10 Most Common Interview Questions And Their Answers

Do you have an interview coming up? Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly what a hiring manager would be asking you in your next interview? The best thing that you can do to prepare is to think through the questions you’re likely to be asked and formulate answers ahead of time. Here are the 10 most common interview questions and how to craft a strong answer to each.

1. Tell Me About Yourself.

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for.

2. Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

Never refer to a major problem with management or say undesirable things about your supervisors, co-workers or the organization. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, or a chance to do something better.

3. What Is Your Weakness?

Always try to give a positive answer. For example, “It takes me a long time to get ready in the morning, so I set my alarm two hours ahead of my time in for work.”

4. Why Should We Hire You?

This is your chance to show why working for the company is important to you and why you think you will fit in. Sell yourself. Say how you can be a desirable employee for the company.Don’t mention other applicants for comparison.

5.Why Have You Been Unemployed for Such a Long Time?

Mention the activities you have done that would help market yourself like trainings or short courses you attended, or for example say, “I gave birth and had to take care of my baby and this experience taught me so much about patience and time management.

6. Are You Overqualified For This Position?

Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified for the position. Or you may say something like, “I don’t think I am overqualified, but I am fully qualified.”

7. Are You Applying For Other Jobs?

Be honest. If you are considered an asset to the company, they just might give you a good salary offer to get you to work with them, instead of the other companies you are applying to.

8. Are You A Team Player?

The answer should always be a yes then cite examples. You may mention situations where you were part of a group or organization, and the activities you’ve had that show you worked well with them.

9. How Would You Compensate For Your Inexperience?

You may point out that you are a quick learner and hard worker. Or state experiences that may not be from work but are somewhat related like for a managerial position, you may cite experiences you had as a leader in a school project.

10. How Do You See Yourself Five Years Time?

If you answer that you have not thought about it or you have no plans yet, the interviewer could conclude you have no vision and goals. Say something that is achievable but not too low as this could imply you lack initiative. It should be consistent with the objective on your resume and the skills you mentioned you have.