Interview Questions and Answers
When looking for a job, the first thing you do, besides creating a killer resume and cover letter, is to prepare for the job interview. This part of job application can be the hardest and most stressful for applicants.
Being evaluated by people who have your future in their hands can really be nerve-racking. You would have to leave them with a great impression to let them know that you are really fit for the role.
Both online interviews and face-to-face interviews tend to last no less than 30 minutes and only 7 seconds to make a great first impression. However, based on research, 45 minutes to an hour is the golden number when it comes to job interviews. It provides enough time and flexibility for both sides to get to know one another.
Before the interview, you may have heard interviewers say that there are no right or wrong answers just to calm you down. However, most of the time, this is not true. Almost all hiring managers or interviewers are looking for a specific way of answering.
Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Impressing your interviewer can be challenging, especially when you are feeling anxious during the job interview. Check these most frequently asked interview questions and sample answers to help you in your next job interview.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is one of the most common interview questions you are likely to be asked. It can be tricky for some applicants since it might be too vague or open-ended, but the key to answering this question is to let the interviewer know why you are an excellent fit for the job.
Be ready to talk about yourself and why you’re an ideal candidate for the position. Share a little bit about your personal details but keep your answer work-related. Tell them about your background, such as how you began your career or your current line of work.
Focus on sharing about your professional story and if possible, keep your answer up to 2 minutes length only.
2. What makes you qualified for the job?
Of course, the interviewer wants to know whether you have all the required qualifications. Make it seem like you are trying to make a sales pitch but this time, you are trying to sell yourself.
During a job interview, be confident and concise with your answers. Tell them about your qualifications and the requirements in the job listing then align with what the interviewer is looking for.
3. What do you know about our company?
This is one of the most important questions during job interviews. Most interviewers would want to know if applicants do research before the actual interview. In fact, according to a report, 47% of candidates fail their interviews because they don’t have enough information about the company.
That’s why it is important that you’ve done your research both about the position you are applying for and the company you are applying to. Keep in mind that going to an interview unprepared can make you look a little desperate – somebody who will take any job they can find. And some employers don’t want that.
So, before your interview, do research by visiting the website or LinkedIn account of the company. Be prepared to be asked what caught your interest and made you want to be part of their business.
4. Why are you looking to leave your current job?
If you are looking for a job but still employed, you may want to be prepared for this question. The best thing to do is be honest but remember to keep it positive. Never badmouth your current employer, colleague, and supervisor.
You may say that you are currently exploring and looking for other opportunities. Also, tell them that you would want to gain more knowledge about other industries. This way, you will not leave a bad comment about your current job.
5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is a typical question in job interviews since employers would want to know how well you are qualified for the position. They would want to know where you are good at and how do you handle your weaknesses.
When discussing your strengths, it would be better to show them than telling them. For instance, if you are a good problem-solver, you can share a situation wherein you were able to provide a great solution to a problem. Tell them how you were able to overcome the situation.
For your weaknesses, try to frame your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities. Explain to the interviewer how you are able to turn your weaknesses into strengths.
6. What are your salary expectations?
Questions about money are always tricky to answer. This is extremely important because you don’t want to sell yourself short or price yourself out of a job offer.
That’s why research is really helpful. Try to search about the salary range that the employee for the job usually receives. Or, to be safe, you may also tell them that you don’t have a specific target salary in mind yet and you would want to focus first on finding the best-fitting role for you.
7. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Employers ask this question to know if the job they are offering fits with your goals and if you have a plan of staying with the company for a long time. They would want to know where you envision your career going and if you are actually doing something to reach your goals.
So, the best thing to do is to pick a goal that is work-related. Make sure that it is kind of ambitious and challenging. This will impress your interviewer and would make them want to know you better. The position you are applying for should be aligned with your long-term goals and plans.
8. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
This is actually your chance to share about your biggest achievement in your professional life. Tell something that you are proud of and explain why you are proud of it.
You may share a story about how you were able to overcome a problem, how you were to conquer your fear or share your transformation story. Highlight your skills and abilities in your story. Make sure that the interviewer would be able to recognize your positive traits.
One of the most essential parts of a job interview is the preparation. It is important to get to know yourself better so that it will be easier for you to answer all the questions. Make sure that you are answering every question effectively.
To make a great impression, you have to answer each question confidently and with poise. Make it look like you are in control and that you are passionate about the job you are applying for. Take note of the small details that could help you have an edge compared to other candidates.
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Interview Questions and Answers. It would take a lot of effort to impress an employer. You would need to research and prepare for the interview. That’s why it is important to make sure that all your efforts are worth it. Look for an employer that will help you grow in the long run.
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