After submitting countless applications, you finally score an interview with a great company. The interview begins and questions start rolling in, but you draw a blank. We've all been there. Take your time to review these 8 most common questions, and you will be prepared to reply without hesitation at your next interview.
1. Tell me about yourself
This is likely the first question you will be asked. Avoid talking about your personal interests and keep the answer brief. Treat this question like a summary by quickly explaining your education or training and most recent experiences, and then relate them to the position you have applied for.
2. What is your greatest strength
Your interviewer is looking for confidence here. Taking their job description into consideration, explain skills you have that are crucial to this role. Give a quick example of how this skill has been a strength in your past experiences, and how you believe it will transfer to their position.
3. What is your greatest weakness?
Everyone has weaknesses, so never say you don’t have any. Use this opportunity to share a weakness and speak how you’re actively working on improving in this area. Give examples from past experiences to show how you’ve been improving.
4. How do you handle stress or high-pressure situations?
Reflect on what exactly you do to maintain composure and get through the tough times. This question can be stressful to answer if you’re not prepared, and your confident reply may just be what the interviewer was gauging all along.
5. Why are you leaving your current role?
No matter why you’re looking to change positions, always explain your reasoning in a positive light. Avoid the details and aim to highlight reasons you are grateful for that experience, and how you have grown professionally since. Indicate qualities about the role you’re applying for and how the position would be a better fit.
6. Why do you want this job?
The interviewer is looking for you to tell them why you’ve chosen them over other companies. Refer to the job description and relate their expectations for the role to your skills and experience. This is a great time to exercise any knowledge you have about the company.
7. What are your goals for the future?
Like other questions, avoid personal goals. Your answer to this question may illustrate to the interviewer if you are interested in a long-term role or aiming to advance. Strive to be ambitious, but always realistic with your goals, and relate them back to the position.
8. Do you have any questions for us?
Always have questions ready. Doing research on the company and asking questions about their market, their expected growth, or about specific events or charities they support is impressive. This shows that you prepared, but also that you have an interest in what they do as a business, not just the position.
Do you still need a little extra help? Schedule a mock interview with one of our specialists today!