You’ve sent your application and after a few days of anxiously waiting for a response you have been shortlisted for a face-face interview! Great news!
Here are 5 most common questions asked during a job interview published by William Ahmet Consultant at Morgan McKinley
1. What are your weaknesses / What are your development areas?
This is a question that no one ever quite knows how to prepare an answer, your instinct in an interview is to keep all your flaws and weaknesses hidden to have a greater chance of getting the job. Do not give cliché answers like “I am a perfectionist” or “I am a workaholic, I work outside the working hours too” this does not answer their question. Avoid weaknesses that may affect your job such as “I have difficulty waking up therefore I am always late” or “I can get angry very quickly when working in a team”.
Use weaknesses that have no direct relation to your work/profession or weaknesses that you have worked on to improve and describe the way you improved it. For example “I am not a confident person and I found it very difficult to approach people but on Saturdays I have started to work in a café and have gained confidence in talking to people and sharing my experiences.” This example clearly illustrates the weakness and the remedy.
2. Why do you want to leave your current role?
There are many reasons and factors why people resign from their job and this is a tough interview question because it indicates your motivations and goals to the hiring manager which could be a deciding factor.
You should never make any negative remarks about your past or present job. Instead you should outline the positives or your current/past job and that you are looking for career development, greater responsibility and exposure. Discuss the challenges you are seeking and what is lacking in the role that you are currently working in. This will highlight your ambition to grow, develop and willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
3. Tell me about yourself?
One of the most frequently asked interview questions and it is likely to be asked at the start of the interview and your response will set the tone for the rest of the interview.
This is not a time for you to discuss your hometown and what you like to do over the weekend.
A safe and qualitative approach to this question would be to prepare a short script beforehand and practice. The interviewer is asking for a brief description of your education, recent work experience, your key strengths and accomplishments that may relate to the job you are applying for.
4. What kind of package/salary are you looking for?
This is a very tough question because you do not want to undercut yourself but you also do not want to price yourself out of the range that the company is willing to offer.
Ideally the safest approach to answering this question will be to carry out research in order to know what is reasonable. One possible answer may be “to answer it accurately I will need to know more about the responsibilities and benefits provided” you could also say “Knowing the reputation of the company I am sure you will be providing a competitive salary but at this stage I am more interested in the opportunity and responsibilities this role has to offer”. These answers will clearly illustrate your commitment and enthusiasm in the role and the company.
5. Why should I hire you?
This question is likely to be asked toward the end of the interview and it is your chance to make a statement. Way of approach is very important and preparing a tailored answer to the company and the role is the key.
The answer should be very precise and to the point. You should find elements in the job description where you believe you can do well and also keep in mind company culture and values. For example“I am a driven and motivated professional that is willing to grow and develop within this company. I have an eye for detail, approach every task with a solid work ethic in order to meet deadlines and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
I hope these questions will be instrumental in getting through your job interview, best of luck.
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