It’s important to remain calm and confident during job interviews, even when you get stuck on a question. You won’t know exactly what questions the interviewer will ask you, but there a few common ones that you can prepare for. These questions could come up in a variety of ways. Even if they're not asked, you can work the answers into anything. Here are some interview questions you may be asked.
- Tell me about yourself
This is a common opening question for interviews. It’s a good opportunity for the employer to find out about you, and to put you on the spot to see how you will react. The best way to answer this question is to briefly talk about education, interests in the field and work experience for two to three minutes.
The employer is giving you the freedom to introduce yourself, and you should absolutely take hold of this. However, remember to stay on topic. Do not give them your entire life story or add in unprofessional details.
2. What are your weaknesses?
Try to not kid yourself with this one. Everyone has weaknesses, just as everyone has strengths. Avoid using the cliché “perfectionist” line. Use this question to show how you are trying to improve yourself. Be honest and tell them your weakness before telling them how you’ve addressed it and how you’re trying to strengthen it. Check out our post on how to answer this question.
3. Why should you get the job?
This question is essentially an opportunity to sell yourself for the position. There will be many other candidates and of course, you want to show them you’re the best. Read up on the job description beforehand and use your experience as well as your skillset to show you’re the right fit. Tell them how you handled similar situations in your old job and how it benefited the employer or company.
4. What are your salary expectations?
This is certainly an uncomfortable question, but it’s incredibly common. It’s always a good idea to have an answer prepared so that you’re not put on the spot. The last thing you want is to say you’ll expect too little or too much.
It’s important to remember that this is only the first step to the hiring process so there is no need to try to negotiate. If you’re unsure of what salary is suitable, you can find a salary checker online as well as charts of the average salary in the country. The easiest way to answer this is “I’m looking for ….”.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Use this question to show that you’re ambitious and forward-thinking. It’s important to tailor all your questions to the company and job position, but this one in particular.
For entry-level positions, tell them how you would like to see yourself progress with them. For more senior positions, use this question to explain how you would like to move the company forward. Doing your research on the company as well as their objectives will help you with this.
6. Do you have any questions?
The answer to this question is always “Yes”. Always have a question or a few prepared to ask the employer. Saying “No” may make you seem uninterested in the position or the company. However, remember to keep them relevant to the job or the company.