12 most common interview questions and their best answers
Here
are some typical interview questions that will help you prepare for your next
interview:
1. Can you tell me a little
about yourself?
This
seems like a pretty simple question, yet people still fail to prepare for it.
It is crucial that you don’t give your entire employment or personal
background. Instead, give a concise summary that shows why you’re perfect for
the job. Start with a few achievements or experiences that you most want the
interviewer to know, and then wrap up by stating how that experience has
positioned you for this specific job.
2. What do you know about the
company?
Anyone
can read the company’s “About” page, so interviewers aren’t trying to figure
out whether you understand the company’s mission but whether you care about it.
Start by showing that you understand the goals of the company, and then go on
to say something personal. For example, you can talk about why you were drawn
to the mission or why you believe in their approach. Don’t forget to include
personal examples from prior jobs or volunteer experiences.
3. Why do you want this job?
Companies
want to hire people who are passionate about the position, so you should have
reasons for wanting the job. First, bring up a couple of factors that makes the
role a great fit for you and then share why you love the company.
Examples of possible answers include:
§ I like to interact with people
and help them, which is why I would love to join the administration committee.
§ I think your company is doing great things, and I would love
to be a part of it.
4. Why should we hire you?
If
you are asked this question, then you’re in luck. There is no better setup for
you to sell yourself and your skills to the interviewers. Your answer should
include these three things:
§ You can do the work and deliver
great results;
§ You will fit in perfectly with
the team and work culture; and
§ This job is made for you more
than any of the other candidates.
5. What are your professional
strengths?
When
answering this question, you should share your true strengths and not those you
think the interviewer wants to hear. However, try to include strengths that
suit the position you are seeking. Then, share an example of how you have
demonstrated these skills in a professional setting.
6. What do you consider to be
your weaknesses?
By
asking this question, the interviewer is not trying to identify any red flags,
but checking your self-awareness. Identify something that you struggle with but
that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been good at
public speaking, but you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone and volunteered to
run presentations, which has helped when addressing a crowd.
7. What is your greatest
professional achievement?
There
is no better way to impress a hiring manager than to talk about a track record
of achieving great results in past jobs. Sharing an experience where you have
accomplished something amazing is the perfect way to answer this question. Set
up the situation that you were given to complete, and then spend time
describing what you did and what you achieved.
8. Where do you see yourself in
five years?
Be
honest about your future goals when answering this question, but keep in mind
that a hiring manager wants to know if you’ve set realistic expectations for
your career. Also, express that you have ambition and explain how the position
you’re interviewing for aligns with your goals and growth. It’s okay to say
that you’re not sure what the future holds, but make it clear that you see this
experience playing an important role in helping you make the decision.
9. What do you think we could
do better or differently?
Hiring
managers want to know that you don’t just know the company’s background, but
that you’ll be able to think critically about it and bring new ideas to the
table. Share your thoughts on what you’d love to see the company achieve and
show how your interests would contribute to the job.
10. What do you like to do
outside of work?
Interviewers
ask personal questions to see if candidates will fit in with the culture at the
company. If someone asks about your hobbies outside of work, you can open up
and share what you enjoy doing. Keep it professional though; hiring managers
don’t need to know everything.
11. Why are you leaving your
current job?
This
is a tough question, but one you will probably be asked. Keep things positive —
you’ll gain nothing by being negative about your past employers. Frame things
in a way that shows you’re excited to take on new opportunities and that this
role is a better fit for you than your previous one. If you were let go, keep
it simple. “Unfortunately, I was let go” is an OK answer.
12. Do you have any questions
for us?
A
job interview is not only for hiring managers to grill you; it’s also an
opportunity for you to figure out if the job is the right fit for you. What do
you want to know about the position? Questions targeted to the interviewer —
such as, “What’s your favorite part about working here?” — are a good start.
By Ria Wadhawan
Ria is
currently a student at Sarah Lawrence College pursuing a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Writing and Sociology. She enjoys spending time with friends and
family in her free time. She also has a bad habit of starting new tv shows at
the most inconvenient times.
Find more of her writtings here
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