Let’s face it, going on an interview can feel overwhelming. The process of finding the career of your dreams is scary and exciting at the same time. Remember each company may have different standards when it comes to this process, but some questions stay the same. Here are the top interview questions asked and how to handle each one.
1. Tell me about Yourself
As recruiters, we receive a wide range of responses to this question from professional answers to answers that are too personal. This question is not about what you like to do on the weekends or your hobbies. Instead, it is about what YOU bring to the table professionally. In your answer, you want to highlight experiences that relate to the position. Focus on strengths and abilities that support your examples. To help you practice for this, ask yourself the following questions:
- What qualities do I have that fit this position I am applying for?
- What about this position excites me?
- What traits or characteristics do I have that will serve me well in this role?
Doing some brainstorming before the interview on these questions can help you understand why you want this job. You can create examples from your experiences that relate to this role and why you would be the best candidate. Remember, this is your chance to showcase your personality and shine.
2. What is your Greatest Strength?
This question is known to get one’s heart racing. How do you answer without sounding like you are bragging? For some, it can be tricky, as people tend to cater their answers to what they think the interviewer wants to hear rather than providing them their actual strengths. Remember this is YOUR strength; employers want to know what you can bring to help the organization. Your ‘strength’ could be something they are looking for. If you have trouble coming up with what your strengths are here are some tips that can help. People have both soft skills and hard skills.
- Soft Skills– these are elements of your personality that are essential to performing your job. Examples of soft skills include Teamwork, Dependability, Leadership, Creativity, and Work Ethic.
- Hard Skills– are skills that are required to do the job. They do not come naturally but require further education to obtain. For example, doctors are not naturally knowledgeable of medicine but required years of education.
3. What is your Greatest Weakness?
No one likes to highlight their weaknesses, but in an interview, it provides the hiring manager insight on how you can face and overcome obstacles. In the interview give examples of how you can turn your weakness into a strength.
4. Why do you want to work for us?
This question is not meant for the employer to feel good about themselves. It is intended to learn more about you and how you would be best suited in their organization. Showing the employer that you have done your homework on the company and the position shows your commitment to working for the organization. To ensure an honest answer, research them on Glassdoor, Better Business Bureau, social media sites such as LinkedIn and of course their website. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the organization and what they stand for. Reach out to current and past employees on LinkedIn to see if they will provide you with insight or review testimonials written about the company. If you are not clear on the job duties Google the job title to see what other companies have on this type of role. Does it sound exciting for you? Can you see yourself doing this each day? If the answer is yes. Having done your research, the answer to this question should come easy for you.