- First impression not always defining. They know you might be nervous
- Some questions are just meant to bring out your communication skills
- Generic answers will give you a lower rating so avoid them
THE SECRET TO GETTING HIRED
Have you been to an interview before and unfortunately, you did not get the job and all along you
have been wondering why you couldn’t be hired yet you are overqualified? Well, most possibly,
your response to these interview questions didn’t satisfy the panel. These frequently asked
questions touch on the essentials hiring interviewers want to know about every candidate:
- who you are
- why you’re a fit for the job
- what you’re good at
You may not be asked exactly these questions in exactly these words, but if you have answers in mind for them, you’ll be prepared for just about anything the interviewer throws your way.
1. Tell Me About Yourself.
This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial. Here’s the deal:
Don’t give your complete personal or employment history. Instead, give a summary that’s
concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Career
counselors recommend using a present, past, and future formula. Talk a little bit about your
current role including the scope and perhaps one big professional achievement, then give some
background as to how you got there and the experience you have that’s relevant. Finally, state why
you want the chance and would be perfect for the role.
2. How Did You Hear About This Position?
Another seemingly innocuous interview question is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out
and show your passion for and connection to the company. For example, if you found out about
the gig through a friend or professional contact, name-drop that person, then share why you were
so excited about the job. If you discovered the company through an event or article, share that.
Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your
eye about the role.
3. Why Do You Want to Work For This Company?
Beware of generic answers. If what you say can apply to a whole group of other companies, or if
your response makes you sound like every other candidate, then you’re missing an opportunity to stand
out. Jing Tao, a Chinese counselor, recommends one of four strategies:
Do your research and point to something that makes the company unique that really appeals to you. talk about how you’ve watched the company grow and change since you first heard of it. Focus on the organization’s
opportunities for future growth and how you can contribute to it, or share what’s gotten you
excited from your interactions with employees so far. Whichever route you choose, make sure to
be specific. And if you can’t figure out why you’d want to work at the company you’re
interviewing with by the time you’re well into the hiring process, It might be a red flag telling you
that this position is not the right fit.
4. Why Do You Want This Job?
Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a
great answer about why you want the position And if you don’t, You probably should be applying
elsewhere. First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you like, “I
love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that
comes from helping someone solve a problem”, then share why you love the company like, “I’ve
always been passionate about education, and I think you’re doing great things, so I want to be a
part of it”.
5. Why Should We Hire You?
This interview question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you’re asked it,
you’re in luck: There’s no better set-up for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring
manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things that you can not only do the
work but also deliver great results. Show that you’ll really fit in with the team and culture and that
you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
Sample answer: If you hire me, it will be a great platform to showcase my skills. Whatever goals I
set, I ensure to achieve them within the stipulated time
6. What Can You Bring To The Company?
When interviewers ask this question, they don’t just want to hear about your background. They
want to see that you understand what problems and challenges they’re facing as a company or
department as well as how you’ll fit into the existing organization. Read the job description
closely, do your research on the company, and make sure you pay attention in your early round
interviews to understand any issues you’re being hired to solve. Then, the key is to connect your
skills and experiences to what the company needs and share an example that shows how you’ve
done similar or transferable work before.
7. What Are Your Greatest Strengths?
Here’s an opening to talk about something that makes you great and a perfect fit for this role.
When you’re answering this question, think quality, not quantity. In other words, don’t rattle off a
list of adjectives. Instead, pick one or a few specific qualities that are relevant to this position and illustrate them with examples. Stories are always much more memorable than generalizations. If there’s something you were hoping to mention because it makes you a
great candidate but you haven’t had a chance yet, this would be the perfect time.
8. What Do You Consider to Be Your Weaknesses?
What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question beyond identifying any major red
flags is to test your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I can’t meet a deadline to save my life”
is not an option but neither is “Nothing, I’m perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something
that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been
strong at public speaking, but you’ve recently volunteered to run meetings to help you get more
comfortable when addressing a crowd.
Other questions with sample direct answers are:
9. What’s The Reason Behind Leaving Your Last Job?
Answer: In order to enhance my skills, I’m looking for better opportunities and it’s apparent that
this company would be the real deal.
10. Why Have You Not Been Employed For Such A Long Time.
Answer: I took a break to enroll for some freelance personal advancement courses.
11. What Irritates You About Co-workers?
Answer: I believe in teamwork. If I find anything irritating from someone in my team, I just
try to avoid it interfering with my productivity unless it’s extremely disastrous to my personal life
and mental health. I try as much as I can to be tolerant as I do not expect everyone to be perfect.
12. Where Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now?
Answer: I see myself in a senior managerial position handling an important portfolio for this
company. I believe in positive change and growth. I do not desire to work in this junior position
for too long.
13. What Are Your Expectations?
Answer: Professional advancement and a good future.
14. What’s Your Ability To Work Under Pressure?
Answer: I keep myself calm and focus on multi-tasking while being patient.
15. For How Long Do You Expect To Work if hired?
Answer: For as long as I feel professionally challenged.
