7 Questions To Always Expect In A Job Interview

The thought of sitting in front of a stone-faced recruiter who is throwing all manner of tough interview questions at you can be quite intimidating.

It is a nail-biting moment that calls for thorough preparation given that the end goal is to land that job that you have been eyeing.

Did you know that there are some common questions HR managers will ALWAYS ask you in the interview room?

These questions will likely appear not just you but other candidates irrespective of their field. So what are these interview questions and how do you respond effectively in order to stand out from the rest?

1. Tell us about yourself

This is absolutely no way you will escape this question. This is the most common interview question. You get asked this question in order to assess who you are as a professional.

Many candidates go about answering this question the wrong way when they begin to explain issues that really don’t matter for example, “I am a first born, I am married etc.”

These kinds of answers are irrelevant because they add no value to your candidacy. Let the focus be on who you are as a professional.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

It is observed that when you are asked what your greatest strengths are, you tend to only focus on yourself e.g. “I am hardworking, skilled, detail-oriented etc.”

While these are great strengths, they really don’t communicate much.

The secret is to express your skills in a way that shows how they contributed to organizational growth.

Never point out weaknesses that are qualities that are needed for the `in the job description. For instance, if the job wants someone who is good at working with a team, never say you cannot work with a team.

3. What have been your biggest career achievements?

This interview question calls for you to sell yourself. Do not be general!

State specifically what achievements you have made, in what time span, your role in the achievement and how it benefited the organization.

Answers to all interview questions should be tailored to the job description of the job you are applying to, but more so for this question as it is the ultimate cheat sheet to impress the interviewer.

4. What is your desired salary?

This is a question that many interviewees are petrified of because of the fear that they may state an exaggerated or understated figure.

Don’t always be quick to give an unreasonable figure but rather give a range that the HR managers can work with.
Also, indicate your willingness to negotiate.

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

Here, your potential employer is looking to see what your goals and objectives are.

Not only that, but also exactly how you are planning on reaching them.

You could even outline your plans, whether it is by going to school or entering into a mentorship program or practicing daily on your profession especially if you are a creative.

6. Why should we hire you?

This is where you put your best foot forward! Please note that this is the point at which interviewers may ultimately decide to hire you or look for another candidate if you do not answer properly.

Bring out your best skills and achievements and match them to the job description. Show how your experience can help you tackle the job and add value to the company.

7. What are your salary expectations?

While you should never mention salary unless asked or prompted, it’s important to understand the value of someone with your skills. Be flexible – indicate that you are willing to negotiate for the right opportunity and confirm that you value the position strongly.

All too often, problems arise from pricing yourself out of the position or stating a figure less than the company is willing to pay. If a guideline salary has been provided with the job description, you could mention this and say it’s around the amount you’re looking for.

To sum it up,
You must not only work hard to prepare for an interview, but also work smart. Understand that it is not just about answering interview questions but understanding what you are being asked.

It is also about ensuring that you have a good balance between your professional skills and soft skills in order to stand out from your competitors.

If you desire expert help in nailing an interview, we are here to help. Engage us through our interview coaching services and we will equip you on how you can stand out in the interview and secure that job!