Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

 

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could anticipate the questions a hiring manager will ask you during your next job interview?

We can't read minds, but we can give you the next best thing: a list of 50 of the most often asked interview questions, along with suggestions on how to answer them all.

While we don't recommend having a canned response for every interview question (please don't), we do recommend spending some time getting comfortable with what you might be asked, what hiring managers are looking for in your responses, and what it takes to demonstrate that you're the right person for the job.

1.) Tell me about yourself.

Possible answer to “Tell me about yourself.”

"Well, I'm currently an account executive at Smith, where I manage our highest-performing client." Previously, I worked at an agency on three distinct major national healthcare brands. And, while I thoroughly enjoyed my work, I'd love the opportunity to go further into one specific healthcare organisation, which is why I'm so enthusiastic about this opportunity with Metro Health Center."

2.) Why do you want to work at this company?

Avoid generalised responses! You are passing up an opportunity to differentiate yourself if what you say can be applied to numerous other businesses or if your response makes you sound like every other applicant. Zhang suggests one of the following four methods: Do your research and identify something about the company that really appeals to you. You can also discuss how you've seen the company develop and change since you first learned about it, emphasise the organization's potential for future growth and how you can contribute to it, or mention something that has inspired you in your interactions with employees thus far.

Possible answer to “Why do you want to work at this company?”

"I saw on The Muse that you were also looking to fill new positions to support your West Coast operations. I read more about the new data centre you're constructing there, and this excites me because I know there will be opportunities to train new teammates as a result. I discovered that you are also growing in Mexico from a Wall Street Journal article. I am able to communicate effectively in Spanish and would be willing to help out whenever needed.

3.) Why should we hire you?

Although this interview question seems straightforward (and even intimidating! ), if it is asked of you, you're in luck: There is no better setting for you to present the hiring manager with your qualifications. Your task is to develop a response that demonstrates your ability to not only perform the work but also to produce excellent results, your ability to successfully integrate into the team and the organization's culture, and why you would be a better hire than any of the other applicants.

Possible answer to “Why should we hire you?”

"I know it's been a thrilling time for General Tech—growing so much and buying several startups—but I also know from experience that it can be difficult for the sales team to comprehend how new products fit in with the existing ones. The newer products may be undervalued because it is always simpler to sell what you already know, which could have an impact on the entire company. More importantly, the majority of those years were spent working with sales teams that were in the same situation as Gen Tech is currently. I have over ten years of experience as a sales trainer. However, growth is only beneficial if the rest of the business can keep up.By implementing an ongoing sales training curriculum that emphasises where they sit in a product lineup, I'm confident that I can ensure that your sales team is enthusiastic and confident about selling new products.

4.)  What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

Beyond pointing out any obvious red flags, your interviewer is attempting to assess your self-awareness and honesty with this question. Therefore, neither "Nothing!" nor "I can't meet a deadline to save my life" are acceptable answers. I'm wonderful! Consider something you struggle with but are trying to get better at to strike a balance. For instance, you might not have always been good at public speaking, but you recently offered to chair meetings in order to improve your public speaking skills.

Possible answer to “What do you consider to be your weaknesses?”

"It can be challenging for me to tell when the individuals I work with are stressed out or unhappy with their workloads. We have weekly check-ins to make sure I'm not expecting too much or too little from my team. I like to find out if they feel in control of their workload, how I can support them more effectively, what they'd like to add or drop, and whether they enjoy what they're doing. These meetings really lay the foundation for a positive and trusting relationship, even if the response is "all good."

5.) Why are you leaving your current job?

It's a difficult question, but you can be sure that you will be asked it. Maintain a positive attitude; criticising your current employer will not benefit you. Instead, speak in a way that demonstrates your desire for new challenges and your belief that the position you are interviewing for is a better fit for you. For instance, "I know I'd have that opportunity here. I'd really love to be part of product development from beginning to end." What would happen if you lost your most recent job? Keep it short and sweet; "Unfortunately, I was let go" is an acceptable response.

Possible answer to “Why are you leaving your current job?”

"I'm prepared for my next professional challenge. I adored the people I worked with and the projects I was a part of, but I eventually came to the realisation that I wasn't being stretched as much as I once was. I made the decision to look for a job where I can continue to advance rather than letting myself get too comfortable.

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