To ace your next job interview, it's a good idea to practice answering common interview questions ahead of time. You won't always know exactly what the interviewer might ask you, but there are a few questions that seem to pop up every time, no matter the industry. Being able to think quickly and respond with an articulate, professional and compelling answer helps you stand out from the crowd and impress your potential employer.
Tell Me About Yourself
This might be the most common interview question ever uttered. Often, it's the first thing the interviewer says to help set the tone for the rest of the interview, so be well prepared. This is your chance to make a great first impression by starting with a strong pitch about yourself. Discuss details of your education and work experience that are relevant to the position, and make it clear how passionate and enthusiastic you are about what you do. Don't discuss your personal hobbies and interests unless they relate to the specific job.
What Are Your Strengths?
When this inevitable interview question pops up, people get nervous. It can be hard to talk up your accomplishments without sounding boastful, but this is your opportunity to really sell yourself. To help construct your answer, think back to any positive performance reviews you may have received. What stands out about your performance, attitude or work ethic? These are the things you want to talk about. Include a quick anecdote or two to give strength and validity to your claims.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
If talking about your strengths is hard, discussing your weaknesses is even harder. You know you have to give the interviewer an answer, but it's difficult not to think you may be shooting yourself in the foot. The truth is, everyone has areas to improve on, and crafting a thoughtful answer to this interview question shows the interviewer you are self-aware and open to growth and change. Don't be afraid to acknowledge your actual flaws, but make sure to include concrete examples of how you're working to overcome them.
Why Should We Hire You?
The forwardness of this interview question can be intimidating, but now is not the time to beat around the bush. The interviewer is giving you one last chance to really sell yourself. Think about what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you. To answer this, you need to have done your research on the company's current situation and future goals to align those things with your own qualifications.
Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
You should always ask questions at the end of the interview when given the opportunity. If all your questions about the job itself have already been answered, use this time to ask about the next steps in the hiring process and when you can look forward to hearing from the interviewer.
Job interviews can be nerve-wrecking, so it's best to come prepared. Don't let the interviewer throw you for a loop. Practicing your answers to these common interview questions ahead of time can help you remain calm and composed when the time comes.
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