Be Prepared to Answer These Questions in Almost Any Job Interview.
Most interviews are accompanied by a set of general questions, as well as a few additional ones related to work and corporate culture. While many of the standard questions seem easy to answer, it’s always best to learn and practice your answers before heading off to your interview. Preparation is key to even a simple question like “Why do you want to work for us?” Let’s take a look at some of the common questions and the best ways to answer them.
“Tell me a little about yourself”
This non-question is one of the most common interview opening words, and you are likely to hear it in every interview. “Tell me about yourself” is essentially a request for a short biography as it is applicable to the job . The best way to answer this question is to adapt your relevant experience to your answer.
For example, if you are applying for an electrical engineer job, list where you studied, any hobbies related to technology, and briefly describe how you first became interested in the skill. If you’re new to the job market, use it as a vehicle to talk about your education and how your experience has influenced your journey. Answers should be short and should not delay more than a minute. You can even think of it the same way as writing a quick bio for yourself – keep it short and to the point.
“Why do you want to work for us?”
This is one of the hardest questions to ask because it contains several different ideas: they want to know how much you know about the company, why you think your skillset is right for the job, and what you think you can bring to team.
The rule of thumb here is to step up to a table set up with some research about the company. The interviewer goes fishing to make sure you are familiar with the history, general practice, and general office style. Careers site Monster.com encourages you to directly answer the question using everything you know, for example, “Based on my research, your company is good at (whatever it does) and I believe my experience, history and work ethics would do here. “
“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
The two scariest interview questions are usually asked one after the other: “What are your strengths?” and “what are your weaknesses?” difficult to answer. For strengths, select a skill you have that is directly related to your job. For example, if you are applying to a hospital as a file clerk, mention that you are good at details and can keep track of many things at once. Adjust your strengths directly to the description of the position for which you first applied.
We talked about how the question “What is your biggest weakness?” It is almost impossible to answer correctly, but, as we have already noted, this is more a situational weakness, rather than a personal one. Answer this question in direct relation to work. For example, if you are applying for the same file clerk job but are having trouble lifting something over 50 pounds, please indicate it. Basically, present the question as a benefit to you, not as a hindrance. This is your chance to try your best at work to make sure you are the right fit.
Another approach is to answer the question by pointing out the real weakness and then clarify how you are working to fix it. Let’s say you answered that it is difficult for you to keep your desk clean at work. Then say, “I’ve been using a few new organizing methods lately to keep my desk from being cluttered and organized.”
Another approach is to pick an irrelevant skill when asked about your weaknesses. This makes the interview process a little easier, but it also allows you to answer the question honestly without diminishing your chances of pointing out a job-related flaw.
“Could you tell us a little about your work history?”
This is one of the easiest questions on the list. The interviewer is probably looking for similarities in your past job with the one you are applying for. Inside this question there may be another one: “Why did you leave this job?”
Answer by reviewing the basics of your employment history as it applies to the job you are interviewing for, and recall any skills you have acquired in each of your positions that directly reflect the listings in the original job posting.
As for the reason you left, be honest about the layoffs, but consider your strengths if you were fired or fired at your own discretion. For example, if you get laid off, you might assume that your skills are not suitable for your previous job, but they are great for the job you are applying for. Of course, if you left for a completely logical reason, such as a move, an unpleasant commute to work, or because you were unable to move forward, mention it.
“What are your salary requirements?”
This question will only be difficult if you do not prepare in advance. We’ve already shown you how to calculate the average wage at work and it all comes down to knowing the standard wage rate in the industry you are applying for and aligning that with your experience. This allows you to specify both a specific and precise range of numbers.
“Tell me about the problem you solved in your last job.”
Before heading off to your interview, make sure you have a mental list of accomplishments from your past job. We have already noted that the best way to answer these types of questions is to use the STAR method to formulate the answer:
1. S ituation or T ask you were in
2.fiction that you took
3. R esult of this action
Think about some examples before heading off to your interview. Don’t leave an interview just to remember the time you saved the company from ruin with a paper clip and a kitchen timer.
“Do you have any questions for me?”
The answer is always yes. This is your chance to take a look at the company from the inside to see if you want to work for it. Mashable has put together a long list of questions you should (and shouldn’t) ask. Your main goal is to avoid questions with negative connotations, for example, “How long do people usually stay in this position?” instead, ask questions that will give you a better idea of the work itself. For example, “Could you describe your ideal candidate for this job?” can help you gather more information about a job than the original post.
Prepare yourself for the questions above and you will do better in most interviews. Develop a set of audio snippets for each of these questions so you can answer them quickly and accurately without trying to remember. And if they ask any questions that don’t suit you, know how to deal with them .
This story was originally published in March 2012 and was updated on January 19, 2021 to follow the Lifehacker style guidelines.