTERVIEW

As a recent graduate in Massage Therapy, you have a wealth of opportunities to land an entry-
level job as a massage therapist at a local spa or franchise. Skilled massage therapists are in high
demand, so don’t be surprised when you start getting calls for job interviews!

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Prepare for Common Questions at Your Job Interview
Here are a few common questions you may be asked at an entry-level massage therapist job
interview. Keep in mind that the interview process varies from employer to employer, so this is not
a definitive list.

1. What Massage School Did You Attend?

Massage therapy franchises and spas require therapists to be trained and licensed to perform
massage services. Other related questions job interviewers might ask about your training include
your graduation date or any notable recognition in school.

2. Why Do You Want This Specific Job?

A common question for employers in all industries. Answer this question honestly. A simple
answer is helping clients to feel better. Other reasons could include gaining experience working

3. What Is Your Availability?

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with a reputable company, advancement opportunities or flexible scheduling.

You are expected to have an open availability when applying for entry-level massage therapy jobs.

later.
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This may include evenings, split shifts, weekends, overtime, or on an ‘on call’ basis. To optimize
your chances of getting hired, you should offer flexible availability to cover whatever shifts are
needed. If you have limited availability, be clear with your job interviewer to avoid complications

4. What Massage Techniques Are You Most Proficient?

Spas and massage franchises offer a range of massage services to cater to a variety of clients.

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Tell your interviewer what type of massages you feel you are best at providing. Depending on the
employer, there could be increased demand for specific skills.

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For instance, if you are interviewing at a rehabilitation center, deep tissue massage skills could be
more valuable than relaxation massage therapies. If you are interviewing for a holistic or day spa,
the employer might prefer experience with hot stone or Swedish massage. In some cases, your
interviewer may ask you to demonstrate your massage skills to evaluate your skills.

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5. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve the Business?
Regardless of where you are interviewing, companies search for candidates willing to provide
outstanding services, as well as grow their business. Perhaps you can drive more business using
your personal or professional network. Alternatively, you might have advertising or marketing ideas

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that may attract more customers.

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6. How Would You Handle an Inappropriate Client?
As a massage therapist, there is a chance that clients could make inappropriate suggestions or

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behave unprofessionally during their session. If asked this question during your interview, tell the
interviewer that you will use your better judgment. You should handle the situation as outlined by
the company’s employee handbook.

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Employers want to know that employees will follow the rules, especially as it relates to improper
behavior. Failure to do so can result in damage to the company, in addition to other financial or
legal liabilities.

7. How Many Massages Can You Do Consecutively?

At busier franchises and spas, having massage therapists who can perform multiple sessions
during their shift is critical. Don’t get caught off guard if your job interviewer asks how many
massages you can complete in a row comfortably.
By asking this question, the potential employer is gathering helpful information for scheduling. Spa
owners and managers want to assure that new and existing employees can handle their
appointment schedules without compromising the service. By understanding the physical
limitations of therapists they can schedule work appropriately.

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8. Do You Interact with Clients During Services?
Depending on the employer and type of services, job interviewers may ask how you interact with
clients while providing massage services. Undoubtedly, you want to be friendly, so you can build a
relationship and rapport with your new clients. However, you want to be careful not to overstep,
depending on the type of massage therapy you are to perform.
If an employer provides group massage sessions, such as rehabilitative or sports massage,
chatting with clients is usually fine. Communicating with clients during sessions is critical to
providing relief. In high-end relaxation spas, massage clients may prefer to keep small talk to a
minimum, so they can close their eyes and relax.

High End Massage Clients and Communication

Generally, it is okay to ask high-end clients questions for feedback. Asking them too many
questions about their personal life could be distracting and unwelcome. To get a better feel for

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what the client wants to treat, ask these questions before the massage. Some spas may have
clients fill out a questionnaire beforehand.
The more you understand the massage therapist job interview process, the more prepared you are
to land the job.

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