Interview Questions
The key to interviewing success is being prepared, including having some planned responses to questions. Anticipating the types of questions you might be asked can help you prepare and practice your answers. Behavioural questions address how you have reacted to situations in the past and therefore give the interviewer an idea of how you would handle that same situation in the future. When answering behavioural questions, provide detailed and specific answers with good examples divided into the following three parts:
Situation
Tell the interviewer about the situation and what you were trying to achieve.
Action
Explain what you did to achieve your result.
Result/ Outcome
Briefly describe the final outcome.
Common Examples of Behavioural Interview Questions
- Describe a stressful situation that you faced in which you demonstrated your coping skills.
- Give me an example of a goal you set, and were able to achieve it?
- Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
- Provide an example of when attention to detail was vital and how you completed the task accurately.
- Tell me about a time you had too many things to do and you needed to prioritise your tasks.
- What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example of when you had to use this strategy.
- Give me an example of when you have shown initiative and taken the lead.
- Give me an example of task which required you use your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
- Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer. What was the outcome?
- Describe a situation in which you exceeded customer expectations.
- Give me an example of when you have had to work in a team. What benefit did you bring to the team?
- Provide an example of one of your achievements in the workplace.
- Provide an example of a workplace suggestion you have made. Was it implemented and what were the outcomes?
Common Examples of Standard Interview Questions
- Tell me about your current or most recent job?
- What did you like best about this position?
- What did you least like about this position?
- What do you highlight as your strengths?
- What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
- What do you know about our company?
- Are you prepared to undergo any further studies to help you in this role?
- Is this the type of role you are looking for? Why?
- What can you bring to this role/company?
- How do you handle pressure in your working environment?
- Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
- Why do you think we should employ you?
- Do you have any questions for me?
Questions YOU could ask
- What is the working culture like at your company?
- What type of person are you looking for?
- What are possible career progressions?
- Do you support ongoing training and development?
- Ask a few more detailed questions about the role itself, ie. Is this a new position? What are the day-to-day responsibilities?
- What are your company's biggest challenges? Who is your major competitor?
- How long has the current person been in this role? Are they available to cross train?
- Who does this position report to?
- How many people work for the company and/or work in this department?
- Ask the interviewer what they like about working for the company.
- Ask when they will be making a decision and when you should expect to hear back from them.
- If you are chosen to progress further, ask what the next steps involved are, ie. a second interview, a medical check, skills testing, and/or psychometric testing.
Wes Laughton
06:43 30 May 23
Lisa and the team at Peninsula Personnel are the absolute best.. Their team is amazing and always go above and beyond... to make sure their clients are happy. Lisa guided me through everything and always gave me the best advice.Seriously thank you for all your help; it is greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend Peninsula Personnel to everyone!read more
Dianne King
21:31 02 May 23
A huge thank you to all the team at Peninsula Personnel! A highly professional service, personable and very good at... what they do. I am very happy in my new role at Brookvale Mazda - a great place to work and a friendly bunch of people. Zoom-Zoomread more
Lara Goodyer
10:27 29 Mar 23
Lisa and Amanda are genuinely friendly and professional, providing personal, efficient care working closely with you on... your journey with employment. Peninsula Personnel is my 'go-to' for employment opportunities for this reason.Peninsular Personnel: Number 1 for the professional personal touch in connecting the right people for the right placement.read more
Robert McIlvena
18:50 26 Mar 23
Needed a position filled, the consultant was very professional and found a candidate that was suitable for the role,
Georgia Innes
08:29 23 Mar 23
Amanda was truly wonderful to work with and I could not recommend her more. I was looking for a local job, in a... particular field, and Amanda assisted in me in my "journey". From application to acceptance of the role, Amanda was attentive, kind and understanding. She even dropped off a little gift after I completed my first week. These little touches are wonderful - if you're looking for a job, Amanda from Peninsula Personnel is your go-to.read more
Daniel Olivera
07:59 06 Oct 22
It was a pleasure to deal with Lisa. She really took the time to understand my motivations and the type of roles that... would suit me. The process of finding a role was very smooth and the communications throughout were amazing. Thanks again for all the help and would highly recommend.read more
David Samuel
06:50 29 Apr 22
It was a pleasure working with Lisa at Peninsula Personnel who helped us select an excellent candidate within a short... period time.The customer service was exceptional and would recommend their service to any employer.read more
Débora Dilkin
06:40 15 Apr 22
I am genuinely thankful for all PP team. They were always kindly. Thank you so much for everything Lisa and team.
