Job interviews can feel exciting and startling. It's like trying to solve a puzzle about yourself while hoping to impress the person asking the questions. But don't worry! We're here to help you figure it out. By learning how to answer the most common interview questions, you'll feel more confident and ready to show off your skills to potential employers.
Imagine your job interview as a big opportunity to tell your story. You're the main character, and the interviewer wants to know all about you. But sometimes, it's hard to find the right words. That's where we come in! We'll break down the top 10 questions you might get asked and give you tips on answering them. You'll be ready to shine in any interview with a little practice!
Nothing less than thorough preparation is needed to sail through the interview smoothly; hence, you must be aware of all the important questions you might be asked.
An interviewer expects nothing but the best candidate for the role. With the advent of technology, all the required information to ace a job interview is available at your fingertips. Effectively, you are expected to have gone through the important questions.
How to Prepare for the Job Interview Questions and Answers?
A thorough preparation includes knowing the “Whys” of a question and the “Hows” of answering it.
Hence, we have curated this blog on 10 important job interview questions and answers, where each question has 4 subsections –
Why is this question asked,
Tips on – How to approach that particular question,
A sample answer for the question to give you a reference point,
And finally, 2-3 additional links to help you prepare for the answer.
Let’s get started!!
1. What are your strengths?
Why is this question asked?
The question evaluates your aptitude for the vacancy. Your response to this question will help the interviewer understand if your strengths align with the company’s requirements for the job. For instance, let’s say you have a Master's in Finance; a good answer would showcase your proficiency with financial tools and techniques. Also, the interviewer is looking for an answer that shows that you’re both self-aware and confident.
Tips on how to answer this question:
This question is easy if approached diligently. The ideal answer would be to include the unique abilities that make you stand out as a candidate for the job. Make sure you back your talents with specific examples.
In giving examples to justify the “What are your strengths” answer, the following should be considered:
- Your greatest strength is usually the specific aptitude required for the position.
- Your strengths set you apart from other candidates.
- Your excellent communication skills are demonstrated in the response.
GOOD ANSWER:
I have a strong work ethic and excellent writing skills. When working on a project, I don’t just try to meet the deadlines. I make sure that my work is completed way ahead of schedule. During my stint at my earlier job, I was awarded a bonus for completing two important projects one week ahead.
I have a strong attention to detail when it comes to my writing skills. Having worked as a content writer for around three years, I have experience writing for various publications, where I had to follow their strict deadlines while making sure that my work was up to the mark.
References
1.https://uptowork.com/blog/what-are-your-strengths
2.https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-your-greatest-strength-2061282
2. What are your weaknesses?
Why is this question asked?
Recruiters prefer hiring professionals who are always ready to learn new aspects and improve their aptitude. You shouldn’t deny having real weaknesses. But make sure that the weaknesses you mention don’t interfere with the responsibilities of the job in question.
Also, while mentioning your weaknesses, include details on how you’re taking steps to correct those weaknesses.
Tips on how to answer this question:
You should demonstrate honesty during the interview session by not being shy about admitting your weaknesses. Make sure the mentioned weakness provides no serious drawback to the target position.
Don’t: Never tell an interviewer,” I have no weaknesses.”It is a sign of dishonesty and may be why you may not get selected. Recruiters have stringent rules on dishonesty.
Most interviewers are interested in you demonstrating the ability and zeal to minimize your weaknesses. It is all about self-improvement!
Mention activities you may have taken to become a better you.
GOOD ANSWER:
I believe I have issues with telling a “no” to people. Hence, when my supervisors give me work, even though I already have my hands full, I tend to take up extra projects, which has affected my efficiency a few times. When this happened, I quickly analysed the situation and made efforts the next time to take on a few projects at a time and give it my best. I found out that, with a few projects in my hand, I could complete the projects faster.
References
- https://uptowork.com/blog/what-is-your-greatest-weakness
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-best-way-to-answer-whats-your-biggest-weakness
3. Why are you interested in working for us?
Why is this question asked?
When interviewing prospective employees, employers are eager to determine which candidates really want the job and would invest genuine effort in bettering the company and which just want a job, any job, regardless of what the position entails.
Tips on how to answer this question:
This question requires a perfect grasp of the company’s mission and services. You will need to diligently research the activities of the organization and use it to provide a suitable answer during the interview session. The quality of your response will be determined by your knowledge of the company. The “About Us” section of the employer’s website would contain valuable information.
Also, make sure you explore the company’s LinkedIn page. You can request information about job requirements by connecting with an HR representative from the company. This will help you to prepare better for the interview.
