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By Lisa Osiako

Have you been called for an interview and yet do not know what to expect? Other than researching about the company, you need to know what kind of questions you may encounter during the interview.

To help you in this, I spoke to Ms Lucy Karwigi, an interview coach at Corporate Staffing Services who guides professionals on interview skills and a mock interview session. These are the common interview questions she mentioned:

Most Common Interview Questions & Answers

1. Why should we hire you?

This is a classic interview question. Every interviewer will ask you this particular question during an interview. They might phrase it a little different but the answer they are looking for is the same.

For instance, some may decide to ask the same question in these ways; why do you think you are the best candidate? What value do you think you will bring to this position? Or do you think you are the right fit for the position?

It doesn’t matter how this question is asked or whether you are a fresh graduate or experienced professional, interviewers want to know how much you want the job.

Here are 3 different ways you can give an impressive answer

2. Why have you been unemployed for such a long time?

This can be a tough interview question.

If you have been unemployed for quite a while, speak about some of the work you have done. It could be volunteering or some online work. Speak about what led to your being unemployed, was it to take care of personal issues, or were you fired. Be as honest as possible. Being honest about your situation gives the employer a sense of your integrity and confidence—two characteristics every employer is looking for.

“I enrolled myself for some advanced personality development course with some freelance work in…”

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3. Tell me your ability to work under pressure

Many companies and institutions require tasks to be done within stipulated deadlines. Sometimes, it is not quite possible to meet these deadlines especially if you have other things within the company that you need to take care of. Potential employers thus use this typical interview question to see the way you can handle the pressure, without letting it get to you. Give an example of a time you successfully met a deadline, working under pressure.

“I keep myself calm and focus on multi-tasking while being patient.”

4. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Here, your potential employer is looking to see what your goals and objectives are, and what exactly you are doing to reach them. Show by example what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

“Within five years, I would like to become the very best engineer your company has on staff. I want to work toward becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel I’ll be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term. For example, here is what I’m presently doing to prepare myself…”

5. What are your strengths?

Do not exaggerate. Rather, state what you can do very well. It could be you are determined or a quick learner.

“I am a quick learner and a great team player.”

6. What are your weaknesses?

The trick in answering this interview question is to select a weakness that you have been actively working to overcome. Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

“I have had trouble in the past with prioritization. However, I’m now taking steps to correct this. I just started using a pocket planner…” then explain to the interviewer your planner and how you are using it.

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In the end, the more you practice, the better you will become at acing interviews. If you are still unsure, of how to go about in an interview, you can seek the help of an Interview Coach who will better prepare you.

Do you have an upcoming interview?

Would you like to convince the interviewer that you the best candidate and get the job? 

Click here to book an interview coaching session. 

Click Here >>> Part 2 Of Common Interview Questions