Sophie Miller
08:18 16 Jan 22
No response despite sending my resume twice over the last 3 months,not good service.
Lily Stewart
02:47 12 Nov 21
I had the pleasure to deal with Lisa and Amanda who were both very friendly and engaging. They approach their... candidates with great professionalism and genuine care. From the get go, I felt looked after and confident these two lovely ladies would make sure to find the right fit for me. The overall experience was very pleasant and lovely, I would highly recommend you talk to either Lisa or Amanda if you're looking for your next opportunity.read more
Cathy Wilson
07:10 19 Oct 21
The team at Peninsula Personnel were not the type of recruiters I was expecting. Not having been to an interview in 16... years, they calmed my nerves and helped me through the process, giving me all the support I needed. I felt like I was just chatting with friends, rather than going through the recruitment process. Thank you for giving me the confidence to go through all of this. I did not feel once as if I was being pushed into anything like I have experienced with other agencies previously. Lisa, I thank you so much for your support, you managed that balance of professionalism, care and consideration perfectly!read more
Kate Steven
05:21 11 Sep 21
I can highly recommend Peninsula Personnel. My business was very much affected by COVID-19 and I had not done any... temping for over 20 years, so was hesitant about getting in touch. After sending them my resume and an online interview, I was offered a temp job the following day. This in term has tuned into a long term temp role and now a full time job.Lisa and the team are extremely professional, they have lots of amazing businesses that they work with and even better working on the Northern Beaches.read more
Alexis CCD
00:33 08 Aug 21
Unfortunately I was placed in a role with a company known for it's total unprofessionalism and toxic culture. A small... business on the Northern Beaches. Pitched to me as a confidence builder, it was nothing but a complete eye opener. I'm not a 20 year old needing experience and confidence, I already have it and a very thick skin was needed.Inappropriate comments to other staff were made openly and belittling staff was a regular occurrence.As a mature, intelligent woman who has worked with many professional blue chip companies, I was appalled.I ran into an acquaintance of mine a couple of months ago who had the same experience. She opted to forge her own career path without agency assistance. Go Michelle!I reached out to the agency and the matter was brushed under the carpet. Best not to rock the boat, the customer is always right!Needless to say I have not been contacted about any opportunities since. My advice is be very selective when accepting assignments.I am happy to report that a high profile agency has procured my services valuing very highly my skills, experience, personality and professionalism. Did I mention the fabulous salary and employee benefits?Don't let anybody downgrade your ability. There are are some qualities you cannot list on a resume.read more
Linda Smith
05:56 10 Jul 21
Lisa and the Team at Peninsula Personnel were great to deal with. They listen and understand Candidates requirements... and source positions in your chosen field. I was lucky to get a long term temping role during COVID when positions were scarce and have now been employed with that company on a permanent part time basis.read more
Andrea MCM
12:21 09 Jun 21
Peninsula Personnel Thank you...Amanda !!!! You are the best Thank you for all your support, help, and attention during... my process. Quick and effective.read more
Ingrid Vallejo Castro
06:26 07 May 21
I am genuinely thankful to have met Amanda and Lisa. They are constantly advising both the client and the candidate in... their best interests. Amanda is very kind, and she always shows a good vibe and incredible energy at every moment. I can't stress enough how good this HH is, and I genuinely recommend Peninsula Personnel.read more
Uplifting Solutions
04:58 03 Jun 20
Very happy with Jenelle and her professional manner. Staff at PP are excellent. Great service.
