Common interview questions and how to answer them Lead

·

·

,

When preparing for a job interview, you are more likely to be concerned about the kind of questions to expect from your potential employer or hiring manager. Apart from job-specific questions that may pop up every once in a while, there are some common questions interviewers like to ask regardless of the position you are applying for.

Your ability to provide the right answers to these questions without hesitation would prove to potential employers that you’re confident and prepared to take up the job.

Of course, there’s no need to cram every one of your answers, but you need to be prepared in every way so you will know what to say at every point. It’s important to remember, however, that the types of questions asked for different job roles vary considerably. For instance, the questions asked for the job of a graphic designer would be completely different from that of security guard interview questions or that of a nursing job, for that matter. And it is certainly not possible to predict every question and cram everything.

This is where strategy comes in. You are more likely to make stronger points if you know what to expect and prepare beforehand. Apart from the boost of confidence this brings, you will also feel more relaxed during the interview. And you know nothing impresses employers more than the feeling that you know your onions and you’re capable of doing the job.

The principal advice to that end is to take this reasoning ability test and similar assessments down the line so that you can understand how well you are prepared. This will help you analyze the areas in which you need to work on and improve. By working on those particular requirements, you can prepare yourself to ace any upcoming interview.

With this in mind, let’s look at the six most commonly asked interview questions and how to answer them.

Tell me about yourself?

This is one question you are most likely to encounter at the beginning of most interviews. And it’s a way for your potential employer to know if you have the right personality for the job.

Thus even though the question sounds like a general one, it is basically meant to address your candidacy. So when providing your answer, make sure you focus on your interests and professional experience as they relate to the position you are vying for.

This doesn’t mean you should recite every dot on your resume. Instead, you are expected to give an overview of your personality in a professional sense. You might want to mention one or two hobbies, but they are not relevant in this situation. Focus on saying things portrays you as the right person for the job.

What is your greatest strength?

When asked about your greatest strength, bear in mind that the company is looking to see if you have what they need. So be careful not to say something irrelevant. This is not the time to discuss your great skills in chess (except if that is required for the job).

Instead, tailor your answer to what you think the company is looking for. In other words, if you have many skills, only pick the one you think will be useful to the company. For instance, you could have an exceptional skill in team management, or the ability to work under pressure, or something else. Whatever it is, make sure, it’s something the company would want to hire you for.

What is your greatest weakness?

It is not every time a company will only want to know what you can offer. Sometimes, they may also want to know if you have any loophole that could be a challenge to their company. Be careful how you answer this one, as proving the wrong answer can make you lose out on a potential offer.

Of course, you’re supposed to dread the question since it’s obviously a trap. But it is also an opportunity to let everyone know that you are not perfect. However, make sure you also indicate your willingness to overcome the weakness.

Why do you want this job?

When asked this question, there are two answers that usually comes to mind. First, you want the job because you are passionate about it. Secondly, you are interested in the job because you won’t have it any other way – everyone desperate needs a job.

Both answers may sound reasonable but those are not what your potential employers want to hear.

Instead, focus on saying things about the company and the role you are applying for.

Why did you quit your last job?

Except you’re a new graduate, potential employers will likely want to know why you left your previous job.

It sounds really tricky. And you should be careful not to send a red flag. Under normal circumstance, you are not supposed to leave your job until you’ve been called up for another one. However, things don’t always turn out that way.

Whatever reason you give for leaving your previous job, make sure it’s something reasonable. Examples may include the need to move to a new location, health challenges, difficult work conditions and so on. Be careful with whatever you say, and make sure it’s something that is enough to want to make anyone leave their job. Don’t talk too much here.

What is your salary expectation?

This is one question that is likely going to pop up at one stage of your interview. Although many job seekers don’t like to take it seriously, it is very important.

Giving the wrong answer can cost you a lot of money when you eventually sit down to negotiate the terms of employment. At the same time, you don’t want to price yourself too high or you will end up discouraging the company from hiring you even before they know your worth.

So the trick is not to give any number yet, no matter how much you’re cajoled. Don’t even give them a range. Let them know you’re not sure of anything yet until you reach the later part of the interview. By then, the company would have any idea of how much you’re worth and it will open the ground for negotiation.

To Wrap It Up

By getting acquitted with these questions, you will position yourself to perform better in your next job interview. To start looking for your next job, check out jobsora.com.



Tags