1. Tell me about yourself!
Try to answer briefly, in no more than 2 minutes, don’t stutter; – Keep your answer within the limits of your professional perspective and skills used on the job.
Don’t go back to your childhood, give a few details about where you have been in the past and where you want to go;
Use the entry in your CV as a starting point;
Answer in a way that makes it clear that you are a stable, adaptable and positive person;
Say only positive things.
2. What are your weaknesses?
Dress up your weaknesses in a positive response, e.g.: It takes me a long time to get ready in the morning, so I set my alarm at least an hour before I have to be on time for work.
3. What are your strengths?
Sell yourself. Tell how well suited you are for the job and how valuable you are as an employee of a company.
4. What do you know about our company/shipping company?
Show that you have done your homework, that you know what the company does and its place in the market, you know the products, the company’s approximate revenues, what its reputation is in the industry it is part of, and in general, you know the company’s history, image, goals and psychology;
Find out as much information as possible about the organisation before the interview. Write down most of the facts you have in front of you. You can even come up with questions about the company’s strategy in the coming months;
Show interest in new information, let the interviewer give you more details about the company.
5. Why do you want to work for us?
Don’t talk about what you want, but about their needs and what you can do for them;
You want to be part of their company/firm;
You want to solve the company’s problems and you like challenges;
You can make a major contribution to achieving the company’s goals.
6. What would you do for us? What can you do for us that no one else can do?
Show previous experiences (if any – positive ones (not how many ships you have abandoned, failed, etc.) showing reported success in solving similar problems the company/firm might have;
Be positive.
7. Why do you find our offer attractive? Or unattractive?
List 3 or more attractive factors (company reputation, chance to work with exceptional people, etc.) and one negative aspect, as few as possible (issues that might include, office location).
8. Why should we hire you?
This is your chance to show why it is important to have you in the company and how well you fit in. Don’t refer to other competitors for comparison, just talk about your experience and skills as the best fit for that position in that company;
Because of the knowledge, experience, skills and qualities you have.
Be very confident and assertive in how you respond, not vague.
9. What do you want from your new job?
The opportunity to improve my knowledge, because in the profession of a naval officer you have to learn continuously;
Vague answers such as: I like working in multinational crews/teams, I like challenges at work;
Correlate the answer with the job you are applying for;
I am interested in pursuing a career with your company.
10. Tell me your opinion about (the job you are interviewing for).
Be concise, activities and desired outcomes.
11. Why do you think you can do well in this position?
Mention your skills, experience and interest in the job and field.
12. Do you think you are overqualified for this job?
Despite your qualifications, claim that you are very well qualified for this job. Or you can say: “I don’t think I am overqualified, but I am fully qualified”.
13. How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
You could emphasise that you are a quick learner and hardworking.
14. Do you consider yourself a successful person?
You should always answer in the affirmative. Success does not always mean being at the top, it just means mentioning how you achieved your goals.
15. Why were you out of work for so long?
Talk about the activities you did while you were not working, such as training or courses you took.
16. What do colleagues say about you?
Remember the good things your colleagues/bosses say about you. For example: My boss, Mr X, told me that he appreciates me for the way I react in stressful situations and for being a very organised person.
17. How long will you stay with us?
Do not give a specific answer. You could say, “I plan to stay for a long time.” or “As long as both I and the company think I’m doing my job well.” or “As long as I can contribute, improve, develop, etc.”.
18. Have you submitted your CV to other job advertisements?
Be honest. If they think you are a valuable candidate for the company, they might offer you a better salary so they don’t lose you to another job.