Going for an interview is usually a very stressful event. Most interviewees are very anxious and edgy both when they practice for the interview and at the actual one. Others step into the interview room only to find that their mouths have dried up and they’re at a complete loss of words. The only way to stop that from happening to you is to prepare yourself adequately.
The good news is, there are always a number of standard questions that you could be asked during an interview. Knowing what they are and preparing some clever responses to them can greatly enhance your performance in the interview. We now take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions and how you should respond to them.
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
When you answer this question, always focus on your positive traits, both personal and professional. Make it a point to emphasize your valuable skills, experiences, and achievements, without sounding like you are bragging. Before coming up with something witty, you need to study the job description thoroughly in order to customize your answer to the specific position you’re interviewing for.
What is your biggest weaknesses?
This is probably one of the more tricky questions. Most people think that the best way to approach it is to name a weakness that can be thought of as a strength. For example, you could say that you’re a perfectionist or that you work too hard sometimes. The problem with this is that most experienced interviewers are likely to have heard the same type of answer many times in the past. You would probably be better off just being honest. State a true weakness but make sure you can demonstrate that you are doing something to overcome it. For example, you could say that you have a hard time delegating work but that you have enrolled in a course that teaches delegation techniques.
What is your greatest strength?
This is the perfect opportunity to showcase what you excel in. Find a way to mention more than just one good trait and be sure to pick those that will contribute the most to the type of job you’re applying for. For example, if the job description says that you have to be a team player, you might want to mention that you are good at motivating other people.
Why did you apply for this job?
The reason most interviewers ask this question is because they want to see if you’ve actually put some serious thought into the job (as opposed to sending out resumes for any job opening). Doing some research about the company’s background and values will allow you to come up with a good answer. For example, you could say that the company’s values are in line with yours. Even more importantly, you need to explain how your skills and experiences will add to the company’s value.
Remember, your understanding of the interview process and the motivation behind these questions are crucial in determining how successful you are. Most employers will also throw some unexpected questions at you to test your ability to think on the spot. Don’t be afraid of them, the interviewer is not an enemy. There is always a good reason for every question, and if you are able to grasp what that reason is, you’re going to find it much easier to answer them.
