An interview is an important step in the recruitment process as it’s when the employer gets to ask questions and rate the answer made by the candidate. The possibility of being recruited pretty much depends on how well the interview questions are answered. In this case, preparations have to be made and be ready to answer questions that may be asked. Here are some of the most common questions that employers ask and the best way to answer them.
Top 15 Most Common Job Interview Questions Asked And Sample Answers
1. Tell us about yourself.
It’s often the opening question for most of the interviews. Try to make your answer short and make sure your answer covers these topics: your early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Try putting emphasis on the career experience subject.
2. What do you know about our organization?
Make sure you have information about the company in terms of how they work, what product/service they offer, revenues, reputation, goals, style of management, history and their philosophy. Your response should show that you have done enough digging about the company and make it clear that you would like to learn more.
You might start your answer in this manner: “In my job search, I’ve investigated a number of companies. Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons…”
3. Why do you want to work for us?
Tune your answer based on what the company needs. You might say that you made a research and came to realize that the company does things that you are interested in, for instance, if the company puts much emphasis on research and developments then show how you are determined to create new things and how your presence at the company will help you to achieve that. Just make sure that you have enough information on the company.
4. What can you do for us that someone else can’t?
Here is where you are going to show what you are good at. Talk about your record of getting things done and mention specifics from your resume or list of career accomplishments. Prove how valuable you are. Talk about your ability to set priorities, identify problems and use your experience and energy to solve them.
5. Why should we hire you?
Create your answer by thinking in terms of your ability, your experience, and your energy. (Consider the information on Question 4.)
7. What do you look for in a job?
Your answer should be more focused on the opportunities at the organization, express your desire to perform and be recognized for the contribution that you would make.
8. How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.
9: What are your strengths?
With this interview question, the interviewer aims to gauge your professional attributes and their relevance to the role. Highlight a few strengths aligned with the job requirements and provide concrete examples.
This helps the interviewer discern the value you would add. Key strengths might encompass handling pressure, effective delegation, and project management – especially when supported by key skills in using specific project management software to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. Be modest in your response to avoid seeming arrogant.
A practical approach is to recount a past challenge and how you utilised your skills to overcome it, emphasising facts over self-praise
10. Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What’s your opinion?
Emphasize your interest in establishing a long-term association with the organization, and say that you assume that if you perform well in his job, new opportunities will open up for you. Mention that a strong company needs a strong staff. Observe that experienced executives are always at a premium. Suggest that since you are so well qualified, the employer will get a fast return on his investment. Say that a growing, energetic company can never have too much talent.
11: What are your weaknesses?
Answering this can be challenging, but it is a test of your self-awareness. If you’re missing a skill, acknowledge it and share your improvement plan.
For instance, if delegation or presentations are not your strengths, be candid and highlight your efforts to enhance these areas. It’s essential to recognise and admit your weaknesses, showcasing your commitment to growth and learning.
12: Do you have any questions for us?
While you may be the one being interviewed you also have a chance to ask some key questions to help you determine if you think you are the right fit for the role.
Use this opportunity to ask any questions that haven’t been covered during the interview and to clarify anything about the role that may be unclear to you.
Questions could be about KPIs, what a standard day involves, team size, training opportunities, employee perks, or anything else that will help you determine the role’s suitability.
The questions you ask will help provide valuable insights into the role you are applying for and the culture at the organisation. It is not about asking as many questions as possible but rather asking thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the company and your fit within the role.
13. What important trends do you see in our industry?
Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.
14. Why are you leaving (did you leave) your present (last) job?
Make your answer brief and as honest as possible without hurting yourself. If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indicate that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts.
The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that you were terminated. The “We agreed to disagree” approach may be useful. Remember that your references are likely to be checked, so don’t concoct a story for an interview.
15. In your current (last) position, what features do (did) you like the most? The least?
Be careful and be positive. Describe more features that you liked than disliked. Don’t cite personality problems. If you make your last job sound terrible, an interviewer may wonder why you remained there until now.
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