When it comes to nailing an interview, preparation is key. In addition to researching the company and your interviewer, you’ll also want to anticipate questions you may be asked and have thoughtful answers prepared.
To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of common interview questions and suggestions for how to answer them.
1. Tell me about yourself
This question is often used as an icebreaker, but it can also throw off even the most confident job seekers. Instead of rambling on about your personal life or hobbies, use this opportunity to give the interviewer a brief overview of your professional background and accomplishments. Keep your answer focused on why you’re the ideal candidate for the job at hand.
2. What are your strengths?
When asked about your strengths, it’s important to be honest and mention qualities that will truly set you apart from other candidates. However, avoid coming across as arrogant or cocky. Instead, focus on how your strengths can benefit the employer. For example, if you’re a great problem solver, you could say something like, “I’m very proactive when it comes to finding solutions. I usually take the initiative to research different options and then present my findings to the team.”
3. What are your weaknesses?
We all have weaknesses, but employers don’t want to hear about them. When faced with this question, it’s best to turn it into a positive by mentioning a weakness that can also be seen as a strength. For example, if you’re a perfectionist, you could say something like, “I sometimes have a hard time letting go of a project even after it’s been completed because I want to make sure it’s perfect. However, this attention to detail often leads to higher quality work.”
4. Why are you interested in this position?
This is your opportunity to sell yourself and explain why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. Be specific about what you like about the company and the position, and try to connect your qualifications to the requirements of the job. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you could say something like, “I’m passionate about marketing and I know that I could excel in this role. I’m also very excited about the opportunity to work for a company that is at the forefront of innovation.”
5. Why did you leave your previous job?
If you left your last job on good terms, be sure to mention that. For example, you could say something like, “I was ready for a new challenge and this position seemed like the perfect fit.” If you left your last job on bad terms, however, it’s best to avoid going into too much detail. Instead, focus on the positive and explain what you’re looking for in your next role.
6. What are your salary expectations?
This is a tricky question, but it’s important to be honest. The best way to answer this question is to do your research ahead of time and have a range in mind. For example, you could say something like, ” Based on my research and the qualifications required for this position, I’m looking for a salary in the range of $XX,XXX to $YY,YYY.”
7. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?
This is your opportunity to sell yourself and highlight what makes you unique. Be specific about your qualifications and how they match up with the requirements of the job. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, you could say something like, “I have a proven track record of success when it comes to meeting or exceeding sales targets. In my previous role, I was consistently one of the top performers on my team.”
8. What are your career aspirations?
This question is meant to gauge your long-term goals and see if you’re a good fit for the company. Be honest about where you see yourself in the future, but also make sure that your answer aligns with the company’s values and vision. For example, if you’re applying for a position at a start-up, you could say something like, “I’m very passionate about entrepreneurship and I eventually want to start my own business. I feel like this position would give me the perfect opportunity to learn more about the industry and gain valuable experience.”
9. What is your greatest achievement?
This question is meant to gauge your accomplishments and see what you’re capable of. Be specific about your achievement and highlight how it’s relevant to the job. For example, if you’re applying for a position in customer service, you could say something like, “I once received a customer satisfaction score of 98% after successfully resolving a complex issue. I pride myself on being able to diffuse situations and provide outstanding customer service.”
10. Do you have any questions for us?
This is your opportunity to show that you’re interested in the company and the position. Be sure to ask thoughtful questions that show that you’ve done your research. For example, you could ask about the company’s growth plans or the specific responsibilities of the position. And do not forget about preparing a strong CV before the interview. In order to create a strong CV click here.
When you are preparing for an interview, there are a few things you will need to bring with you in order to make a good impression.
First, you will need to bring several copies of your resume. It is important to have more than one copy in case the interviewer wants to keep one for their records. You should also bring a list of references with you. Be sure to bring at least three references, and make sure they are people who can speak positively about your work ethic and skills.
You will also need to bring a notepad and pen so that you can take notes during the interview. This shows that you are interested in what the interviewer has to say and that you are prepared to ask questions. Finally, you will need to bring a portfolio of your previous work, if applicable. This is a great way to show the interviewer your skills and experience.
