You know which interview questions and answers we’re talking about!
Take some time to read through these common interview questions and answers. Regardless of what position you’re applying for, it’s highly likely that your interviewer will ask you a few of these seemingly difficult questions!1- Tell us about yourself.
When recruiters ask you this question, keep in mind, they don’t really care that much about your personal life, unless it pertains to the job you’re applying for. They want to know how your background makes you a perfect fit for the job. Stick to experiences that paint you as a good candidate, where did you go to school? what did you study? What are your qualities? are you assertive, organized? Use specific experiences that illustrate this.
2- Why are you looking for another job (or why did you leave your previous job)?
Never mention anything bad about your previous work! No bad mouthing! This tells employers that if you had any grudge against them in the future, you’d be smack talking them to friends and family (and future employers). Also avoid talking about wanting to get paid more, this usually doesn’t go well for future employers. Instead, focus on a more neutral and positive reason for moving on. For example, you want to go into a position that offers international opportunities, or allows you to learn more about X subject. This shows desire to grow (and become a better employee).
3- Why do you want this job?
Man, this is a crappy question. Don’t you just want to say, “so you can pay me?”. That won’t cut it though, so don’t say it. Instead, do your ressearch beforehand and find out what the ‘cool’ factors that job has. Do you want to deal with the large clients the company deals with? Maybe you like their area of work, or the role you’re applying for would allow you to exercise all the managing skills you’ve gained in your past work experience/education. Focus on factors that would benefit the company.
4- What would your previous co-workers say about you?
This is always a tricky question. I’d prefer to chuckle and say “you don’t want to know”. Don’t do that.
Realistically, you want to mention neutral things your co-workers would say. Don’t tell them that they’ say you’re a ‘great team player who go his/her job done.” They won’t believe that for a second (it’s a canned answer). Tell them how you’d pester them to pay attention when you’re teaching them something that would help them, or how you brought in cookies every once in a while. It needs to sound positive for you without sounding like you’re making it up on the spot, use actual experiences.
5. How do you handle stressful situations and working under pressure?
Whatever you say, don’t ever make it seem like you’re not a team player. Emphasize that you work with your team to create solutions in difficult situations, and if you don’t know something you seek help. They want to know that if something were to happening in your position at their company, you could handle it.
6- What are you like working in a team?
Depending on the position you’re applying for, you want to picture yourself as a leader or a team-player. Will you rebel against your future manager? Will you seek help from your co-workers? They want to hear specific experiences from your past that make you an ideal candidate to blend into their team.
7- What is your greatest strength?
Best honest with this question. Your strength should relate to the position you’re applying for. When answering, make sure it relates to the position, so if you’re great at mediating conflict and your position deals a lot with customer service talk about that. If not, choose another quality. Don’t say something dull, such as you being punctual all the time, make yourself look unique to others.
8- What is your biggest weakness?
Don’t you just hate this question? It’s probably the hardest one to answer. You don’t want to make yourself look bad, but you can’t tell them you don’t have weaknesses. Choose something that can be fixed, and express steps you’ve taken to fix the issue. For example, you could say that you’re biggest issue is not keeping the best organization for appointments, however if the past few weeks you’ve been using a smart phone to keep track of all meetings and it’s really helped. This shows honesty, but more importantly, initiative.
9 – Tell me about a suggestion that you have made that has been successfully implemented.
This is another question where they want to see initiative. Think hard of a time where your suggestion when farther than an idea in your head. It could be a minor thing that actually resulted in something positive. It doesn’t have to been from the office, it could be something you did at home, at college, with friends, or as part of the community.
10- Why should we hire you?
They want to know what makes you different. It’s crucial you share a specific experience in your past that makes you different. Maybe you did something in your past job that makes perfect for the job. Take all your experiences and make it seem like you were born for this job! Don’t focus on other people, don’t think “I’m better than other people”, focus on yourself and why you’re perfect for the job. If someone found a better explanation, then oh well, you tried your best. Move on!
11- Regarding salary, what are your expectations?
Research the industry and role you’re applying for. Come up with a range (by $15k or so) so that you can have some negotiation power later on. Don’t price yourself too high, because then they won’t hire you, but don’t give a low salary just to get the job, they might think you’re not experienced enough for the job.
12- Do you have any questions for us?
Yes, yes you do have questions. Think of questions before you go into the interview, don’t you dare say “nope, I think all my questions were answered during the interview”. They want someone interested in the job, and you have to show it. Ask intriguing questions such as “what are the opportunities to work with other departments, promotions, international travel, more educational opportunities, sharing your own ideas, etc etc”.
Seem passionate about the job! A great question that I personally recommend asking is “We’ve finished the interview, you’ve heard my answers, is there anything I’ve said, or something you saw in my resume that concerns you or you have any more questions about?” This tells them that you have nothing to hide, you’d like to address doubts right there, so that when they think of you in the next coming days, they have no question about your qualification.
That’ll nail it!
Hope these common interview questions and answers help you prepare for your next employer meet up. Post your own thoughts in the comment section!
