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Top 10 Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
The resume that you build all your life helps you get shortlisted for positions, and the next step secures it. An interview determines your personality, emotional quotient, skills and ultimately if you're going to be hired. If you are going through a recruitment process and want to nail your interview, we've got your back.
Here are the most common interview questions:
- Introduce yourself
- Why did you apply here?
- What are your strengths?
- What do you think are your weaknesses?
- Where Do You View Yourself In The Next Few Years?
- Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?
- How Do You Overcome Stressful Situations?
- What Are Your Salary Expectations?
- What Are Your Hobbies?
- Are There Any Questions For Us?
How to Answer the Most Common Interview Questions Them:
1. Introduce Yourself:
It is amongst the first interview questions you will face; this acts as an ice breaker. For this question, you need to remember that the interviewer has your resume, which contains all the history of your experiences and accomplishments. Therefore, you do not have to narrate all your past experiences and employment history, a quick summary will do. The best way to respond is to show your personality, what are your hobbies and passions in life. Portray yourself as an actual human and not just another faceless applicant.
2. Why Did You Apply Here?
Now is your chance to flaunt that you came prepared for the interview questions. Knowing a bit about the company and why you wanted to work there is key. The next step is to show that you are not only aware of the company's vision and principle, but also understand and care about it. You have to portray how you will fit into the company's culture. A google search and a social media stalk will give you all the information you need.
3. What Are Your Strengths?
For this question, you have to keep in mind that it is not your chance to brag all about yourself. Pick a few main traits which are relevant to the positioned role and how these attributes help you in a professional setting. Furthermore, you can also share how these traits have helped you achieved past goals.
4. What Do You Think Are Your Weaknesses?
Interview questions related to your shortcomings and failures aim to find out if you embrace your true self. It also assesses your self-awareness and honesty. To answer this in a balanced way, you have to come up with something which you honestly struggle with, but strive to improve. It will demonstrate your self-development and courage not only to accept your weaknesses but deal with it in a positive manner.
Disclaimer: Telling your interviewer that you have no flaws and that you are a perfectionist is a huge turn-off. Telling them your biggest flaw is that you work too hard and care too much will also come off as you being a bit of a suck-up.
5. Where Do You View Yourself In The Next Few Years?
This question determines how ambitious and career-driven you are. Therefore, you must have a realistic and practical plan aligned with the company's trends and growth. However, if you do not have a specific long term plan, then you do not have to force yourself to think about one. It won't seem realistic and might not convince the interviewer. In such a situation, the best approach is to tell them that you see this opportunity as a learning experience helping you make that choice.
6. Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?
The first rule to answer this question is to refrain from passing any degrading comments about your current workplace. There should not be any negativity involved while answering this. The correct way to articulate the response is to talk about how you are keen to explore and try new openings. Make them believe that you are ready to pursue new challenges. Another piece of advice is that if your reason for leaving your current position is negative, you should take care of the phrasing. We've listed below a few ways of phrasing common reasons to leave a job.
Your boss was awful= looking for a different leadership style where you can thrive
Overworked= Looking a change of pace in your career
Bored out of your mind= looking to push yourself and grow your career
Underpaid= Looking for new opportunities
Fired/ let go= It was time to move on and try new things
Next!!!!
7. How Do You Overcome Stressful Situations?
You have to answer this question positively and productively. To prove you let nothing cause hindrance in achieving your goals. One approach is to give an example of a challenging situation, and the way you dealt with using a skill that the interviewer is looking for.
8. What Are Your Salary Expectations?
Be prepared for this question through substantial research. You must not be oblivious of the current salary trends in the market. After that, decide a range according to your qualifications, experience, and skills. However, do show the interviewer your flexibility and that you are up for negotiations. Be reasonable, we would all like to be paid really well but you need to be sensible about what you are worth to your employer.
9. What Are Your Hobbies?
Interview questions that inquire about your extra activities help to determine if you're a good fit for the culture of the workplace. It aims to gauge your personality, as well. However, do remember that you're not a saint, so refrain from giving unrealistic answers. Best to not mention your latest Contiki, pub crawl and not so legal hobbies. This may be your future employer.
10. Are There Any Questions For Us?
Asking questions during your interview shows how enthusiastic you are about the job. You can also use this chance to find out better if the role fits you well. Make sure not to ask questions which challenge the interviewer in any way.
A good one to ask is "what do you find most enjoyable about working here?" If your interviewer answers this question positively, then you know that this might be a good place to work. Remember, you are also interviewing them, you are trying to determine if you will be a good fit for the company.
Photo by Tim-Gouw at Unsplash
Pro-tip to Ace Your Interview Questions:
Preparing for your interview will indeed give you an edge. However, all your training will go in vain if you are not confident enough. You have to believe in yourself so that you don't get caught up in the pressure. If you are fearless and confident, then you will be able to answer any question. Be honest with the employer, don’t lie or promise things you can’t do. If you don’t understand a question, ask them to explain the question. If you need a moment to think, tell them.
Just remember that you have been waiting for this day your entire life, and you have to give your best shot. Good luck to all the candidates who have their interview scheduled round the corner.
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