Can you do the job?

Before an employer decides to give someone a job, they need to be
convinced that the person can either do the job properly or learn
it quickly. It comes as no surprise to learn therefore that ‘Can you
do the job?’ questions are the most common. They’re also the ones
people spend most time preparing for.

‘Can you do the job?’ questions are those that directly or indirectly
seek to ascertain your ability to perform the duties inherent in a
job. They include questions that seek to clarify your:
• skills;
• knowledge;
• experience;
• key achievements;
• potential performance.

Examples of ‘Can you do the job?’ questions include:
• Can you give us an example of a time you had to communicate
something that was complex and controversial? How did you
go about it?
• Tell us about one of your key achievements?
• An irate client rings and gives you a blast over the phone. How
do you handle it?
• What do you think you can bring to this position?
• Can you give us an example of a project that you had to plan
and organise? What steps did you take?
• How would you describe yourself? (At first glance this may not
strike you as a ‘Can you do the job?’ question, but effective interviewees
always look for ways to highlight their skills.)
• What would you say makes an effective manager of people?
• Why should we employ you?
• What do you regard as your greatest strength?
• The most important duty in your job will be to look after the x,
y and z. Tell us how you intend going about it.