Getting ready for job interviews can make one nervous or unconfident most times, because one isn’t sure of what to expect. Having a clear understanding of the kinds of questions that would be likely thrown to you in a job interview helps to provide you with the opportunity to gather suitable answers that will best show the job interviewers that you are suitable for the job.
Most job interviewers would want to get a clear view of your abilities in accordance with the supposed job you applied for, knowing this will help you to expect questions related to your skills, career goals and your work history.
In this article, we would explore the seven most common job interview questions and also provide well engaging answers, so that you can be well prepared, confident and also level you up in a way you can impress any job interviewer.
QUESTION ONE: “Tell Me About Yourself”
This question is usually the first question being thrown in a job interview, it is because the job interviewer wants to get a more definite picture of your kind of person, which includes your skills, experiences and also a brief professional background overview.
This question might seem like a piece of cake but can be tricky, you will make a mistake when you start telling the job interviewer about multiple unnecessary personal information or how bad you feel about your present employment situation.
EXAMPLE ANSWER
“I have (a decade) of experience in (xx field), with a strong background in (bookkeeping and accounting). Recently, I had worked in (xx company), where I (give a concise description of job responsibilities and achievements). I’m glad about the opportunity to present my skills and experience to a new role and contribute to a successful growth of (mention the company name)”
QUESTION TWO: “Why Should We Employ You?”
This question gives you an opportunity to have an edge over the job candidates, because you get to express your uniqueness and you can do this by showing your interest in the company and willingness to work for the company. In order to effectively answer this question, ensure that you have researched on the company’s vision, values, services and products. Remember to be confident on how you answer this question
EXAMPLE ANSWER
“I’m quite happy by (mention the company name) commitment to (mention the aspect of the company’s vision that relates to you). As an individual who is passionate about (related passion), I am glad about the opportunity to give my contribution to a company that is (concisely describe company’s services or products) through my skills and experience.”
Also read: How to write a winning scholarship essay: Full Guide
QUESTION THREE: “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”
Most times is used to ascertain your self awareness, honesty and how you learn from mistakes. When you are discussing about your strengths, ensure to have the job description in mind. Show emphasis of the type of skills and qualities you have and how they have been a great help to you in achieving success in your former roles.
Just make sure you convey on how your strengths can help you to perform excellently in the job. When you are talking about your weaknesses, always know that honesty is the best policy. Ensure to highlight them to be your areas for improvement and also explain the steps you are taking to get rid of it.
EXAMPLE ANSWER
“My greatest strength is (mention it), it has helped me to deliver well quality results in my former roles. For instance, in my previous position, I was in charge for (mention project/task) and (mention your strength) has ensured that I had it completed with great efficiency and accuracy.
Coming over to my weakness, I have (mention your weakness), which sometimes lead to (mention the effects of the weakness). To overcome this, I have been working on (mention the steps you take to improve them), I have discovered that this helps me to stay focused and efficient.”
QUESTION FOUR: “Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?”
This question can be asked to know how deliberate you are about your job change. Ensure that when answering this question, be honest but give a thoughtful and professional answer. There can be many good reasons for leaving a job, but ensure to prevent it tactfully.
EXAMPLE ANSWER
“I am quiting my current job because I am looking for new opportunities to grow. While I have given my time at (mention the current company name), I have discovered that I am no longer growing at the pace I like. I am glad about the opportunity to join (mention the company name) and also offer my skills and experience to a new group.”
QUESTION FIVE: “Where Do You See Yourself To Be In Five Years?”
The aim of this question is to know about your career goals, life ambitions and level of input. When you give a honest detail of how you aspire yourself to be in the future, it helps the job interviewers to know if the company goes in well with your personal development visions. Remember to show your readiness to learn, grow and adapt.
EXAMPLE ANSWER
“Some of my future goals for the next five years includes (mention your career goals). I will be glad to have opportunity to meet new challenges, improve my skills and make a great contribution to the growth of (mention the company name). I am quite aware of the uncertainty of the future, but i pledge my willingness to study, discover and conform in accordance of the necessity of the company.
QUESTION SIX: “Describe A Moment You Encountered A Challenge And How You Handled It”
You will be directed this question so as to get a glimpse of your ability to solve problems and how you can hand pressure when you are working. This question requires you to take yourself back to past events and how you made it through. The job interviewers are focusing on your level of critical thinking and analytical skills and your behavior in handling the challenges. You can construct your answer by identifying the problem, providing the solutions, describing your actions, the outcome and lessons learned.
EXAMPLE ANSWER
“My boss had an urgent emergency and required to be out of town for a month without advance notice. One of our biggest clients had already made plans to come to our office during that period to hear about an ad product speech and he was concerned that no one else would meet up with the preparation of the project before the deadline.
I immediately had a video call with the client to give assurance that i could effectively represent my boss in the meeting. The meeting was later held, I performed excellently in the speech and we closed in massive sales for the product.”
QUESTION SEVEN: “Do You Have Any Questions For Us?”
This final question is asked to know how much interest you have in the company and the role. Ensure that when answering this questions, you avoid asking questions that can be easily answered by performing research on the company’s website. Instead, focus on questions that gives you a clearer understanding of the role or the company culture.
EXAMPLE QUESTIONS
1) “What are the biggest challenges facing the department in this role?”
2) “What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in the company and this position?”
3) “Can I have a more detailed information about the company’s culture?”
