Job interviews can run the gamut from stomach turning to ego boost. Sometimes they go smoothly, but other times, you leave feeling you could’ve gone better. This blog takes a look at the 7 most common interview questions – and shows you how to answer them in a way that will impress prospective employers.
The only way to be truly prepared for an interview is to know what questions you might be asked and prepare for organized, impactful responses. So be prepared to spend some time reviewing these questions and practicing your answers.
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1. “Tell me about yourself.”
The gold standard of interview questions, this is usually an icebreaker that sets the tone for the rest of the interview. The trick is to answer it in a way that’s interesting and doesn’t sound like other applicants.
- Begin with a brief description of your professional history.
- Emphasize any major achievements and skills applicable to the position.
- Close with your career goals and the reason for your interest in the position.
Example:
“I have five years of experience in project management. At my most recent job, I managed a complex, multi-year implementation, acting as a liaison between our IT team and end users to ensure a smooth conversion and successful user adoption. I also worked on a pivotal project with the Salesforce team that reduced IT costs by 20 percent and improved sales productivity. I feel project management is a calling for me, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to a forward-thinking company like yours.”
Your goal is to paint a vivid picture of how you operate in the workplace and the impact you plan to have in your next role. Provide details about your achievements (reduced costs by 20 percent) rather than generalized statements (reduced costs) to make a bigger impact.
2. “What is your biggest strength?”
This question lets you talk about skills that make you an ideal candidate, but the interviewer isn’t looking for a generic or vague answer. Instead, provide an example of how your strength has been tangibly demonstrated in the past and how it can be applied to the position you are applying for.
- Choose an area of your strength related to the job.
- Provide at least one example where you have used this strength.
- Explain how this strength would benefit the company
Example:
“One of my biggest strengths is developing trusted relationships with internal clients. I created a proactive communication process that increased satisfaction and trust among users and reduced user training and adoption time. I think my process could help improve productivity across all departments at your company.”
3. “What is your biggest weakness?”
This question is tricky since you need to balance honesty and thinking strategically. To answer effectively:
- Choose a real weakness that is not significant to the job.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to improvement.
- Describe what you do to overcome that weakness.
Example:
“I sometimes struggle with presenting to large groups. To address this, I’ve joined a local Toastmasters club and have been actively seeking opportunities to present at team meetings. I’ve already seen improvement in my confidence and delivery, and I am committed to continuing this growth.”
4. “Why do you want to work here?”
This question reflects both your learning about the company and your interest in the position. The interviewer isn’t looking for you to make up a reason to “love” the company. They want to hear genuine reasons that align with your career goals and values.
- Research the company thoroughly before the interview (website, social media, news articles.
- Align your career goals with the company’s mission and values.
- Highlight particular aspects of the company or role that genuinely excite you.
Example:
“I admire your company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the tech sector. Your recent launch of eco-friendly product lines resonates with my passion for combining technology with environmental responsibility. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to projects that will make a positive impacts on the environment.”
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5. “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
This question helps employers gauge your ambition and long-term commitment. To make sure you stand out from other candidates, make sure your answer goes beyond the generic:
- Be realistic and set targets that align with possible growth within the company.
- Show interest in learning and further professional growth.
- Show that you are loyal, but don’t get into specifics about what you will or won’t do five years from now.
Example:
“In five years, I see myself growing into a leadership position that would enable me to mentor junior team members and participate in strategic decision-making. I am quite excited about the professional development opportunities your company offers, and I look forward to growing with increased responsibilities as the company grows.”
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6. “Describe a time when you encountered a problem at work and how you dealt with it.”
This is a behavioral question that evaluates problem-solving skills and resilience. Are you someone who can stay calm under pressure and find creative solutions to challenges? Or do you buckle under peer pressure and conflict?
- Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result – to showcase how you would handle a conflict.
- Choose a relevant example that highlights your skills.
- Focus on your actions and the positive outcome for yourself and all parties involved.
Example:
“In my last job, we experienced an unexpected 30% decrease in our budget. The challenge was to deliver the same results with less money. I led a team brainstorming session how we could increase efficiency, and we negotiated partnerships with vendors to lower the costs. As a result, we were able to deliver the same level of service despite budget restraints.
7. “Do you have any questions for us?”
This is your chance to express interest and dig a little deeper to learn more about the interviewer. This question is not probing for a specific answer; the interviewer wants to gauge your curiosity and enthusiasm for the role.
Prepare questions that show interest in the company, job and team. Take this chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Don’t bring up salary or benefits just yet.
Examples:
- “Can you tell me a bit about the team I’d be working with?”
- “What does success look like in this role after the first 90 days?”
- “How does this position contribute to the company’s long-term goals?”
- “Does anything I’ve shared today or in my resume give you pause?”
Ready To Put These Answers Into Hiring Action?
Mastering the most common interview questions is one of the most important parts of any job search. Give detailed, confident responses that disclose your skills, experience, and personality, and you’ll make an excellent first impression.
As with any part of an interview or application, don’t forget your preparation and authenticity, and relate your unique qualities to the needs of the position and corporation.
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Once you’re prepared for the most common interview questions and how to answer them, you’ll be ready to take on your next interview. Remember to take some time after each interview to reflect on what went well and what you can do better next time.
If you’re looking for an opportunity, contact BravoTECH at 800-762-7286. Our team of expert recruiters will offer personalized advice to help you find the right role that best fits your interest and goals.