An appropriate response should showcase an appreciable knowledge of the organization. This implies you must research to identify specific reasons for wanting to work for the company.
GOOD ANSWER:
Not only is your company’s work environment challenging, but also there are opportunities that I am excited to start working on. The products that your company develops are one of a kind, and as I am a product developer myself, it excites me to work in such a dynamic environment. The skills I am bringing to the table will be a perfect match for the job role you’re offering. Also, your company culture is amazing, and I love how all your efforts are centred around the betterment of the community.
References
- https://biginterview.com/blog/2013/03/why-do-you-want-to-work-here.html
- https://www.thebalance.com/why-do-you-want-to-work-here-2061292
4.What can you offer us that someone else can’t?
Why is this question asked?
The question helps the recruiter identify your confidence level, and whether you have the required skills to make you a good fit for the job. Your humility level will be determined through this question.
Tips on how to answer this question:
List your strengths and explain to the interviewer why that makes you a perfect fit for the position.
Mentioning unique attributes instead of general attributes would also help you stand out in the recruitment process.
“Avoid sounding too cliche”, says Lisa Baker-King, a San Antonio-based business consultant. Avoid enumerating skills that are common to all professionals, such as, “I’m great with people,” “I have a strong work ethic,” or “I have a great attitude,” she says.
GOOD ANSWER:
Throughout my career, I have always tried to diversify my skills. Though I have an engineering background, I have tried to expand my skills by learning whatever interests me throughout the course of my professional journey. For example, I was fascinated by digital marketing and went ahead and learnt it. Hence, while developing products, I not only have the technical ability to develop them, but I also have the knack to market the developed products so that they reach the right kind of customers and clients. I believe this is a unique skill set I am bringing to the table.
References
5.Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.
Why is this question asked?
The interviewer wants to comprehend the applicant's skills by asking this question. The interests and accomplishments of the candidate revealed during the interview will help the interviewer determine if the applicant will add value to the company.
Tips on how to answer this question:
Ensure you provide specific examples of events that were challenging and how you successfully resolved them. Come up with a few good examples beforehand that highlight your profile and make you look like a better fit for the job.
The accomplishment you choose to describe also gives the interviewer a sense of your background, values, and interests. This will help the interviewer determine if your personal values align with those of the company.
GOOD ANSWER:
When I was posted in Canada for a while, I was apprehensive as it was my first time abroad. It took me a while to adjust to the people, the culture and the new assignment I was working on. But I took it as a challenge, gave it my best efforts and achieved a positive outcome. My supervisors extended my stay in Canada for a few more months as they felt I could achieve even more for the company. The fact that I went out of my comfort zone and reached new heights makes me extremely proud of this achievement.
References
1.https://www.livecareer.com/interview/questions/tell-me-about-an-accomplishment-you-are-most-proud-of
2.https://biginterview.com/blog/2017/04/greatest-accomplishment-question.html
6. Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
Why is this question asked?
This question seeks to see how you react to negative circumstances. This helps the company ascertain your maturity level and versatility.
Tips on how to answer this question:
The first thing to do is to maintain a high level of confidence in telling your story. Ensure you mention lessons learned from every tough situation and how it has shaped you into a better person.
Mention how you –
- Don’t give up ever.
- Are responsible for your actions instead of blaming other people.
- Demonstrate the attributes of a winner in the tests of life
GOOD ANSWER:
When I got promoted to a managerial post at my earlier company, I tried to do everything by myself, from handling day-to-day operations to making big sales calls. Unfortunately, that didn’t go as planned, and I wasn’t performing to my full potential. I was always busy with something or the other and couldn’t focus on the major tasks at hand. Later, I realized my mistake and started delegating tasks effectively.
References
- https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-answer-job-interview-question-when-did-do-something-wrong-0922
- https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-rules-that-guarantee-youll-nail-the-answer-to-tell-me-about-a-time-you-made-a-mistake
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Why is this question asked?
This question is widely asked in several interviews with major multinationals. By asking you this question, the interviewer wants to figure out your short-term and long-term goals, which in turn will determine the length of time you can be expected to stay there.
Tips on how to answer this question:
Frame your response so that the interviewer feels that you value this job and that receiving this job will be instrumental in terms of your career growth. Make sure your response portrays an appreciable degree of honesty. Also, don’t be vague while answering this question, as the interviewer might think you’re not that invested in the position.
