Today, getting hired for the job you want is not an easy task. You must be prepared to answer or much better anticipate the questions for job interview that will come your way. It will be a great help to review sample answers to different typical interview questions available over the internet. There are many job interview tips you can find that can help you start with.
Tell me about yourself.
It’s better to make you answer related to your current job skills.
Tell me about your dream job.
Everyone has dream job. But if you are face with this kind of question, don’t mention a specific job. You can start by answering, “I want a job where I love the work and the people I work with.”
Why did you leave your last job?
Saying negative comments about your previous employer is not a good idea. The best way to answer this is to tell the interviewer that you want to grab an opportunity, or a chance to do something better.
What is your weakness?
It’s never a good idea to expose your weaknesses. Try to give a positive answer to this one. A good answer could be: “It takes me a long time to get ready in the morning, so I set my alarm two hours ahead of my time in for work.”
What are your strengths?
This is your chance to sell yourself. As much as possible, try to enumerate the things that you can do that are very desirable to the company you’re apply for.
What do you know about the type of work we do?
Always make a habit to do a good research about the company your applying to.
Why should we hire you?
Answer this interview question directly. It is not a good idea to start comparing yourself with other applicants. Tell your interviewer how important it is for you working for the company and state why you think you’re that right person for the job.
Tell me about a suggestion you have made.
State some of the important things that you imparted with the company that contribute to its growth especially those that are related to the position you are applying for.
Do you consider yourself successful?
Answer this question confidently with a YES. Success doesn’t necessarily have to be big ones, just mention how you have achieved goals you have set for yourself.
Why have you been unemployed for such a long time?It will help to enumerate some of the important activities that you have done such as attending trainings and/or short courses.
What do co-workers say about you?
Only say the good things that your co-workers or your boss maybe have said about you. For example, If someone told you how organized person you are.
How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
The best answers could be: “I plan on staying for long.” or “As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.”
Do you think you are overqualified for this position?
Never answer this interview question with a YES. Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position.
Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
Explain to the interviewer how it is hard for you to fire that person but you had to and explain the reason why it should be done.
Are you applying for other jobs?
Be honest. If you are considered an asset to the company, they just might give you a good salary offer to get you to work with them, instead of the other companies you are applying to.
Describe your management style.
Mention how you deal with your subordinates or your projects like, “I provide team members with effective guidance and motivation to complete assignments on time so our projects succeed.” Or you can simply say “For me, good communication among members is the best way.”
Are you a team player?
The answer should always be a yes then cite examples. You may mention situations where you were part of a group or organization, and the activities you’ve had that show you worked well with them.
What is your philosophy towards work?
Don’t give a monologue here. Say something short and positive like, “My philosophy is to do my best at all times.”
What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
You may say you are comfortable with any position in the team, may it be the leader, or follower. This shows that you can lead a team but at the same time also able to follow directions. This shows you are flexible.
Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
If you have, be honest and never say anything negative about your former boss or company. Focus on saying positive like how much you have grown from the experience.
What irritates you about co-workers?
Do not speak badly of your past co-workers, as this reflects a flaw on your attitude, not theirs. Divert the negativity posed by the question. Assure the interviewer you get along well with fellow co-workers.
Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Mention your skills, experience and interest.
What is more important to you: the money or the work?
You can say something like, “Both are important because everybody needs money to live but job satisfaction is also important.”
What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Mention something that was beyond your control but show acceptance and no negative feelings.
What would your previous supervisor say your strongest point is?
There are many good qualities you can mention but be sure to give an example or a situation to back your answer. Or if you have a recommendation letter you may say, “I believe my supervisor would say that my strongest point is that I’m reliable, hard-working, efficient, timely, and responsible. I know this because he has written it in my letter of recommendation. Would you like to see it?”
Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.
Never mention a problem or anything negative about your supervisor. Try to think and then come up with none.
Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.
You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.
How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?
You may point out that you are a quick learner and hard worker. Or state experiences that may not be from work but are somewhat related like for a managerial position, you may cite experiences you had as a leader in a school project.
Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?
Never give the interviewer the impression that you are more interested on other jobs.
Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Talk about having fun but at the same time accomplishing something like a team building you had where you gained a good relationship with your co-workers.
Would you be willing to relocate if required?
Be honest. Discuss with your family beforehand, assuming this question should come up.
What motivates you to do your best on the job?
Some examples are challenge, achievement, recognition, integrity.
How would you know you were successful on this job?
You can say something like, “When I have achieved all the goals that were set and I have given more than what is expected of me.”
Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead of your own?
Just say yes. This is a test of your loyalty.
What qualities do you look for in a boss?
Be generic and positive. Some examples are fair, competent, good motivator.
How do you see yourself five years from now?
If you answer that you have not thought about it or you have no plans yet, the interviewer could conclude you have no vision and goals. Say something that is achievable but not too low as this could imply you lack initiative. It should be consistent with the objective on your resume and the skills you mentioned you have.
What have you learned from mistakes on the job?
Mention mistakes you’ve had but be sure to focus more on the lessons you have learned from that mistake.
Do you have any blind spots?
Don’t say something specific but just say everyone has them that’s why working as a team is very important to point out and cover each other’s blind spots. This answer diverts the question to how you are as a team player.
If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Mention qualities that are needed for the position that you have.
Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a dispute between others.
Pick a specific incident and what role you played in its resolution.
Describe your work ethic.
Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.
What are your expectations from this job/company?
You will be able to answer this question well through company research and self-assessment. Think as if you are already part of the company. You may say something like, “I expect challenging tasks.”
Do you have references?
Contact your references ahead of time and have their names and contact details ready
Do you have any questions for me?
Always prepare questions, but those that are not answered in the company’s website or those you have not discussed. Asking questions shows you are interested to know more about the company or the job.
Why do you think you will be successful at this job?
You can say something like, “Basing on my research of the company and the job description, I can say that I have the skills and experience you are looking for.
What do you think of the last company you worked for?
As always, never say anything negative about the last company you worked for. You can say you learned a lot from the company and the job, and you consider it an important stepping stone in reaching everything you have achieved.
How do you handle criticism?
You can say something like, “I see criticism as an opportunity to improve my work.” Then give an example where you were criticized and you handled it in a positive way like, “My manager once told me that the reports I gave him were unorganized so I tried to review my past reports and asked if he had any preferences. I followed my manager’s suggestions and reconstructed my reports. My manager was happy with all the reports I handed him after that.”
Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?
Employers ask this especially if the position you are applying for is higher than your former position. This is for them to gauge if you are up for the challenge of the new position. Give a positive answer and show them you are the job.
What are your activities and interests outside of work?
Say something about your interest and how it can help you on the job you are applying for. Like basketball can teach you team work, or baking can teach you accuracy. If you are applying for a job that requires you to be fit, you may mention physical activities that you do like swimming or any other sport.
Job interviews are known to be stressful. But with proper knowledge and preparation, I’m sure you can get that job position that you ever wanted.
