The most frequently asked questions at a job interview

Being interviewed can be a stressful experience. But if you get interested in the company’s needs and their field of activity, the interview can become a fun and pleasant experience. As a recruitment company, we focus on the questions we ask our candidates and we always try to concentrate on covering the most important aspects of a job interview.

So, here are the most frequently asked questions at a job interview:

1. Tell me something about you.

This is usually the opening question. It might sound like a simple one, but when it comes to the answer, maybe you have to think twice. The employer wants to hear from you a summary of your highest qualifications. It will be good to get focused on your abilities, your achievements so far and try to connect them to the job´s requirements. What you shouldn´t do is go into too much detail. Make it a short answer, and try to concentrate on your abilities that might be helpful in the company.

2. Why do you think you will be fit for the job? Why should we hire you?

Your answer should mainly focus on your strengths in a work situation. Try to offer concrete examples of how you helped at your last work place with concrete facts and numbers, if possibly. Make sure you are up to date about what the employer is looking for from the job description.

3. What salary are you seeking?

If your interviewer asks this question, is clearly that he or she wants to find out how good you can estimate yourself as a person, and of course, what type of person you are. The answer might be very delicate, because you have to take care not to say a big amount or a small amount. The company might not be able to offer you the salary you asked for, so it´s better to avoid any specific numbers. If in the job description is mentioned the salary, you could say it´s around the same area you are looking for.

4. What are your goals? Where so you see yourself in 5-10 years?

This question is a very important one and you have to be honest when answering. It´s ok to talk about both short-term and long-term expectations and wishes. Show the employer how ambitious you are, how determinate you are. Remind him again about your strengths and about the fact that you have an exact goal in mind and that you will make everything it is needed to fulfill your dreams.

5. What are your weaknesses?

The best way to handle this question is by examples. So don´t start listing all your bad features, like: I trust people too much etc. Explain how you are trying to make your weaknesses look like advantages in different situations. Talk about self improvement. Don´t avoid the question. Make it an adavantage.

6. What are your strengths?

The answer must contain basically 3 biggest advantages of your personality which can be used of course, in work situations. The employer wants to see how good you know yourself. He might take notes about you, so think about your answer really good. Nobody will hurry you, but precision and essential dialogue will help a lot.

7. Why did you left your former work place?

This is a question you have to treat with honesty and there is no shame to admit the fact that you were fired or the company passed through a reorganization and your position wasn´t available anymore. The employer will appreciate it and will keep in mind that no one could admit that situation and that he is dealing with a honest person. But if you actually left the company at your will, you can than talk freely about the fact that you couldn´t evolve there anymore, and that you are looking for a position that allows you to develop as a person and as a professional.

8. Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how did you manage it?

This is your chance to talk about how resourceful you can be in different situations. This question is mostly about managing stress and being able to solve a issue by yourself. Handling pressure. Talk about you are not ashamed to ask for help if needed and if there´s a difficult situation surrounding you. Or a new one. It´s normal for people to make mistakes so explain the fact that you always try to repair your mistakes and you learn from your mistakes. It might sound strange, but admitting your mistakes makes you a stronger person.

9. How do you think your boss should be?

Of course, you don´t have to “paint the perfect picture” of your dream boss. Try to tell your employer that you understand that being a boss might seem simple and a comfortable position, but that is not true. So explain that you understand the pressure but also try to say 3 abilities your boss should have. Maybe sense of humor, team spirit or proactive attitude. Never say something about money. That will make you look like a superficial person.

10. Do you have any questions for me?

This answer may reflect your interest on the job or on the company itself. If you think you need more information about the job, go ask everything you want to know. On the other hand, if you think you have all covered, try to find more information about the team you will probably work with, your boss, the company´s policy and so on.

The interviewer will judge your answers to questions, but will remember on an emotional level, the conversation as a whole. It´s all about emotional intelligence. The interview gives you a chance to demonstrate your abilities, engage in conversation, and show motivation and enthusiasm.

Regardless the result of the interview, all that matters in the end is that you gain experience and you will become more familiar of what companies are looking for, on a general level.

So, you just need to dress to impress, be honest and more important, be yourself!

© S&P