Interview secrets that works

Halyna Skvortsova
Jun 11
2 min read

Say the Right Things to Be Heard by Recruiters: How to Decode Recruiter Questions and Answer with Impact

Preparing for a job interview in a new country — in a new language and cultural setting — can be overwhelming. That’s why we hosted a practical, no-nonsense session designed specifically for Ukrainian refugees navigating the UK job market.

Led by HR Team Lead Inna Shulha, the session focused on building confidence, decoding recruiter questions, and crafting thoughtful answers that resonate with UK employers.

What the session covered

Rather than memorising generic responses, participants learned how to understand the real meaning behind typical interview questions — and how to answer them authentically and strategically.

We focused on four common but tricky interview questions, exploring:

✅ 1. "How do you estimate the results of your work?"

What it really means: Recruiters are testing your locus of control — whether you take ownership for your outcomes or blame external factors.Key takeaway: Show reflection, responsibility, and measurable impact.Example response:

“I use feedback from clients and compare outcomes to initial goals. If results fall short, I reflect on what I could improve next time.”

✅ 2. "Tell me about a time you failed."

What it really means: They're not judging the mistake — they're assessing your self-awareness and growth mindset.Key takeaway: Keep the failure brief, focus on the lesson learned.Example response:

“I once underestimated the scope of a project and missed a deadline. Now I build in buffer time and proactively communicate about progress.”

✅ 3. "What motivates you?"

What it really means: They want to understand your internal drive and whether it aligns with the job or company mission.Key takeaway: Motivation should be linked to impact, collaboration, or growth.Example response:

“I’m motivated by improving systems and solving real problems. It keeps me focused and engaged.”

✅ 4. "How do you handle conflict in a team?"

What it really means: Recruiters want to see emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.Key takeaway: Stay calm, focus on shared goals, listen first.Example response:

“If conflict arises, I suggest a one-on-one conversation to understand their point of view, then we look for a solution together.”

Insights shared by our expert:

British interviews are structured, and recruiters often follow behavioral formats like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Confidence comes from clarity, not perfection. Your accent or background isn’t a weakness — your story is a strength.
Culture counts. Understanding expectations and showing how you fit into UK workplace values is just as important as your experience.

This session was more than just a lesson in interview skills — it was a space to rebuild professional confidence after displacement. Participants left with real tools, relatable examples, and a better understanding of how to approach their next job interview in the UK.

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