Common interview questions and answers

Are you struggling to prepare for your job interview? If you are new to job hunting, it is natural to feel some anxiety about the all-important interview. In fact, even people with several years worth of experience may face jitters sometimes.

Of course, depending on your career of choice, you may face some unique questions during the interview. However, more often than not, hiring managers will ask come rather common questions. These can include some behavioural as well as psychological questions.

One of the best ways to prepare for your job interviews is to respond in an effective and clear manner. This doesn’t mean that you have to memorise what you will say in advance. Rather, think about your responses to some commonly asked questions so that you can respond in a coherent manner if you have to answer these during the interview.

When you know what you can expect during the interview, it will help you to focus on things you wish to highlight about yourself. Being prepared can also improve your confidence and get rid of anxiety. Thus, you can put your best foot forward.

While there are no guarantees that you will get asked every question, we’ve put together some interview questions that are very common. To make it easier for you, we will also provide some appropriate ways to respond to these questions.

Common interview questions and responses

“Tell me a little about yourself”

This is probably one of the first questions you will face. While it sounds simple enough to answer, candidates sometimes struggle to provide a response. Don’t go into a rambling explanation of your personal and job history. Be precise and keep it short. Consider starting off with some detail about your latest job, your responsibilities and your biggest achievements. Then, give some background information on your experiences and how your skills have developed over time. Use the opportunity to talk about why and how your experiences have made you suitable to the new job.

If you want to finish off on a light-hearted note, you can mention some personal interests and hobbies unrelated to work.

“Why do you want to work with us?”

The answers you give to this question can tell rather a lot to the hiring managers. Your response can either show that you are a good fit for the position… or that you’ve simply sent in a resume because you saw that there is an opening.

Before the interview, take some time to research the company, its culture, values and mission as well as its products. This will help you to tailor an answer better. Mention aspects of the company or the position that appeals to you. For instance, its mission statement might resonate with you. Or its growth and potential for employees have you excited to work there.

“Why should we hire you?”

This is definitely one question that can trip up a candidate. Sure, it sounds far too direct. But it is also a fantastic opportunity to really sell your skills to the hiring manager. Be confident when you answer he question. Speak concisely about what you have to offer to the company. Your response can indicate that you have what it takes to deliver results as well as be a team player and fit in with the company’s culture.

“What are your biggest weaknesses”

Hiring managers like to gauge your honesty and self-awareness through this question. So this is not the time to joke around and say “I am perfect!”. Nor is it the time to be your own worst critic. Instead, spend some time before the interview to spot any areas where you struggle with in your professional life. And then, try to craft a response where you acknowledge your weakness, but in a way that communicates resilience and strength.

For instance, you might have a fear of public speaking. But mention the steps you are taking to overcome this as well. You can say, “I struggle to communicate with large groups, but I have recently joined Toastmasters, and sometimes volunteer to run small meetings, which is helping me to overcome my fears”.

“What are your goals in the future?“

This feels like a rather broad question. So, focus on the near-future, maybe the next five years. Where do you see yourself professionally by that time? Or you can even focus on the hear and now and speak about your goals in getting a job. Do you seek to grow into a position that affords greater responsibility within a growth-oriented company?

“Why did you leave your last job?”

You may have left on a bad note. But dragging out the shortcomings of your former employer will not win you brownie points. Keep your answer concise and give it in a positive manner. Maybe you can focus on what you are looking for in a new job. If you found the working environment of your previous job taxing, put a positive spin on it. Rather than saying that, you can, for instance, say “I wish to work for a team-oriented company where I can contribute to the growth and success”.

Questions YOU can ask your potential employer

At the end of the interview, hiring managers give you the opportunity to pose your own questions. Keep in mind that as much as they are interviewing you, you are also interviewing them. This is your chance to find out more about your potential employer, the scope of your responsibilities within the company, and the position.

Phrase your questions in a way that encourage the recruiters to go in to details. Beginning your questions with the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why – and occasionally ‘how’) is a great way to avoid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers.

“What are the responsibilities I would be expected to handle?”

This gives you a good chance to determine whether this is a perfect fit for you. You can gain an idea of what sort of skills are necessary to successfully carry out your duties should the company hire you.

“How would you describe the culture of the company?”

This gives you an idea about how your potential employers treat the staff. You can gain insight into whether the company prioritises their employees happiness and well-being.

“Who will I be reporting to?”

Some positions require you to have several bosses. Getting to know the different personalities and their rankings within the company is a good idea before you accept the job.