It’s natural to be nervous or anxious during an interview. The main reason? The pressure. But how you answer questions during your job interview greatly influences your chances of being a successful applicant.
Being prepared for your interview is the best way to manage the pressure. Having an idea of what the questions are can really help you prepare your answers and reduce your nerves. Naturally, they won’t always be the same questions, but here are the 10 most common job interview questions you should know:
1. Tell me more about yourself?
You might be tempted to talk about your skills, but your employer already knows these from your resume. When asked this question, talk about what you can contribute and how it can improve the business. Sell your benefits – that is, the outcomes of you doing the work – rather than simply listing off your skills.
2. What is your greatest strength?
Stay away from your personal traits; talk about your professional qualities and how these strengths can help you aid the company.
3. Why did you leave your previous job?
If you are unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive way. Never say negative things about your past employer. If you are employed and are looking for a change, state what you want in your next job.
This is your chance to demonstrate that you’re ambitious, but also a team player. Don’t talk about why you dislike your current job – instead, talk about opportunities you want to tackle in a new job.
4. Why do you want to work here?
Convince the interviewer that you have given the job thorough thought and that you aren’t just sending resumes to every opening. Do your homework – know what the company does and what the position is likely to be.
5. Why should we hire you?
Summarise your skills and experience. Leave a good impression on your future employer.
6. What are your goals?
Talk about your short-term and immediate goals rather than discussing the distant future.
7. What can you do for us that others can’t do?
What makes you unique? Talk about your skills and summarise those that are most useful.
8. What is the most difficult situation you have faced at work?
The interviewer wants to know your definition of difficult. Select a tough work situation and explain how you would approach it.
9. How do you respond to working under pressure?
Describe a situation and how you would handle it calmly. Show the interviewer that you are calm, in control and will get the job done despite the pressure.
10. What questions do you have for me?
Ask about open-ended questions related to the job or the hiring process and their timeline for getting back to you.
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