12 Most Common Interview Questions And How To Answer Them Like A pro

You are looking forward for a job interview and you are asking yourself. What questions am I likely to be asked during the interview? Well, considering the fact that many people with the same qualifications can apply for the same job, the interviewer will be interested in determining what makes you unique and what sets you apart from the rest of the job applicants.

During the interview you should expect to be asked questions and giving the correct responses will determine whether you will get the job or not. Here are some of the most common interview questions and how you can answer them like a pro.

1. Tell Us About Yourself?

This question presents a perfect opportunity to yourself to share with the interviewer whatever you think is important about you in their hiring decision.

It is your chance to differentiate yourself from other candidates. In most cases, the standard questions offer the same opportunity.

2. How Did You Get the Information about this position?

When asked “how did you hear about this position?”, the interviewer  wants to know if you’ve taken the time to research about the company and if you have a genuine reason for wanting to talk with them. They are also interested in knowing how you got the information about the position. Depending on how you got the information about the interview, do not lie, be genuine and explain how and where you got the information about it.

3. What do you know about our Company?

When they ask “what do you know about our company?” the interviewer wants to know if you’ve taken the time to research the company and if you have a genuine reason for wanting to work with them.

Mention a product, a mission statement on the website, a reputation for talented employees, or whatever else seems applicable to that specific company. Come up with a great reason. Don’t make it seem like they’re just one company among many. Or that you’re sending your resume out to them for no particular reason other than wanting a job.

4. Why did you apply for this Position?

This question “Why did you apply for this position?” gives you an opportunity to show that you like what they are doing or their products and you would like to be associated with them. Your passion towards the position should also come out strongly as the reason you want to join them.

5. Why do you think you are the right person for this Job?

This is a perfect question to show and prove that you have the company’s ambition at heart. Remember is not all about you but the company. Give details of the strategy you intent to employ to see the company grow and prosper.

Make your response a confident, concise, focused sales pitch that explains what you have to offer and why you should get the job. This is a good time to review the qualifications and the requirements in the job listing, so you can craft a response that aligns with your qualifications.

Focus on them, They want to hear that this job is exactly what you’ve been thinking about as a next step in your career.

6. How do people describe you?

This is a question to differentiate yourself from others, give attributes of yourself in people’s eyes that show you have high approval rating in the areas of your strength.

Be creative, and have stories to back it up. The interviewer will want to know why someone thinks you are one of these things.

7. What is your greatest strength?

This question requires you to show rather than to tell. When you are asked about your greatest strengths, it’s important to discuss the attributes that qualify you for that specific job, and that will set you apart from other candidates.

8. What is your greatest weakness?

This question is an opportunity to show the hiring manager that you’re well qualified for the job. In addition to learning whether you’ve got the right credentials, the hiring manager wants to know whether you can take on challenges and learn new tasks.

Instead of making it look like you have a weakness that can affect your qualification possibility, think of an attribute in your life that is your weakness but can be advantageous to them.

Case Scenario

“I do find it difficult sitting down and relaxing just doing nothing. Am always addicted to keeping myself busy and working on something. My friends find it difficult hanging out with me as I cannot stay for long not engaged in a productive activity. “

9. What is your salary Expectation ?

This is one of the most difficult question to answer in an interview.

When answering, keep these 3 things in mind:

• What’s the average salary for someone of your skill-level?
• How much does the company pay employees of your skill level? GlassDoor should be super helpful here.
• Finally, how much are you getting paid in your current company? In most cases, you can probably negotiate a pay bump from what you’re currently getting.

With those factors in mind, do not quote too high salary or neither should you quote a very low figure. Try as much as possible to be reasonable.

10. What are your goals for the future?

Under this make sure you align your future with that of the company. Understanding the company’s vision will be a key guiding factor to help you. While answering this question figure in your career progression as well. Your career goals should come hand in hand with the vision of the company. Remember considering to advance means you will be an asset to the company and not a liability.

11. Why do you want to leave your current job?

If you had indicated that you are currently on another job, remember the reason you will give as to why you want to leave your current job can be a breaker or a maker. No wew employer wants a job hopper. Giving a substantial reason can give the interviewer an impression that you are in for a greater challenge.

Although these may be legitimate reasons to leave a job, there must be other reasons, too.

• Your current company or department may have become unstable (hopefully the interviewer’s company is very stable).
• Your current employer may not be able to offer you any professional growth (the interviewer’s should be able to do this).

12. Do you have any question ?

This is a great opportunity to ask that pressing question. Do not jump on asking when you will get to start the job or how much you will be paid. Instead pause a question that challenge the interviewer in terms of growth and development of the company. For instance you can ask the below questions.

•  Considering your reputation, do you have plans to open more branches?
• Do you give your employees opportunities to advance within your company?
• Do you support your employees in advancing their professional skills by offering scholarship?

Such questions will create an impression that you have the interest of the company at heart and you are ready to learn and grow.

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