Your resume is excellent. You send it out, and there’s a lot of interest; you’re ecstatic, as you should be. All of your hard work has finally paid off. However, this is insufficient.
It absolutely astounds me that people will spend years in school and hours upon hours polishing their resume and cover letter to perfection. But once they get that call, they don’t go the extra mile; they don’t put the same effort into getting the job, which is all that really matters. They don’t put the same effort into developing that distinct edge that will set them apart. That is why interviewing skills are so important; your resume may entice employers to respond to your application, but it is your interviewing skills that will get you the job.
An interview skill is the ability to connect the role requirements with your experience – professional or personal. Not only does this give the hiring manager a chance to get to know you, but it also allows you to become more comfortable with the idea of an interview.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 frequent interview questions you'll most likely be asked at a job interview, whether experienced or fresher as well as their best answers. Click To TweetAfter going through the questions, you will have a much better chance of acing the interview.
1. What is your greatest strength?
This is one of the questions that employers almost always ask. When you are asked about your greatest strengths, it’s important to discuss the attributes that will qualify you for the specific job and set you apart from the other candidates.
The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that you have that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. Be prepared to answer by making a list of the qualifications mentioned in the job posting. This is not the time to be humble. While you do not want to exaggerate your strengths, you should be comfortable articulating what makes you an ideal candidate. Creating a list of your strengths (as they relate to the job) will help you answer this question with confidence.
How to answer this question?
Example: I have an extremely strong work ethic. When I’m working on a project, I don’t want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule. Last year, I even earned a bonus for completing my three most recent reports one week ahead of time.
2. What is your greatest weakness?
Another typical question interviewers will ask is about your weaknesses. Do your best to frame your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee. It is a good idea to mention all those skills that you have improved upon during your previous job, so you are showing the interviewer that you can make improvements when necessary.
You can sketch for employers your initial level of functioning, discuss the steps you have taken to improve this area, and then reference your current, improved level of skill.
If you use this strategy be sure not to mention anything that you improved upon that is related to the job for which you are interviewing. You don’t want your qualifications for the job to be questioned.
Another option is to turn a negative into a positive. For example, a sense of urgency to get projects completed or wanting to triple-check every item in a spreadsheet can be turned into strength, i.e., you are a candidate who will make sure that the project is done on time and your work will be close to perfect.
How to answer this question?
Example: I used to wait until the last minute to set appointments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense.
3. Tell me about yourself.
Here’s how to answer questions about you without giving out too much – or too little – personal information.
Start by sharing some of your personal interests which don’t relate directly to work. Volunteer work will demonstrate the seriousness of your character and commitment to the welfare of your community. Be ready to share three or four of the personal qualities, skills and/or areas of expertise that would help you to excel in the job for which you are interviewing. Ultimately, you will want to share several other strengths before the interview is over. Make a list of your strengths before you go into the interview, so you know what you will share. Look at the job description and match it with your skills. Then share the top few skills which make you an ideal candidate for the job. Later in the interview, you will want to be more specific and detailed in discussing situations, interventions and results flowing from your strengths
4. Why should we hire you?
Are you the best candidate for the job? Be prepared to say why. Make your response a concise sales pitch that explains what you have to offer the employer, and why you should get the job.
When you’re getting ready for the interview, take a moment to review the job description. Make a list of the requirements for the position, including personality traits, skills, and qualifications. Then, make a list of the qualities you have that fit these requirements.
For each quality, think of a specific time that you used that trait to achieve something at work. For example, if you list that you are a “team player,” think of a time in which your ability to work well on a team resulted in a successfully completed project. (Here’s how to match your qualifications to a job.)
Don’t forget to think beyond the job description and consider which of your skills and accomplishments make you a better candidate than the competition. For example, maybe you have an additional certification that makes you more knowledgeable about the company’s product than the typical salesperson. The interviewer wants to know how you stand out among the other applicants.
Therefore, focus on one or two qualities you possess that are different from what other interviewees might offer, or are more difficult to find in candidates generally. For example, if you are very experienced with a certain skill that the job requires, say so. This is your chance to tell the interviewer why you would be an invaluable employee.
A related question is “Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants?” When answering this question, remember that the hiring manager is looking to solve a problem. Explain how you would do that better than anyone else, and you’ll make a positive impression.
5. Why are you leaving or have left your job?
When asked about why you are leaving your job, stick with the facts, be direct and focus your interview answer on the future, especially if your leaving wasn’t under the best of circumstances. Always try to sound positive when answering this question; without a doubt, it is much better to give the impression that you are more motivated by the possibility of new opportunities than by trying to escape a bad situation.
How to answer this question?
A. I am very interested in a job with more responsibility, and I am more than ready for a new challenge.
B. When I saw this job posting I became quite intrigued by the offer and the company. It really sounds like a great opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.
C. This job offer seemed like a great match for my skills, abilities, and experience, which I am not able to fully use in my present job.
These five questions are some of the topmost questions that a candidate can face whether experienced or fresher. Practising these can develop more confidence and self-belief in you while facing an interview.
Let us know in the comment section if you would like to have more interview questions and answers like salary negotiations etc. which are pertinent to job interviews.