Interviews are notoriously the most nerve wracking part of the job hunting process. While we might shine on paper and know exactly what to include, every interview is different. The best way you can prepare for any interview, is to be fully aware of the most common interview questions you could be asked on the day.
Below, we’ve listed the most common questions you are likely to be asked in your interview. If you can answer these questions comfortably, you are off to a great start:
1. Why do you want to work here?
2. Can you tell me what you already know about our company/firm?
3. Tell me more about yourself?
4. Describe a challenge you’ve had working with other people. How did you overcome it?
5. If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
6. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you rectify it?
7. What are your strengths?
8. Why should I hire you? Why shouldn’t I hire you?
9. Tell me how your current skills fit with this role?
10. What questions do you have for us/me?
Tip: Question 10 is a very important one to prepare for. Although it’s not technically a question on their part, your answer should never be “no”. This is your time to find out more about the company, and show them how much research you have done in to the role and the firm. They are looking for someone who has listened during the interview, in which case you may have some follow up questions from any points they made previously. Candidates without questions simply come across disinterested. Even if you can’t think of anything to ask from the interview, prepare a couple of questions beforehand so that you still have the opportunity to have a conversation at the end.
The interview is one of the most important aspects of finding a new career. Whether you’re looking for a position with more responsibility, or making a lateral move to better accommodate your personal life, commute or career goals, you must be able to perform well at an interview to move on in the process.
While you may not get these specific questions in your interview, there will likely be similar questions. If you’ve spent time preparing and practicing your responses, you’ll shine as a top interviewee.
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