Common Job Interview Questions and Answers
Being called for an interview is always good news to job seekers. However, the exciting news stops there as one must convince the prospective employer of being the right fit for the vacant position. Most interviewees get overwhelmed with common job interview questions and wonder what the hiring managers expect them to say.
While every meeting can take a different course, some questions are almost always there to establish if the candidate has the necessary skills and attitude required for the job.
Do not worry; one can always prepare for these questions in advance. Here are some of the common job interview questions and answers:
1. Tell me about yourself
This is perhaps the most common question every job candidate must answer. One should concisely state who they are, where they acquired their skills and experience, and what they intend to do in the new organization. Avoid giving irrelevant information about your personal life. Instead, talk about experience and qualifications pertinent to the position.
Sample answer: My name is [Your Name], and I graduated from [Institution] with a degree in [Course]. I have had the opportunity to develop leadership skills, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in my previous positions. I am a quick learner and have the determination to make a difference in the organization.
An appropriate reply should be in the form of a summary of your experience and qualifications while emphasizing what the employer is looking for in the ideal candidate.
2. Why do you want this job?
The hiring manager wants to know why you are interested in their vacancy.
Sample answer: I want this job because [elaborate on why you are interested in their company/vacant position]. I have the necessary skills and experience to contribute to the success of the organization while developing my expertise in this field.
Highlight what caught your attention when going through the job description.
3. Why do you want to work with our company?
The interviewer wants to know how well you knew the company before the interview.
Sample answer: I want to work with your company because [explain why you are interested in their company]. Being someone with [mention the skills and experience required for the job], I believe I am the best fit for this position, and I want to contribute to the organization’s success.
Make sure to explain what attracted you to the company.
4. What are your strengths?
Avoid generic statements, and instead, mention the skills the employer needs in the new position.
Sample answer: My strengths include [state your strengths], and I believe these skills will benefit the organization.
Give examples of situations where you have demonstrated your strengths.
5. What is your greatest weakness?
The interviewer will determine the authenticity of your reply.
Sample answer: My greatest weakness is [state your weakness], but it will not affect the performance of this job.
Explain how your weakness will not affect your work or the strategies you will use to eliminate it.
6. Why should we hire you?
The hiring manager wants to know why the company should select you over other candidates.
Sample answer: You should hire me because [elaborate on why they should hire you]. Having worked in [mention the relevant work experience], I have the competencies needed for this position.
Focus on your strengths and highlight why you are a better fit compared to other shortlisted candidates.
7. How long have you been working in the [specific field] industry?
The interviewer wants to know your experience in the relevant field.
Sample answer: I have been working in the [specific field] industry for [number of years]. I joined [Company Name] in [year], and I have been handling [responsibilities]. Throughout my experience, I have developed [relevant skills].
Elaborate on your work experience while emphasizing the skills you have acquired over the years.
8. Describe a time when you failed
Apart from the fear of failure itself, one always worries about how to respond to this question.
Sample answer: I failed when [explain the situation]. Instead of giving up on the situation, I [explain how you overcame failure], and it paid off.
Always focus on how to deal with failure instead of dwelling on the fact that it occurred.
9. What is your salary expectation?
Most job seekers always hesitate to give a specific amount as it gives the impression that they are money-driven.
Sample answer: Considering the scope of this position, I expect to earn [salary figure].
Explain why the salary is reasonable for the scope of the job.
10. Do you have any questions for us?
Many candidates always omit this important question during interviews, thus giving a poor impression.
Sample answer: Yes, I have a couple of questions for you. What is the company culture like? What are the prospects for career growth within the organization?
Always come up with at least two questions unless the interviewer asks to refrain from asking anything.
These are some of the most common job interview questions. Prepare well, and remember to customize the answers according to the requirements of the vacancy and the company.
