Typical Interview Questions
and Answers
Let’s take a look at some of
the common questions during interviews.
Tell me about yourself.
| This is a
very popular question that has left most
people speechless and confused. It does not
specify what you should say and it is very
open. If you are not well prepared you might
end up saying so much that is not necessary.
There are also people who do not know how to
limit their words. You should use this
question as an opportunity to highlight the
things that will play to your advantage in
relation to the job. Highlight your skills,
strengths, things that you have accomplished
as well as what you are knowledgeable about.
Have a clear direction when responding to
this question. Of course you need to give a
brief introduction on yourself and
qualifications. |
What do you expect to gain
from this position or company?
| This question
aims to establish if you know what exactly you
want in life and in terms of career. Get ready
to describe your ideal job and try and
incorporate the company your description. A
prior study and research on the company will
help you in tackling this question. |
Why are you thinking about
leaving your current job?
| Honestly, if
you are comfortable in your current job you
would not want to leave. This is a question that
aims to check your open mindedness. Be sure to
highlight that you are looking for more exposure
in your field of expertise. Do not try to paint
a bad image of your current or previous company.
That will not do you any good. Try and be as
diplomatic as possible. |
What are your strengths
and weakness?
| This question
needs to be approached in the right manner. It
is very easy to go on talking while not
answering this question. Highlight all your
accomplishments in relation to the job that you
have applied for. You might have other strengths
that are not relevant. Remain focused when you
respond to this question.
Weaknesses are not a
positive thing to brag about. Most interviewers
ask this question in order to gauge your
honesty. You do not need to give a full account
of all the areas you have failed in. Highlight
just a few and indicate that you are working on
improving in those areas. Do not be afraid
everyone has faults. |
Where do you want to be
five years from now?
| Most people
are excited when they are asked this question
and they go ahead to unleash unrealistic goals
that they aim to have achieved. Be very modest
when you answer this question. Draw a line
between over ambition and being shallow minded.
Let your job be the reference point to where you
are aiming to be in five years. |
What would you do if your
superior tells you to do something that you know is not
right in the way of doing?
| It is good to
follow the chain of command. However, since even
superiors in a company are human beings, it
might be as a result of an oversight. It is good
to try and point it out but if he persists carry
out the task. Be sure to raise any concerns that
you have in a clear way. |
What do you think your
boss would describe you if I were to call your company?
| Be confident
about yourself when answering this question.
Assure the interview that your former boss would
have all sorts of praises to your hard work and
responsibility. |
What would you say about
your time management?
| Try and be as
honest as possible when it comes to time
management. In the event that you lie and you
are offered the job and do not live up to what
you said it might not augur well with your
superiors. |
What do you know about our
company?
| One of the
best ways to getting ready for an interview is
by doing an in depth research on the company.
The interview will be impressed if you are able
to answer this question with solid facts that
you had checked out. It also demonstrates your
ability to be proactive. |
What are you looking for
in your next job?
| When this
question is put forward to you, let your answer
revolve around the job that you are interviewing
for. The interview will mostly want to use this
question to establish how much you are
interested in the job. |
What types of people do
you find hard to get along with?
| It would be
wrong to pinpoint and direct your answer to a
particular set of people. Be very diplomatic
when handling this question. Use illustrations
if you have to demonstrate the characters that
you do not appreciate. Talk about characters and
traits that are not productive in companies as
an answer to this question. |
How do you handle a
conflict situation that occurs in your work place?
| As long as
you are working with people, it is inevitable to
avoid conflict. Most employers are concerned
about the ability of employees to handle
conflicts. It will be also important to give an
example of a conflict situation and how you
would handle it. Remember that everyone has
weakness and do not portray yourself as without
fault. Use scenarios where you are the one on
the wrong and vice versa. Explain that he
conflicts have made you better and have improved
your ability to work with people while avoiding
conflicts. Try and paint a picture of yourself
as one who is interested in solving conflicts
rather than be the trigger. Be sure to
demonstrate your ability to admit your faults
for the purposes of smooth running of the
company. What the interviewer seeks to find out
is your ability to be a team player. Be sure to
highlight the importance of working with other
people as a team in the company.
|
You seem to have little
experience with this job. How do you intend to learn up the
knowledge you need to perform well.
| Never
acknowledge that you have insufficient
experience or skills for a job that you want.
When this question is asked, highlight your
ability to grasp things quickly and how you are
able to implement what you learn.
Use a very
creative response for this question and win the
confidence of your potential employer.
This would be
a typical answer:
“In response to your question, I would like to
mention that I have worked under different
environments. Some of the places I have worked I
did not have the slightest idea on what to do.
However, I am very keen on instructions and
never afraid to ask questions. I am proactive
and I take it upon myself to find out as much as
I can about any job I am interested in. I have
done a thorough research on this company and I
am sure I will just need slight polishing to
become effective and deliver results”. |
What is the last book you
read?
| The kinds of
books or materials that you read mostly
influence who you become. Many employers will
use this question to determine your personality.
When responding to this question it is important
to think carefully. You might provide books on
cartoons that might be interpreted to mean that
you are not a serious person. Get a list of
books that might be related to the job that you
are interviewing for. If you have read real like
issues that build and develop character
especially at work place do not leave those ones
out. |
Is there anything else
about you I should know?
| At this point
most interviewees would take this as an exit
point and respond by saying there is nothing
more. However, at times the interviewer is
giving you an opportunity to market yourself and
convince the interviewer to offer you the job.
Be very keen when responding to this question
just highlight a few of your achievements and
skills. Do not take too much time and also avoid
to much repetition. Stick to what is relevant
and only issues that will increase your chances
of securing the position. Do not use this chance
to ask any question just talk about yourself and
put an emphasis on your professionalism.
It is
important to go to the interview well prepared
for this question. Let the interviewer
understand your level of experience and
expertise in relation to the job. Use both
positive and challenging scenarios that have
developed your personality regarding that
position and the lessons that you have learned
from previous companies as well. It is also good
to mention how you handle things and your
reverence to the management. Be very clear in
your mind in order to deliver an excellent
answer. Let your potential employer understand
that you are really motivated about the position
and you would be glad when offered the
opportunity. Consider yourself as a product and
sell yourself fully. |
Why do you think we should
pay you this much?
| Everyone
wants to know that their getting their money’s
worth when paying for any product or service.
The interviewer will also seek to be convinced
why they should part with some cash. In short,
they want you to persuade them why you are
different from the others and why they should
pay you. Do not appear desperate or to be
begging. Answer this question using your skills,
experience and strengths. Any achievements that
made your former boss proud would also play a
big role in your answer. Let the prospective
employer understand the benefits he stands to
achieve upon hiring you. |
When can you start?
| If you get to
this question, then you are as close to your job
as possible. Unfortunately most interviewees
have failed at this stage. In the midst of the
excitement, remember that the interviewer will
use this question to determine how you will
leave the company in the future. Be sure to ask
for some time to get a competent person to
replace you in your former job and also inform
them you would need to notify your current
employer of your exit.
Depending on the
final agreement on your start date, get all the
necessary information about your new job. It
will be quite disappointing if you start the job
and fail to leave up to what you had implied
during the interview. |
Last edited
on:
November 16, 2011
