Common Interview Questions

Below are standard interview questions and recommended response parameters for you to exercise before your onsite meeting:

Common Interview Question #1: “What can you tell me about yourself?”

  • The answer should directly address the concerns and fit the objectives of the prospective employer;
  • You want to be “selling” what the company is “buying.”
  • Spend more time highlighting professional accomplishments, not personal ones
  • Be brief – take a minute or less to answer this question

Common Interview Question #2: “Why are you looking?”

  • Never speak poorly about your current company, team, or boss regardless of circumstance.
  • Situate your reason for leaving your earlier roles in the best light possible; this is an opportunity to sell yourself; not to air dirty laundry or share grievances.
  • If you are not actively looking, be honest about your current situation and upfront if your search is confidential.
  • Be prepared to articulate your reasons for initial interest; never claim your actions are driven by salary.

Common Interview Question #3: “Why do you want to work for our company?”

  • This question is the perfect opportunity to showcase the research you completed as you relay your preemptive understanding of the business and how you could see yourself adding value.
  • Make sure that you can articulate “why here” – what specific attributes about the working environment, the reputation of the firm, the type of work, or the support of the team are most compelling to you?
  • Prepare to respond in a way that continues to sell your skills and demonstrate an interest in their company culture.

Common Interview Question #4: “Why should we hire you?”

  • At this point, you should consider the shortlist of areas the hiring manager is identified as critical
  • Share a relevant accomplishment; outline the situation, what needed to be done, the specific results– quantify.

Common Interview Question #5: “What would you describe as your greatest weakness?”

  • Keep in mind any potential concerns that your recruiter has shared with you from the client’s perspective.
  • Your answer should be honest and structured in a way that expands or negates any potential hiring concerns.
  • Pair your response with how you overcame the weakness and how this experience impacts your work today.
  • Keep in mind that everyone has weaknesses and they can change multiple times as a career progresses.

Image via Qimono • Pixabay

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