How To Answer Common Interview Questions?

There are things you need to know and prepare before interviewing. From which attire you should wear, what to bring to the interview to what questions are most likely to be asked. Although we can’t totally be sure which questions the interviewer or recruiter will ask, there are many common questions that you can prepare yourself to answer for the upcoming interview. When recruiters invite you for an interview they think that you have the skills for the job and they want to hire you, so it’s your turn to impress them even more during the interview.

Common interview questions:

• Tell me about yourself
This is not where you tell about your life story. Recruiters ask this question to get to know more about you, consider this as self introduction. You can start with your previous job experiences and education, why you chose the jobs and the relation with the role you’re applying for. Also explain about your skills that will be suitable for the role and what you have learnt so far or your progress throughout your career.
For example: After high school I chose training to be a mechanic because I have a passion for fixing things and I really like engines. As a meticulous person who likes to solve problems I believe that I can be a great fit to fill the mechanic position in your company.


• What are your weaknesses?
Please don’t tell the cliche where you humble-brag yourself such as I am a hardworker, I usually lose track of time and the last person to leave work. The better approach is to actually tell your real weakness and how you try to improve or work on it.
For example: I am a forgetful person but I try to work on it by writing notes to remind me.


• What are your strengths?
To answer this question, be very thoughtful that you would not sound arrogant but your strength will be a valuable asset to the company. If you are a problem solver, tell them about the case in your previous job where you solved a problem and how it affected the company for the better.
For example: In my previous job at a factory I found the issue we were dealing with for weeks by inspecting it and found the problem. I solved it in a few days and it helped the company to continue the production.


• Why do you want this job?
Recruiter wants to know your motivation and why you want to work for them. Show you are passionate about the job. Share what you like about the company and key factors that you would be a great fit for the role.
For example: I have been a mechanic in my entire career and I did research about your company that mechanic here will get a chance for training to improve skills, great reputation and better work-life balance.


• Why did you leave your last job?
One sure thing you must not answer this question is how bad your last employer is. Tell the recruiter that you are looking for new opportunities where you can grow and the role you are applying for is a better fit. Keep things positive and be nice.
For example: I like working with my last employer, I felt appreciated by them and everyone there was kind to me. I asked about advancement opportunities but they did not have any for me so I am looking for better opportunities.


• Why should we hire you?
This question seems intimidating but time for you to shine. Sell yourself by highlighting your skills, convince them that you are not only able to do the job but you can deliver great results, you will fit in the company culture and you are better than other candidates.
For example: I can fix a machine 30% faster than my former coworkers. That is why I got promoted after working for 6 months.


• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Be specific about your future goals. Recruiter wants to see if you have ambition, realistic expectations and if your goals align with the role you are applying for. The question is not about if you can predict your future but to find out your goals and plans for the future.
For example: In 5 years from now I would like to be the production manager in this factory and lead all factory workers.


• Do you have questions for us?
Typically will be asked at the end of the interview. This is your chance to know more about the company so ask anything you need to know about the company. Such as: company culture, a typical work day be like, the work environment, what are the company goals and you could ask the recruiter what does she/he like about working there?
For example: I would like to know the typical work day for me, the environment and what is your impression of the company?

Conclusion

The company wants to know more about you before hiring you because they want to make sure you are a great fit for the role. That is why interviews are very important for them too, not only for you. Interviewing is a two-way street so what you offer should align with their needs. Research about the company so you can answer their question, ask questions to them, anticipate the recruiter’s concerns and prepare for answers to those common questions.