Since certain questions are asked in nearly every interview, candidates have the chance to prepare more for this particular opportunity. It's a good idea to be ready with examples in addition to having an anticipated response, which should always be straightforward.
It is imperative that you prepare your responses ahead of time for a number of frequently asked interview questions. While it's crucial to be succinct and impartial when responding to questions, it's just as crucial to maintain composure, resist the need to defend yourself, and pause before responding to a challenging question. It's important to personalise suggested answers as much as possible as these are merely guides!
1. "Tell me about yourself."
Usually, this question is used to break the ice. It's a fantastic chance to differentiate yourself from the competition and pique the interviewer's interest. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate some soft skills and discuss how the organisation has used the skills you possess to accomplish the various roles it has previously filled.
2. "What have been your main achievements to date?"
It's beneficial to always have one or two recent accomplishments from your career on hand. As a result, the abilities that went into these successes are recognised, and the value they added to the business is measured.
3. "Are you satisfied with your career so far?"
The answer to this question greatly depends on your confidence, self-worth, and professional objectives. 'Yes' should be the response, followed by a succinct justification of what has, thus far, made your working life happy.
4. "What do you know about our company?"
The objective is to ascertain the extent of the candidate's research of the company it is being interviewed by. It's crucial to explore the website beyond its homepage for this reason. Seek additional information to demonstrate the effort made to expand your understanding of the business and its field of expertise.
5. "What do you like about your current job?"
Make sure the preferences line up with the skills required for the particular role. Don't overdo it, but keep the tone upbeat and characterise the work as diversified and engaging.
6. "What don't you like about your current job?"
You don't have to be very detailed in order to avoid highlighting flaws that can cause issues down the road. Never voice criticism towards the current employer. The best way to respond is to point out a feature of the present business, such its sluggish decision-making procedures.
7. "What are your main qualities?"
Name three or four essential abilities, such as:
quick learning,
problem-solving techniques,
drive for success,
optimistic outlook, etc.
Additionally, it is essential to be ready to lead by example.
8. "What's your biggest weakness?"
"They don't exist" is an impractical statement, given the recruiter's objective is to evaluate self-awareness. One of two ways can be taken: using a self-confessed weakness – for example, a lack of experience in an area that is not crucial to the position – or describing a personal or professional weakness that can also be regarded a quality. Positioning it as a "area of improvement" in the latter scenario would be great as it shows a willingness to grow and learn.
9. "Why do you want to leave your current employer?"
The simplest response is to say that you are:
seeking experience,
a new challenge,
increased responsibility,
and a change of scenery.
It's crucial to always think well of your present employment. In addition, do not use your pay as your primary source of motivation.
10. "What motivated you to apply for this specific job? Or, why should we to employ you?"
Finding proof that the candidate and the position are a good fit is the aim. To do this, it's critical to have a solid grasp of the role and the organisation, outlining its characteristics. This is a chance to highlight the experience, abilities, and enthusiasm for the job and the organisation.
11. "Tell us about a collaborative project you worked on that turned out well. What did you do, and what contributed to its success?"
Interpersonal skills are what the recruiter is searching for here. You can begin by discussing the project's objectives, assigning duties, and reviewing the actions taken to support the team. Lastly, summarise the fruitful outcomes.
12. "What are your goals for the future?"
The recruiter is seeking to grasp what the candidate's sense of purpose is and what the motives are. Rather than stating, "I want to work at your company," you may state that the organisation's objectives are to keep learning, developing, and creating value.
13. "What do you like to do in your free time?"
Recruiters aim to ascertain the candidate's potential fit within the team. It is therefore essential to bring up activities that fit the job description. For instance, taking up a new language, participating in team sports, and after-work pastimes.
14. "Do you have any questions you would like to ask?"
During the interview, the candidate can ascertain whether the role and the organisation align well with their goals. You should write the main interview questions ahead of time, for example:
What are the professional growth options,
Employee benefits,
Training opportunities,
and KPIs.