6 of the Most Common Interview Questions

Although it's not possible to know the interview questions a hiring manager is going to ask you when you're sitting in the hot seat, you can prepare by rehearsing responses to some of the most common questions used by potential employers. Identify your top skills and qualifications to thoroughly and professionally answer these questions.

1. What Do You Know About Our Company?

Hiring managers want to know you've invested time during the job search learning about the company. Prepare for these types of interview questions by researching the company's products and services, as well as the company culture and operational structure. Know key players in management and network with current employees to better prepare yourself to answer this question.

2. Tell Us About Yourself

When employers ask interview questions that are a bit more general, limit your response to information about your skills and qualifications pertaining to the job. Avoid discussing your personal life or family status, and instead focus on how your education and experience have prepared you to succeed in this position.

3. Why Do You Want This Position?

For this type of interview question, establish why this job is the right one for you. If you are unclear as to why you want the job, it may appear you are primarily seeking compensation versus a fulfilling opportunity to improve your skills and make an impact as an employee of the company. Spend time during your job search exploring why you are entering this field to better answer this question.

4. How Would You Define Your Strengths?

When hiring managers inquire about strengths, they are seeking information about how your qualifications match what the company is looking for in an employee. To show you're the ideal candidate for the job, compare your skills to the skills listed in the job description to highlight a clear connection between your abilities and the tasks you may be completing once hired.

5. What Are Your Weaknesses?

Although these types of interview questions can be tricky, avoid falling into a trap of revealing areas in which you could fail as an employee. Instead, discuss soft or hard skills that you possess but indicate your eagerness to improve these skills. Employers do not expect applicants to be perfect in every way. Identify hardware or software programs that you are in the process of learning, and describe how you continue to develop your professional skills.

6. Why Should We Hire You?

This is your opportunity to show your qualifications are ideal for the position. Provide an overview of your accomplishments in the industry when asked this question, and dive into how your strengths have helped you succeed with previous companies.

Job interviews are primarily conducted so hiring managers can assess your experience, skills and personality. Answer interview questions with confidence, and present yourself in a positive manner when responding to inquiries about how you can impact the company.

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