“Why did you quit your previous job?” What are your areas of weakness? What kind of fruit, if any, would you be, and why?
So some interview questions are simpler to respond to than others, I guess. Even if you can’t anticipate the exact questions you’ll be asked, any inquiry has the potential to cause you to falter unless, of course, you have prepared beforehand.
Here is a list of frequently asked interview questions and how to respond to them to help you get a sense of what might be asked:
1. Tell me about yourself…
An introductory question that is frequently asked, partly because the interviewers want to learn more about you but largely because they want to test your reaction by putting you in a difficult situation.
You should fully utilize the tremendous control they have given you in this situation. However, they have not requested a biography of your life.
Don’t stray too far from the topic and strive to keep your response on point. Remember that you are here to interview for a specific job at this time. Keep in mind that the interviewer is not merely chit-chatting.
Correct response: It should last two to three minutes and briefly discuss your training, your interest in the topic, your work background, and your experience.
Incorrect response: A dossier of your personal life such as “Born in 1990, from a large family. Oldest and most creative among my brothers, endorsing an eastern philosophy…”
2. What are your weaknesses…?
Realizing that you do in fact have some is the first step in answering this question (being a perfectionist is not one of them).
Everyone has areas in which they can strengthen or develop. And in the long run, you’ll save a ton of time by being honest with yourself here.
The greatest responses to this query pick out one of your flaws and then provide specific illustrations of how you’re attempting to remedy it. A good illustration of this kind of response might be:
I used to find it challenging to work on multiple projects at once; I much prefer to complete one activity before beginning another. I have, however, learned how to better manage my schedule after completing a time management course recently, which makes it simpler for me to multitask when necessary.
Correct response: Weakness plus your efforts to solve it eventually leads to strength.
Incorrect response: “Kryptonite”
3. Why should you get this job?
This is openly intended to elicit a personal sales pitch.
This is your chance to explain why you want the position and why you would be the ideal fit for the organization, as there will likely be a number of other candidates having interviews.
In essence, the business is employing for a reason (a brief summary of which can usually be found in the job description). You must present yourself as the one who can achieve this.
Correct response: “According to everything we’ve spoken about so far, you’re seeking out X (or “having an issue with X”). I have previously shown that I possess X, Y, and Z (experience and your key strengths), which have greatly benefited my prior workplace.
Incorrect response: “I just need the money badly.”
4. What are your salary expectations?
Always keep this question in the back of your mind while you finish off your interview preparations.
You may get a general estimate by looking at the typical wage for someone with your level of experience and training in this field.
But keep in mind that this is just the first interview. The position has not been extended to you. There’s no reason to try to start negotiations at this time. Giving a broad wage range will typically be sufficient to advance the conversation, but be ready to back it up if necessary.
Just resist the urge to undersell yourself. Check out our average wage checker if you’re not sure where to begin.
Correct response: A general (but realistic) response, such as “I’m looking for a beginning salary somewhere between £25,000 and £30,000,” is the appropriate response.
Incorrect response: “I’m not sure. How much do you consume?
5. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Ah, the standby favorite at job interviews.
The interviewer wants to know that you have considered your future and to assess your level of ambition. Additionally, they want to make sure that this isn’t just a stopgap arrangement.
This is especially true with this question, however all of your responses should be customized to the organization and position you’ve applied for. Explain your career goals, for instance, “I’d like to progress to a Senior Software Engineer” or “I see myself being a team leader” if you’re applying for an entry-level role.
Explain how you’d like to advance the organization if you’re applying for a more senior job.
Correct response: Have a strong interest in the field. Adapt your career aims to the company’s goals, show ambition, and play to your talents.
Incorrect response: “On the opposite side of this desk.”
Final Thoughts
At WhatVacancy we help both organizations and job seekers to match and partner up. With our unique AI-powered job-matching technology, organizations can find potential candidates in real-time. Job seekers will be approached automatically by our system for relevant jobs only that align both your skills and your culture.
