Are you looking for a new job and want to make the best impression during the interview? Are you nervous about all the questions you have to answer? Some questions are commonly asked, but is there a “right” way to answer them all?
We believe it’s better to be prepared and have the necessary information.
With that idea in mind, let’s find out what are the most popular questions you can expect during any interview and how to respond in an authentic and confident way. So, apart from an amazing CV, you should be prepared for these questions.
8 Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Here are some of the best examples from the interviews where you get a chance to portray your qualities and allow your future employer to get to know you better.
1. Tell me something about yourself
This is by far one of the most popular first questions that serve as conversation starters in the interview, but no matter how general this question might be, it’s an opportunity for you to shine. This is not the time to talk too much about your personal life; instead, focus on your professional career and demonstrate why you are there in the first place.
Answer:
“Hey everyone, my name is [your name], and I’m currently working in [your position]. I finished [your school], and I’ve had many different working experiences and volunteering opportunities. While I love my job and the assignments in my current position, I’m ready to explore my options and improve my skills in another company.”
2. Why Did You Decide to Apply for This Position?
This is a question a lot of potential employers will ask to determine your passion for the profession and determination. It’s not enough to just want a salary upgrade; you need to show genuine interest in the company and the position you are applying to.
Answer:
“I always wanted to put my degree and experience to good use and learn new skills as I go. I’ve been following the progress of your company for a while, and I love what you bring to the table, so I would love to be a part of your team.”
3. What Are Your Biggest Strengths?
This is not the time to impress your interviewer with imagination and exaggerations, but rather an opportunity to use your previous experiences as an example. Depending on the position you are trying to get, the answers can be different. The key is to mention two to three strengths and back them up with examples.
Answer:
“I would say my biggest strengths are that I pick up new skills fast, and I work well under pressure. My previous working experience taught me to think on my feet and quickly adjust to new conditions, and that’s why I consider this a great position for my skills.”
4. What Is Your Biggest Weakness?
This is one of the most challenging questions to answer because you need to be honest about your weaknesses and not undermine your chances too much. Keep in mind that some answers can be pretty bad for your reputation, so don’t humblebrag and show that you are working on improving your skills.
Answer:
“My biggest weakness is my lack of communication skills and shyness, which I’m constantly working on. I push myself out of my comfort zone daily to improve my abilities and overcome anxiety in social situations. While this trait might not be noticeable at first, it’s my dedication to resolving the problem that helped the most.
5. Why Should We Hire You?
Interviewers love this question to test the candidates and assess their confidence. While this might sound like an invitation to brag, it’s a good idea to keep it simple and focus more on what you can provide to the company. Don’t oversell your skills considering you will have to prove them in the future and leave room for improvement.
Answer:
“Well, I have over [number] of years experience, and I’m still willing to learn new skills. I’ll be able to provide results almost immediately and apply my previous knowledge to help you resolve any potential problems.”
6. hat Are Your Salary Expectations?
Another tricky question a lot of candidates don’t know how to reply to. If the offer has mentioned the salary, this won’t be problematic. In other scenarios, you need to know the average salary for that position, how well the company is doing, and always aim for a higher salary than your previous one. The following example is just a rough estimate, so the actual numbers will depend on the position you are applying for.
Answer:
“I would say the monthly salary of $1500 to $2000 should be enough to start.”
7. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
While this question might look like an innocent topic to talk about, it’s rather challenging to answer. The key is to be honest and speak to the HR representative about your career plans and if you see yourself in the position long term. Depending on the offer, they want to see the passion for improvement but also loyalty to the company.
Answer:
“I plan on learning and improving my skills in the position offered. This is enough time to pick up new lessons and boost my knowledge so that I can offer more to the company and even confidently move up in the management.”
8. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
Most interviews will end with this sentence, which might sound formal, but it’s an opportunity to leave a good impression. If you are not too interested in the company, you don’t have to ask them any further questions, but if you genuinely want to work there, show some interest in the end.
Answer:
- Do you have any training programs for new and existing employees?
- What does a workday look like in your company?
- What might be the biggest challenges in this position?
- What is the next step in the hiring process?
