Interviews are not the easiest of proceedings especially when they are job interviews and the interviewee feels like all his hope is on the job he is being interviewed for. The pressure is not only on the interviewee as the interviewer also feels some bit of pressure especially as he or she tries to come up with the best of questions to ensure he gets the best out of the interviewee and make the best candidate is chosen. Below are some of the best interview questions that have been used over a period of time but still remain relevant today. Appropriate answers to these questions are provided, helping both parties as the interviewee tries to draft out his answers based on the sample given and the interviewer looks out for some of the points mentioned in the sample answers.
Tell me about yourself.
This is one of the commonest interview questions and it is so as it helps to put the interviewee on the spot and also allowing him to say some few things about himself and how his background makes him appropriate for the job. This definitely means that the interviewer is not interested in your place of birth or your favorite color but who you are and how you fit into the company.
Why should I hire you?
When this question is asked, the employer wants reasons why you think you are the best candidate for the job. Your employment history especially the aspects related to the job you are applying for is what should be your primary focus for an answer. This puts you in a picture in the interviewer’s mind and how you can fit into the job based on your past work experience.
What are your strengths?
When this question is asked, you can be sure that the opposite will follow. Every person has some two to three attributes that makes him or her unique and happy every time these attributes are exhibited. This would not be your hair color or your accent. Rather, attributes like dedication, hard work or diligence are the catch here. It is not enough to just mention these strengths as the interviewer though might not request for an elaboration, needs it. And you therefore need to narrate real life situations where you have demonstrated these strengths in order to substantiate your claim.
What are your weaknesses?
This is the direct opposite of the previous question and as mentioned earlier, they usually go hand-in-hand. This would generally not be a “real” weakness in order not to send the wrong message to the employer. Answers like not being able to speak a second language or making sure a job is completed before embarking on another project are suitable answers for this question. With such answers, you have been able to make a positive attribute look negative without shooting yourself in the foot.
What is the most important thing in a job?
This is one of those interview questions where you need your instincts to be sharp. Basically, you have to be as sincere as possible and state the things you find most important in a job. If the company does not have it on offer and you feel it is really important, there is no harm in saying it especially as it could be used against you if you eventually get the job.
What are your career goals?
This question helps the employer assess your growth possibility and potential if you are hired into the organization. If the company is looking to hire a potential candidate for the post of a senior partner, seeking for such a job where you only want something to pass away the time for some years is definitely the wrong path. So you want to be careful when giving an answer to this question.
Do you have questions for me?
It is advised that you carry out a bit of research and homework before heading for the time as this gets you ready for questions like this. In the event that you have a question based on your research, make sure it is relevant and legitimate. Do not try to impress the interviewer especially as you try to show that you have done some homework before heading for the hot seat. There are a number of simple yet intelligent questions that can be asked. "What is a typical day like for this position?" or "What opportunity for advancement does this position have?" are some of the questions you can ask.
Reason for leaving your last job
It is a known fact that employees leave organizations for various reasons. For whatever reason you might have left your previous place of work, ensure to state it to the interviewer that it was mutually beneficial for you to leave the company. Do not be too blunt and be as honest as possible. You might have to prepare an honest but logical story to this effect, but make sure it is not too revealing.
The above questions are some of the best as far as interviews are concerned and for a prospective interviewee, continuous practice of these questions would put you in a better position whenever you enter that sacred room.
