In a previous post, we discussed how best to be prepared and what to expect at a Job interview. This time we will be addressing explicitly what interview questions are mostly asked and how best to tackle them with all the confidence you have in you.
Generally speaking, interview questions are mostly of two types;
Questions related to the field of study or job description
Technical questions that have no direct answers
In this article, we will be looking specifically at the technical questions that have no direct answers as these are the kind of questions that tend to throw the most interviewees off balance.
One might have been the best in class, or a guru in his field of study, but could still not get the job due to his inability to attempt such questions.
While no two job interviews are the same, there are a few questions that companies frequently ask when interviewing prospects. You can give yourself an advantage over other candidates by practicing confident responses to some of the more typical interview questions.
Here are some of the most often requested interview questions, as well as tips on how to respond effectively.
What can you tell me about yourself?
This is frequently the first question asked in most interviews, and it is one of the most crucial. Keep it short — know your CV inside and out, and focus on presenting a one- to two-minute pitch for yourself, stressing the important successes in your work history. Start with a summary of your highest qualification, then go over the roles you've held thus far in your career.
You can use the same format as your CV, including examples of accomplishments and abilities you've acquired along the road. Skip the personal background and instead talk about your career path and how you ended up in this interview and applying for this job in approximately 2-3 phrases.
You don't have to go into great depth because there will be lots more questions. You simply want to pique the interviewer's interest enough that they want to learn more about you throughout the interview.
Why do you wish to work for this company?
When an interviewer asks this question, they are interested in learning not only why you want to work for them, but also what you know about the firm.
This question assesses how well you understand the company's mission and how enthusiastic you are about the work they do, so, make sure you understand the organization and can speak honestly about your desire to work there.
How did you learn about this opportunity?
Don't just mention you found out about the position on a website when asked this during an interview. This is your chance to explain why you like this firm and what motivates you to desire to work there in greater depth. Furthermore, if you have a personal relationship with someone in the company, now is a wonderful moment to mention their name!
Tell me about something on your CV that makes you stand out as someone we should recruit?
Everyone has a skill or accomplishment on their CV that they are particularly proud of. Consider answering this question with the most fascinating thing on your resume, whether it's a talent or achievement you've stated or a specific area you worked.
Plus, don't just state something about your most recent position–you'll be questioned about it anyway. Instead, reflect on one of your earlier employment on your CV and discuss how it shaped you into the person you are today. .
Emphasize what makes you unique. This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits
Basically, you are trying to give them reason to choose you over other candidates. What do you have/can do differently from the others.
To begin, make a summary of your experiences: "With my 10 years of
expertise working in the financial field and my proven track record of
saving the company money, I could make a major difference in your firm. I
am convinced that I would be a valuable member of your team."
Concentrate
on your fortes: what distinguishes you and where do your key strengths
lie? Outline what you can bring to the table in terms of experience,
personality, and zeal.
Where do you see yourself few years from now?
This can be a difficult question to answer during an interview, especially if you haven't prepared ahead of time. Remember that you're at an interview, so you don't have to go into great depth about your own life goals for the following five years. Concentrate on your career objectives and be practical.
If you've thought about your short- and long-term objectives, an interviewer will be impressed. Discuss the type of job you'd like to undertake in the future and the actions you'll take to get there.
Demonstrate that you have the drive and perseverance to make the most of every job you've done in order to get to where you want to be, and tie it back to the job you're interviewing for. Telling the interviewer that you desire their job is a bad idea.
If you intend to stay at this organization for five years, be sure you know who will be working above you and what opportunities for advancement exist.
This question is asked by the hiring manager to see whether you have established reasonable goals, if you are ambitious, and if the position you are interviewing for corresponds with these goals and growth.
If this isn't precisely a job with a lot of future opportunities, you can just respond that you aren't sure what your future holds, but that you believe this position will help you get there.
Tell me about a workplace conflict you've had and how you handled it?
This is a critical question to ace since it reveals how you deal with conflict to an interviewer. It also helps to assess your ability to think quickly on your feet–so if you prepare ahead of time with a specific example, you'll avoid the awkward quiet while you try to come up with one.
Simply explain what happened, how you resolved the issue in a professional manner, and attempt to end the tale on a good note about how you achieved a resolution or compromise with your coworker once you have an example in mind.
What are your weaknesses?
One of the most common questions asked by interviewers is, "What are your weaknesses?" It's also the most dreaded of all the questions.
Handle it by stressing your strengths and downplaying your flaws. Focus on professional abilities rather than personal qualities: "To be a more effective presenter, I am constantly working to improve my communication skills. I recently joined Toastmasters, which has proven to be really beneficial."
What are your pay expectations?
This is a question that some interviewers will ask, while others will not. While you should never mention pay unless specifically requested or prompted, it's critical to recognize the value of someone with your skills.
Be adaptable - show that you're willing to work out a deal for the proper job and that you're serious about the position.
Employers can inquire about your wage aspirations, however it is forbidden in some jurisdictions to inquire about your prior salary.
What is your ideal occupation?
The interviewer wants to know how realistic you are when setting goals, how ambitious you are, and whether or not the job and company will be a good place for you to grow, similar to the "where do you see yourself in five years" question.
Again, try to put your personal aspirations aside (don't state your dream job is to be paid to take Instagram images) and concentrate on your professional objectives.
Consider how this employment will prepare you for the future and bring you closer to your dream job. However, don't be the person who says, "I want to be the CEO of this company."
Why did you quit your last job?
One of the most important job interview guidelines is to never criticize a previous employer. "Why did you quit (or why are you leaving) your job?" an interviewer can inquire.
If you're unemployed, explain why you're leaving in a favorable light: "I made it through two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round resulted in a 20% employee cut, which included me."
If you're already employed, concentrate on what you want in your next position: "After two years, I decided to look for a company that values teamwork and where I can contribute my knowledge."
How do you handle stress?
In answering this question, you will enable the hiring managers to identify any potential red flags that you might have.
It is important to portray yourself as one that can deal with stress in a professional and constructive way that allows you to continue working or does not prevent you from achieving your objectives.
Furthermore, be specific and explain how you deal with stress–for example, taking a 15-minute break to go for a walk outside or marking items off a to-do list.
Final notes: Do not forget that practice and proper preparation is key. This helps build your confidence and it greatly affects positively your presentation. You can never be 100% prepared for an interview, but you can be prepared enough for it. Cheers and Goodluck!
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