Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences for the uninitiated. Facing tough queries like the reason for job change and justifying the salary expectation can be tricky. Employers often ask challenging questions like these to check a candidate’s confidence. These seemingly vague yet relevant questions are meant to test the candidates’ critical thinking abilities. Answering these questions confidently determines the candidates’ suitability for the role.
Let’s dive into the common interview questions without further ado and find the right way to articulate the answers. Go through these questions and get a clear understanding on navigating interviews.
1. How would you describe yourself?
This is a simple yet deceptive question. It is asked to gauge your communication skills and how well you can summarise your qualifications. Keep your response concise, focusing on relevant aspects of your professional journey, skills, and achievements. Start with a brief personal introduction and then transition into your career story. Don’t digress too much while answering the question and avoid mentioning the reason for job change in the answer.
2. What is your greatest weakness?
You should expect this question anytime during the interview. Employers generally ask these questions to identify the candidates’ self-awareness. Avoid clichéd responses like “I’m a perfectionist” when addressing your weaknesses. Instead, choose a genuine weakness and demonstrate how you’ve actively worked to improve it.
3. Can you provide an example of a time you faced a difficult situation at work?
Prepare for this behavioural question by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Describe a specific situation, the tasks involved, your actions, and the positive results or lessons learned.
4. What are your career plans for the next five years?
This question gauges your long-term commitment and career aspirations. Align your response with the company’s values and goals. Express enthusiasm for growth within the company while emphasising your dedication to contributing to its success.
5. Why do you want to work here?
Research the company thoroughly and align your answer with its values, mission, and culture. Discuss how your skills and aspirations are suited for the company you’re interviewing for. Don’t try to flatter the interviewers but give a genuine compliment about the company’s values that convinced you to apply there. This question offers you the right segue to mention your reason for job change.
6. Tell me about a time when you failed.
Focus on the lessons learned and how you turned it into an opportunity for growth when discussing failure. Cite your ability to bounce back from setbacks.
7. How do you handle criticism?
Show your openness to feedback and willingness to learn. Talk about a time when you received constructive criticism. Also, talk about how you worked on it to improve yourself.
8. What sets you apart from other candidates?
During the interview, highlight your unique skills, and experiences that make you stand out. Be specific and provide concrete examples of how you’ve excelled in similar situations.
9. How do you control stress and manage tight deadlines?
Discuss your coping strategies, such as time management, prioritisation, or seeking support from colleagues. Mention past experiences where you successfully managed stress and met deadlines.
10. Do you have any questions for us?
Prepare good questions beforehand to show your interest in the company and the role. Ask about the company’s future projects, team dynamics, or opportunities for professional development.
11. What is your reason for a job change?
When answering this question, focus on the positive reasons for seeking a new opportunity. Mention factors like career growth, a desire for new challenges, or alignment with the company’s values and goals. Avoid discussing negative aspects of your current or previous job as your reason for a job change.
12. Why do you consider yourself a good fit for this position?
Be precise when answering this question. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Use concrete examples from your past work experiences to showcase your abilities.
13. What is your greatest professional achievement?
Choose an achievement that is directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. Use the STAR method to provide a structured and compelling answer. Focus not only on the outcome but also on the actions you took to achieve the result. Highlight how this achievement benefited your previous employer and how it can translate into success in the new role.
14. How do you manage time and prioritise tasks?
Discuss your time management techniques, such as creating to-do lists, setting goals, and using productivity tools. Emphasise how you allocate your time efficiently to meet deadlines.
15. Give an example of a time when you faced conflict with a co-worker.
When addressing conflict, focus on how you successfully resolved the issue while maintaining professionalism and teamwork. Describe the situation, the specific conflict, the actions you took to address it (e.g., effective communication or mediation), and the positive outcome, such as improved collaboration or a solution to the problem. Avoid placing blame and emphasise your conflict resolution skills.
Conclusion
Facing tough interview questions can be quite intimidating. However, with the right preparation and confidence-building exercises, you can ace your interview in style. By articulating yourself properly, you can leave a positive impression on your potential employer. Remember to practise your responses and tailor them to the specific job and company. Be prepared to mention the reason for a job change and why you’d be the right fit for the role. Pay attention to minor things like making proper eye contact during the interview. Answer all questions honestly as the interviewers are experienced people who would see right through you otherwise. This will inevitably increase your chances of success.