There is no escaping the fact that there is a sense of uncertainty among the general public given the mass layoffs that are happening all around the world. The global financial system is evolving and companies are finding it hard to cope.
So in the midst of companies downsizing their teams, it can be a nerve-wracking experience to be looking for a job. So, if you landed an interview, you better prepare yourself to increase your chance of landing the job.
One of the most important parts of interview preparation is practicing your responses to common interview questions. It is of course impossible to read the minds of the interviewer, but there are still some common questions that you must prepare for. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked interview questions and how to answer them.
Also read: Top Remote-Friendly Employers to Watch in 2023
Tell me about yourself
The first thing an interviewer may ask you is to introduce yourself to make you feel more at ease. That appears a fairly basic question but most people fail to answer it appropriately. The interviewer wants to know more about your current status by asking this question, where many people discuss their personal background or employment history. Instead, give a quick overview of your present role (including the scope and potentially one major accomplishment), followed by some background on how you got there and relevant experience.
Here is a sample answer for you.
“Sure, my name is [Name], and I have over [X] years of experience in [industry]. I am currently working in a [current role] at [company name], where I’m responsible for [briefly describe your responsibilities]. I recently ran [mention one of your current achievements]. Outside work, I’m really passionate about [interest or hobby], and I believe that [explain how your passion connects to the job]. I’m excited about this opportunity because [briefly explain why you’re interested in the job or company]. Overall, I believe my experience and skills make me a strong fit for this role, and I’m eager to contribute my talents to the team.”
Why do you want to work at this company?
This is another common question that can be difficult to answer if you haven’t prepared for it. Try to give a unique answer here to impress the interviewer! Here they want to know about your knowledge and enthusiasm regarding their company. Thus, before heading into an interview, do some research on the firm and highlight its revenue structure, and opportunities for future growth, tell what motivated you to apply for this position, and most importantly, identify who within the corporation may interview you and investigate them as well. Determine their professional social media profiles and browse their preferences. Finding common ground with your interviewer and bringing it up during the interview is generally beneficial.
Here is a sample answer for you.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to work at [company name]. I’ve been following the company’s growth and success over the past few years, and when I saw a new position open I was excited to be a part of the team. I also did some research and one of the things that really stands out to me is your commitment to [core value]. [Company name] also has a distinct work culture and a sense of professionalism that many other companies often overlook. And finally, I have also spoken with some of your current/ex-employees who all mentioned the company’s commitment to professional development and work-life balance, which aligns with my own values and career goals. All these reasons opted me to work at this company.
What are your greatest strengths or weaknesses?
Here is an opportunity to discuss something that makes you excellent—and a fantastic fit for this role. When answering this question, consider quality above quantity. In other words, don’t recite a laundry list of adjectives. Instead, choose one or two (depending on the question) unique qualities applicable to this role and demonstrate them with examples. Generalizations are never as memorable as stories. And if there’s something you’ve been meaning to discuss because it makes you a strong contender but hasn’t had the chance, now is the time!
Here is a sample answer
“I’d say one of my main qualities is my work ethic where I never compromise my work. I’ve always completed my tasks on time. Another major quality is my written communication skills, which I use as a digital marketing manager to attract clients’ attention. My previous email marketing project was a big success, with nearly 500 individuals attending the event and about 60% invested in the company. I believe that if I work honestly, everything can be done with just enough structure to keep things operating smoothly.”
Why are you leaving your current job?
This is very common that you will be asked in your interview a tough question to answer but you have to keep things positive. The majority of the people try to blame the company which is the most negative answer. Instead, positively structure your answer. Tell them that you have outgrown your current position and want to explore new roles. You can also mention how you think you are a better fit for the role you are applying for. And finally try to be honest in your answer, if you were laid off from your current job, do not hesitate to mention that as it is still a perfectly acceptable answer.
Here is a sample answer for you
I sincerely have learned a lot from my current role as a Client Success Representative in [company name], however, I personally feel I’m ready for the next challenge in my career. Working as a team in [company name] has been a wonderful experience and I am grateful for the love and support I received, but I personally feel I am ready to pursue a role where I can showcase my creativity and have the potential to grow.
What’s your current salary?
In many societies, discussing one’s salary is considered taboo and often makes people uncomfortable and stressed. It is even illegal for some employers to ask about your salary in several states in the US. But you can still expect this topic to come up in a slightly deflected way like, “How much do you expect to make” or “What was your last salary”.
Here is a sample answer for you
“If I am completely honest, I would be more comfortable discussing salary after I learn more about the role. I have done some initial research and I am certain if it’s the right fit, we can agree on a number that is fair for both parties. I also have an open mind and a willingness to discuss.”
What other companies are you interviewing with?
It is not uncommon for companies to ask whether you are currently interviewing other parties. There can be several reasons why a potential employer may ask this question including reasons like to find out whether you are actively looking for a job or to find out who they are competing against to hire you. So it is perfectly fine to let them know that you may be looking for other roles and it is well accepted in the industry.
Here is a sample answer for you
To be honest, Yes I am currently interviewing several other companies for a range of positions that I think will best suit my skills. I always have an open mind and a willingness to grow my career. However, I can assure you, if I am selected for the [current role you are applying for], I will be more than willing to join the team on an urgent basis.
Conclusion
It is quite difficult to predict what questions you will encounter in an interview, but preparing for some of the common tricky ones can be really beneficial. Our guide today will certainly help you calm some nerves and make yourself look better prepared and a more deserving candidate. However, feel free to add your own touch to every answer as they help build personality which is very important for a successful career. To learn more about interviewing and other career-related topics, keep an eye on our blogs.
