The interview process can be daunting, and it can be difficult to know what to expect when you sit down for an interview. To help you prepare for your next job interview, we’ve compiled a list of the seven most common interview questions and the best answers for each.
Common Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are your career goals?
- Do you have any questions for us?
Common Answers
- Tell me about yourself.
When answering this question, focus on highlighting your professional experience and qualifications that are relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. Keep your answer brief and avoid talking about your personal life or hobbies.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
When discussing your strengths, focus on the skills and qualities that make you a great fit for the role. For weaknesses, be honest but focus on the areas that you’ve improved upon and how you’ve grown from them.
- Why are you interested in this position?
When answering this question, focus on what you can bring to the role and why the position appeals to you. Show that you’ve done your research and know what the job entails.
- What do you know about our company?
This is your chance to show that you’ve done your research. Talk about the company’s mission, values, and any recent news or accomplishments.
- Why should we hire you?
When answering this question, focus on what you can bring to the role and how you’ll add value to the organization. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the right fit for the job.
- What are your career goals?
When answering this question, focus on long-term goals that are relevant to the position you’re interviewing for. Show that you’re motivated and have a plan for success.
- Do you have any questions for us?
This is your chance to show that you’re interested in the role and the organization. Ask questions about the position, the company culture, and any opportunities for growth and development.
Being prepared for an interview is key
Interviewing can be a daunting task, both for the interviewer and the interviewee. It’s important to be prepared and to ask the right questions to make sure the process runs smoothly and that both parties walk away from the conversation happy with the outcome. Although there are no perfect answers to any interview question, it can be helpful to know what the most commonly asked questions are, as well as how to answer them in a satisfactory way.
So, what are the seven most common interview questions and the best way to answer them? Let’s take a look.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
This is usually the first question you’ll receive in an interview and it serves as an opportunity for you to make a positive impression. Provide a brief yet comprehensive overview of your skills, qualifications, and experience as they relate to the position you’ve applied to.
2. What makes you the best candidate for this role?
It’s important to focus on how your qualifications and experiences uniquely qualify you for the available job. You can draw on your key strengths and successes to illustrate how you can benefit the company and why you’re the right candidate for the role.
3. What are your weaknesses?
Nobody is perfect, but it’s important to be honest and self-reflective when answering this question. Focus on areas for improvement and how you can turn a negative into a positive. For example, if you have trouble focusing on shorter tasks, it’s important to explain how being self-motivated can help you tackle difficult projects from start to finish.
4. Why do you want to work here?
It’s essential to do your research on the company before stepping into the interview. Use this question as an opportunity to highlight why the company and job speak to you personally. Show your enthusiasm by mentioning something unique about the organization that you appreciate and why you’d be a great fit there.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
A potential employer may ask this question to assess your career goals and future commitment to the role. Explain what is important to you and explain how the job opening fits into your goals. Be as specific as possible and emphasize the skills and knowledge you expect to gain from the position.
6. What do you know about our company?
This question is a great chance for you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company. Provide a brief overview of what you know about the organization’s mission, core values, products, and services. Show that you’ve done your research and that you’re interested in being a part of the team.
7. Do you have any questions for me?
Always prepare questions that you can ask your interviewer. This helps to show that you’re engaged in the conversation, that you took the time to research the company, and that you’re genuinely interested in the job.
Answering interview questions in a confident, prepared manner can make all the difference in how you’re viewed as a potential hire. By being aware of the seven most common questions, as well as how to best craft your answers, you can make sure the conversation runs smoothly and that you make a great impression.