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A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you’re unsure of what to expect. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate seeking your first job, knowing the most common questions interviewers ask is essential for acing that interview and landing your dream job.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top 10 job interview questions and how to prepare impressive answers that will set you apart from other applicants. So sit tight and read on to give your interviewing skills a boost!
Tell me about yourself
In any job interview, the first question you’ll be asked is about yourself. This may seem like a simple question, but it’s actually quite difficult to answer well. The goal of this question is for the interviewer to get to know you better and learn more about your professional history and experiences.
You should take this opportunity to give a brief overview of who you are and what you do. Include information about your current or most recent job, your previous work experiences, and your education. Be sure to focus on the skills and qualities that make you the best candidate for the job you’re interviewing for.
When answering this question, be sure to stay positive and avoid talking about any negative aspects of your professional history. You want to make a good impression on the interviewer and show them that you’re excited about the opportunity to work with their company.
What strengths do you have that will benefit the role?
This question is asking about specific qualities or skills that make you well-suited for the job. When preparing your answer, think about what qualities are required for success in the role and which of your strengths align with those requirements.
For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, examples of strengths that would benefit the role include being highly motivated, persuasive, and able to build rapport quickly. If you’re applying for a customer service role, examples of relevant strengths might include being patient, having excellent communication skills, and being able to stay calm under pressure.
When answering this question, try to give concrete examples that illustrate your chosen strength. For instance, rather than simply saying “I’m a people person” or “I have great attention to detail”, elaborate on what those things mean
Related: How to Boost Your Confidence During the Job Search Process
What are your weaknesses?
One of the most common questions asked in a job interview is “What are your weaknesses?” Many people find this question difficult to answer because they don’t want to give their interviewer any ammunition that could be used against them. However, if you’re asked this question, it’s important to be honest and give a real answer.
Your weaknesses should be qualities that you are working on improving. For example, if you tend to get nervous in front of large groups of people, you could say that you’re working on building up your confidence. Alternatively, if you have trouble staying organized, you could say that you’re working on developing better time management skills.
Giving your interviewer a real answer shows that you’re self-aware and willing to work on improving yourself. It will also give them a better idea of whether or not you’re a good fit for the position. So, when you’re preparing for your next job interview, take some time to think about your weaknesses and how you can turn them into positive qualities.
Why do you want this job?
If you’re like most job seekers, you probably have some notion of why you want the job you’re interviewing for. But when interviewers ask this question, they’re looking to see if your motivations line up with what they’re looking for in an employee.
The best way to answer this question is to focus on what you can bring to the company and how the job aligns with your long-term career goals. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, you might say that you’re attracted to the company’s reputation and that you hope to learn new skills that will help you in your future career.
Avoid giving answers that focus purely on personal motivation, such as wanting more money or flexible hours. While these may be true, they won’t impress your interviewer and could make it seem like you’re not really interested in the role itself.
Related: How to Prepare for a Successful Remote Job Interview
How would your former/current boss describe you?
Your interviewer is likely looking to get a sense of how you are perceived by others, especially those in positions of authority. They want to know if you are someone who takes direction well, or if you tend to butt heads with those in charge.
Be honest in your answer, but try to focus on the positive aspects of your relationship with your former boss. For example, maybe you were always the first one to volunteer for new assignments, or maybe you were known for being particularly calm under pressure.
Summary
Remember, a job interview is a two-way street. Take the time to use each question as an opportunity to demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the job. When it comes down to it, employers are looking for candidates that appear confident and knowledgeable about their experience — so let your answers reflect just that! With these tips in mind, we wish you luck in nailing your next job interview.