Greg Sullivan
22:41 01 Jun 20
I have been using Peninsula Personnel for different projects over a number of years now and can highly recommend them.... Lisa is always very responsive and highly professional. They're great at matching the skills of their temp staff for the job at hand and always recommend great candidates for us. Some of which have even stayed on and become permanent staff.read more
Emily Smith
11:57 22 May 20
Peninsula Personnel found me my dream job. I’ve chalked up 12 months at HART now and couldn’t be happier. They... understood me and my skills immediately and it didn’t take long to have me settled in my job. The PP team is there to support and encourage me when ever I need and I often receive kind, thoughtful messages and seasonal gifts. I am so grateful for the PP team and all they do... so professional and great at what they do - find you a dream job with that perfect fit.read more
BRIGITTE BOND
11:59 07 May 20
Six months ago, the Team at Peninsula Personnel found me a great position with a dynamic and passionate business... located on the Northern Beaches. They took the time to understand my strengths and aspirations and were able to find a full time role that is a great fit for me. Furthermore, they were willing to go the extra mile for me to find this position when a previous placement did not work out, which I am very grateful for. Their positive, down-to-earth and friendly attitude, professional focus and commitment to keeping it local are second to none. Thanks for my wonderful new job. Keep up the good work.Brigitteread more
Michael Beck
05:17 30 Apr 20
Have had very helpful and professional experience with PP.Always very informed and very well connected on the north... side of the bridge.Highly recommended.read more
Stephanie Malik
23:38 13 Mar 20
Amanda and the team were fantastic! They helped me find the right job quickly with a wonderful local company. I... couldn’t be happier. Thank you!read more
Claire
03:49 07 Feb 20
Lisa, Margaret and the team at Peninsula Personnel have been such a delight to work with and are so quick to move on... the roles they have available. Within the week of walking into peninsula personnel I had been set up with my first assignment to start the following Monday. Can’t fault them in their approach, especially over the Christmas period. It’s unlucky that we were not able to secure a role in my current field but that wasn’t without them trying. Thank you again to the team, I would highly recommend them (and already have done) to anyone on the job search whether temp or permanent and I would be back with them if needed in an instant.read more
Paris Block
01:54 22 Jan 20
I had the most wonderful experience dealing with the friendly ladies at Peninsula Personnel. Deciding to change careers... was a big step for me but Amanda and Margaret made me feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. I trusted their expert opinion with every step and it definitely paid off for me! Highly recommend choosing Peninsula Personnel for any career change you are thinking of making.read more
Nicole Florence
06:57 09 Jan 20
Very mixed feelings about our experience with this agency, I cannot recommend Peninsula Personnel to employers, they... are clearly an employment agency for employees and their own benefits only. Employees looking for work, this is a great agency for you, including the lovely packaged gift you get once you are placed in your new role ;) We certainly will not use them again and are probably the first client to even bother leaving a such a review for others to know what to expect.read more
Morgan Smith
04:57 12 Dec 19
Peninsula made me getting a job easy and an all around great experience. I told them I was really keen on a specific... position. Unfortunately, a didn’t meet a language requirement and they were quickly looking for the next. The job requirements came back amended from the first and Amanda quickly called me to get an interview! I was so excited and I think they may have been more excited for me. They were endearing and genuinely cared about finding me a job I was excited about and not just placing me somewhere for their benefit. They also sent me a very sweet Christmas gift to celebrate. Would absolutely recommend the whole team!read more
Stuart Wagland
00:18 28 Nov 19
Peninsula Personnel were excellent. Great service and quick turn around. Found the right candidate. Much more... effective than conducting recruitment oursleves.read more
Daniela Alvarez
10:03 19 Nov 19
very professional and efficient. In less than a week the find me the right role for me I couldn't be more happier with... their service and the role. Thanks you Amanda, Margaret and the rest of the PP team.read more
Brooke Golosky
03:42 14 Nov 19
Such a wonderful experience working with the lovely staff at Peninsula Personnel. Amanda went above and beyond to help... find permanent employment for me and I couldn't be happier with the results. Thank you PP, I will definitely be recommending you to all!!read more
Denise Cooper
06:02 12 Nov 19
“My experience of working with Lisa was exceptional. From initial contact until she successfully placed me into a... suitable role, she consistently supported me in my application. Lisa went above and beyond to ensure I was prepared and even gave me some great tips to improve my resume. Lisa approachable and offers a professional service. Highly recommended.”read more
