How to Answer some of the Most Common Interview Questions
While we can't read minds unfortunately, we'll give you the
next best thing: a list of some of the most commonly asked interview questions
(and, of course, some advice on how to answer them).
While we don't recommend having a rigidly prepared response
for every question (in fact, please don't), we do recommend spending some time
getting comfortable with what you might be asked, what recruiters are really
looking for in your responses, and what it takes to show that you're the right
man or woman for the job.
Consider this your interview study guide.
Can you tell me a
little about yourself?
This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare
for it, but it's crucial. Here's the deal: Don't give your complete employment
(or personal) history. Instead give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling
and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Start off with the
2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you most want the interviewer
to know about, then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has
positioned you for this specific role.
What do you know
about the company?
Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company’s “About”
page. So, when interviewers ask this, they aren't necessarily trying to gauge
whether you understand the mission—they want to know whether you care about it.
Start with one line that shows you understand the company's goals, using a
couple key words and phrases from the website, but then go on to make it
personal. Say, “I’m personally drawn to this mission because…” or “I really
believe in this approach because…” and share a personal example or two.
Why should we hire
you?
This question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!),
but if you're asked it, you're in luck: There's no better setup for you to sell
yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an
answer that covers three things: that you can not only do the work, you can
deliver great results; that you'll really fit in with the team and culture; and
that you'd be a better hire than any of the other candidates.
What do you consider
to be your weaknesses?
What your interviewer is really trying to do with this
question—beyond identifying any major red flags—is to gauge your self-awareness
and honesty. So, “I can't meet a deadline to save my life” is not an option—but
neither is “Nothing! I'm perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something
that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe
you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but you've recently volunteered to
run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.
Where do you see
yourself in five years?
If asked this question, be honest and specific about your
future goals, but consider this: The Interviewer wants to know a) if you've set
realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have ambition (a.k.a., this
interview isn't the first time you're considering the question), and c) if the
position aligns with your goals and growth. Your best bet is to think
realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those
lines. And if the position isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket to your
aspirations? It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the future holds,
but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make
that decision.
Why are you leaving
your current job?
This is a tough one, but one you can be sure you'll be
asked. Definitely keep things positive—you have nothing to gain by being
negative about your past employers. Instead, frame things in a way that shows
that you're eager to take on new opportunities and that the role you’re
interviewing for is a better fit for you than your current or last position.
For example, “I’d really love to be part of product development from beginning
to end, and I know I’d have that opportunity here.” And if you were let go? Keep
it simple: “Unfortunately, I was let go,” is a totally OK answer.
Do you have any
questions for us?
You probably already know that an interview isn't just a
chance for them to grill you—it's your opportunity to sniff out whether a job
is the right fit for you. What do you want to know about the position? The company?
The department? The team? You'll cover a lot of this in the actual interview,
so have a few less-common questions ready to go. We especially like questions
targeted to the interviewer (“What's your favorite part about working
here?") or the company's growth (“What can you tell me about your new
products or plans for growth?")
Post a Comment