Sometimes we wish we knew what questions Recruiters & Hiring Managers are going to ask us in our interviews
Wouldn’t it be great if this were possible?
Unfortunately, we cannot know for certain what questions will be asked, but we can prepare ourselves as best we can by researching the most common questions asked during interviews and how to answer them
Below we have complied a list of questions that are most commonly asked during interview and how you should preferably answer them to ensure you remain a top candidate
CLASSIC QUESTIONS
Question 1
Tell me about yourself
This question is crucial and we should always prepare our answer for this question. Instead of providing them with your entire employment or personal history, use this opportunity to talk about your current role and showcase your relevant knowledge and skills that make prove why you’re an excellent candidate for the position you are being interviewed for
Question 2
How did you hear about this position?
When you apply for an interview, it is important to do research on the company to ensure that you would be a great fit and vice versa
Use this opportunity to showcase your passion for the position and the company you are interested in working for
Share how you came across the position whether it be through an article, through word of mouth and so forth
Question 3
Why do you want to work at this company?
Do some research on the company and point out something that makes the company unique that appeals to you
For Example Mention how you’ve watched the company grow since you first heard about them
Focus on the opportunities that lie ahead and the possible growth and how you can contribute to this
Question 4
Why do you want this job?
Companies want to hire people who are passionate about their job and the industries they work in so you should prepare a great answer about why you want this position
Start off by identifying key factors that make the position a great fit for YOU
I.e. State that you love customer support because you enjoy the interaction and satisfaction that comes from helping someone
Then you can share why you would love the opportunity to work at the company you have applied at
Question 5
Why should we hire you?
This is an excellent opportunity for you to sell yourself as an employee and showcase your knowledge and skills pertaining to the position you are applying for as well as what you can bring to the table
Your answer should cover three things: that you can do the work, while always endeavouring to deliver excellent results and that that you be thrilled to fit in with the team and company culture
Question 6
What can you bring to the company?
Be careful not to give the interviewer your entire employment background again when they ask you this question
Read the job description closely, do as much research as you can on the company itself and pay attention to understand any issues you are being hired to solve
Once you have identified this, connect your skills and experience to what the company needs in order to overcome these issues and if possible, share examples of how you overcame similar issues in the past with your past employers
Question 7
What are your greatest strengths?
When answering this question, rather than rambling on about generic qualities that a good employee should have, think long and hard about what makes you great and stand out above the rest
Select two important qualities that make you an excellent fit for the position and the company and use examples about why these are your strengths
‘Stories are always more memorable than generalizations’
Question 8
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
When an interview is asking you this question, apart from identifying any major red-flags, they want to gauge your self-awareness and honesty
No one is perfect so answering with, “Nothing! I’m perfect!” is not an acceptable answer
Think of something that you might struggle with but what you’re currently working on to improve
For example, maybe you’re not a strong public speaker but you’ve forced yourself to volunteer to run meetings in order for you to speak in front of a large group of people to help you get over your fear and improve your communication skills
This article was taken from Themuse.com and the full article can be viewed here:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/interview-questions-and-answers#c0b1463a-7528-48c4-b219-88db822986b5
