While every interview you attend will take its own unique direction, you can often predict the common type of questions you’ll be asked.
While every interview you attend will take its own unique direction, you can often predict the common type of questions you’ll be asked. Consider the most likely question that you are going to be asked before you even get to interview. This way you will ensure you aren’t stuck trying to think of something to say.
Here is our pick of six of the most common interview questions and some tips on how to answer them.
- What are your strengths?
- What weaknesses do you have?
- Why should I consider employing you?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Is there anything that you would like to ask me?
Such questions are designed to see how good you are at thinking on your feet so you cannot truly prepare for them, just relax and say something sensible.
What are your strengths?
Think of two or three things that you do well and give concrete examples. For example, if you’re are strong organiser then talk about a project that you coordinated, explain how you managed the team and ensured the project was finished on time.
What weaknesses do you have?
Remember that being able to identify a weakness is a strength. Never say that you have no weaknesses. Likewise, avoid giving yourself a back-handed compliment, such as, ‘I work too hard.’ Focus on an area of your work that needs to be improved. Point out that this is a weakness, but something you have identified and are looking at resolving. Interviewers want to understand that you have the ability to be honest and you seek self-improvement.
Why should I consider employing you?
If you are qualified for the job you are applying for, then you need to think about how you will stand out from the other qualified applicants. In such cases, focus on what else you can bring to the job, perhaps with your soft skill set, like being able to integrate well with existing members of the team.
Appeal to the interviewer’s desire to hire someone with drive. If you are not the finished article and require development, then point out how keen you are to learn and be mentored. Accentuate the positive aspects of what you can do now and how quickly you will be able to progress.
Why do you want to work here?
This is where it is important to show that you have researched the company you are applying to work for. Try to avoid saying anything negative about your current employer, as this will just make it seem you are simply after any job to get out of your current company. Instead think about saying the company has a excellent reputation or it provides a clear career path
What are your salary expectations?
This is used as one of the most troublesome questions but it is okay to talk about pay. It is also okay to include other benefits, like healthcare, pension and holidays. Make sure you have looked at other, similar jobs being advertised so that you have an idea of the pay rate in the market or that your consultant has spoken to you about salary is on offer and where you would sit with your skill set and experience. We have written an article which will give you further information about when the right time is to approach this subject, read more about it here.
Is there anything that you would like to ask me?
Always have at least one question to ask the interviewer; this is your chance to discuss an area of the business that might not have been covered in the interview. Alternatively, you may simply like to ask for feedback on how you have done in the interview.
Try asking something that has been mentioned by the interviewer. Ask him or her to expand on this. Not only does it make you appear interested, but it shows that you have been listening attentively to what has been said.
For further assistance contact us on 0121 778 6999 and speak to one of our Inspired Selections advisors today.