Eunice Yip
02:19 24 Oct 19
Thank you to Lisa and the team.You have always managed to find for me interesting long/short term assignments... efficiently. This is despite my request for jobs with parking facilities or close to convenient public transport. Certainly a big thumbs up. ?read more
SanGameSwaraN SivAraJ
08:56 18 Oct 19
I came into Australia with a work permit, two days after applying for my core relevant jobs, within a day get a phone... call from Lisa about my interest to apply for the role, then get the interview date from PP. On the same day, attend both Interviews with PP and their clients successfully. After clear my cross-checks got a confirmation mail for ready to join. Thanks to everyone in Peninsula personnelread more
Daniel Khodaverdian
20:26 16 Oct 19
Very lovely staff and a highly professional service. They are the winner and finalist for multiple local business... awards servicing the local area as well as greater Sydney. Well done peninsula personnel.read more
Валентина М
08:06 10 Sep 19
Exceptional serviceThanks to Lisa and her amazing team I have found my first job in Australia. Thank you for your... exceptional attitude. I have never seen such a professional service before. ? recommend!read more
Oxley Home Care
04:30 10 Sep 19
Peninsula Personnel are the number one choice for us when recruiting office staff. The professional approach from the... owner Lisa and through to all the staff, permanent placement and temporary hire, they have looked after us well. Thank youread more
penny carnell
09:34 09 Jul 19
I highly recommend Peninsula Personnel, my experience with them has been extremely professional and successful. The... team is engaging, welcoming and nurturing. A special thanks to Lisa and Ally for their caring and encouraging guidance during my journey to finding my new role.read more
Veronika Kubacka
03:26 05 Jul 19
Allie provided the best service she possibly could. She was very professional. Communication with her was super easy.... She motivated me to complete all tests ad believed I me. I got a new job within 3 days . Highly recommend peninsula Personal Jobs.read more
Jo Dage
00:58 13 Jun 19
I couldn't be happier about my decision to turn to Peninsula Personnel. Whole interviewing/employment process was... quick, efficient and stress-free. Hannah found the best fitting position for my skills set, and overall was extremely proactive, professional and responsive consultant. I cannot express my thanks enough for matching me with my current employer.I have no hesitation in recommending Peninsula Personnel for the highly professional service.read more
‘Thanks again for your help and being such a great recruitment agency to work with – by far the best I’ve been through! Danielle, candidate
‘Thank you for all your help, advice and everything that you did for me to help me achieve this role. I am forever grateful to you all. You are all a lovely, helpful group of people.’ Christine, candidate
‘I wish every consultant was as lovely and engaging as you!’ Lois, candidate
‘I must thank you all at Peninsula Personnel for making my work experience so rewarding, and placing me in the most fabulous companies! Your clients are a testament to you company Lisa, and I cannot rave higher about PP in DY!!!’ Loretta, candidate‘
‘I just want to say a BIG thank you to all of you. You went above and beyond trying to find me work and I am so grateful! I was really struggling to find work and your resume and interview tips really helped with my applications and interviews. Peninsula Personnel is truly the best recruitment company I have ever been with.’ One very happily employed Haylee, candidate
‘PP is the best agency on the Northern Beaches – Sydney even!’ Vanessa, candidate
‘If we have short-term employment opportunities, we would use your services …very happy. We have found your temps to be friendly, polite and professional in their manner, always ready to help staff and co-workers above and beyond the call of duty … a wonderful reflection on your business.’ HR, Fossil
‘I would like to extend my gratitude to you and your team for helping me out in the last month or so. It really helped me to get myself motivated and to gain my confidence back.’ Melanie, candidate
‘When I knew I was going to be returning to Sydney I contacted PP and was working almost before I had unpacked my suitcases. The PP team somehow always managed to find positions that suited me perfectly, including an ideal permanent position once I had decided to settle. I have found Lisa and Leigh extremely friendly, always professional and unbelievably efficient. For example, when my situation changed recently and I required temporary assignments again, I forwarded my updated CV to Lisa… Read more
‘Peninsula Personnel and ITS have a very successful working relationship, spanning over six years. PP always provides a prompt, efficient and cost effective service resulting in a number of excellent quality temporary staff being placed with us. PP have an excellent understanding of what we do, the culture of our company and who can do the job for us. Lisa and her team are straight forward, dedicated and act quickly to our requests. No matter who picks up the phone you know you are going to get … Read more