The following tips will guide you in your response:
- Outline a Career Path
- Showcase Your Interest in This Job
- Mention Your Career Improvement Plan
GOOD ANSWER:
Well, I’m excited to be handling the marketing side of a few products in your company. In a few years, I would like to see myself heading the marketing campaigns of not just one product but many diverse products in your company, hence increasing the outreach of the products. I would love to expand to other verticals and see myself as an expert in product marketing and brand management.
References
- https://resources.biginterview.com/interview-questions-answers/where-do-you-see-yourself-five-years/
8. Describe yourself.
Why is this question asked?
Describing yourself will help the interviewer determine if you fit the company's work culture and are a good fit for the position. What you think about yourself is also valuable to the employer since it creates a first impression of your personality.
Tips on how to answer this question:
Be frank with your answer. The job description can be a perfect guide for your response and answer, showcasing how you’re the right fit for the job. The recruiter seeks honesty, so be straightforward with your answer. Also, mention your achievements and how they were possible because of your unique strengths. You can also talk about your likes and dislikes, but make sure you avoid any sensitive topics.
GOOD ANSWER:
I’m a creative thinker, as I like to explore alternative solutions to problems. My optimistic nature has helped me overcome tough times, as I never give up, no matter how tough situations get. But that doesn’t mean I am unrealistic. I know to draw that line between what is possible and what is not and, accordingly, take action. My colleagues would describe me as a great team player, as I always put the team’s interests first. I have also helped my team bond well with a lot of team-building activities. With these qualities, I would fit in easily with your work culture.
References
1.https://www.thebalance.com/job-interview-question-how-would-you-describe-yourself-2064058
9.Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.
Why is this question asked?
The question helps the interviewer evaluate your response to tricky or uneasy questions. This, in turn, will help them foresee how you will handle unexpected challenges in the future.
Tips on how to answer this question:
Your answer should radiate problem-solving skills that can impress the interviewer.
Remember to discuss your critical thinking abilities and your techniques for managing problems. Also, mention an example where you had to handle a difficult situation and how you tactfully resolved it.
GOOD ANSWER:
The first thing I do when a difficult situation arises is that I acknowledge that there is a problem which we have to get through. For example, when the software development of our new product was stalled because there were a lot of unexpected bugs in it, I knew that I needed to step up as my team relied on me. I coordinated with the team, which managed to get the schedule back on track. We were able to successfully troubleshoot the issues and solve the problems within a very short time and without completely burning out our team. I could do that by proposing and implementing testing protocols at every stage of the development process. The final result was such that we were able to launch a near-perfect finished product which hardly received any customer complaints.
References
- https://www.livecareer.com/interview/questions/tell-me-how-you-handled-a-difficult-situation
- https://www.thebalance.com/job-interview-question-how-did-you-handle-a-challenge-2061243
10. Why should we hire you?
Why is this question asked?
The interviewer wants you to convince him why you are the perfect fit for the job. This question seeks to squeeze out valuable information about the personality of the candidate applying for the position.
Tips on how to answer this question:
Convince the interviewer by telling him about –
- Your ability to carry out quality work and have noteworthy outcomes.
- Your exceptional teamwork aptitude which will make the organization better.
- Your multidisciplinary and unique skills make you the perfect applicant for the job.
Give examples of all the points mentioned above. Also, talk about the benefits of recruiting you and how it would be a worthy decision for the company.
GOOD ANSWER:
I have top-notch technical skills and believe I would be an asset to the company. My skill set is a good mixture of excellent programming skills backed up with good management skills. But this hasn’t deterred me from learning new skills. I have been constantly honing my skills by doing MOOCs and attending workshops. This is why I feel I would be an excellent team player in both contributing to the team technically, as well as managing the dynamics of the team. In this company, where developing a technically sound product is as important as communicating with the clients, I believe I can bring the apt skills to the table. Hence, I seem to be a perfect match for your requirements.
References
- https://biginterview.com/blog/2013/04/why-should-we-hire-you.html
- https://www.thebalance.com/why-should-we-hire-you-best-answers-2061261
Conclusion
As you can observe, getting ready for an interview demands comprehensive research and effort. It's certainly not something to take lightly.
Ensure you allocate sufficient time to concentrate on crafting your responses. Avoid the error of memorizing answers as it can come across as insincere, and interviewers can easily discern it.
Instead, familiarize yourself with the principles underlying each question and rehearse a few times with friends, mentors, or in front of a mirror.
Pro Tip: Record your answers and listen to them. This way, you will know where you are fumbling and can improve in the right areas.
Best of luck with your interview!
Please let us know in the comment section below how your interview went!
