Top 14 interview questions and answers to them

Preparing for an interview can be very stressful and more often than not, as a candidate you wonder what questions will you be asked and what would be the best answer to land you the dream job. While many jobs are quite specific and usually require a set of certain skills, education, and experience, keep in mind that the interviewers are also human beings, and they also prepare for the interview just like you do. In this article, we will be looking at questions you're likely to encounter so you can effectively present your qualifications and personality. We provide a list of interview questions and some sample answers to help prepare you in making a great impression during your next job interview.

Questions and Answers:

1. Tell me about yourself?

   The best tip is to have a summary of your work path, how you got to where you are today, and applying for the role. While it is great to show personality, there is no need to get into details about your private life and tell a whole story about yourself from the age of 5. Keep it simple, flowing, and engaging.
   
   

2. Why do you want to work for us? (The company)

   This question is a tricky one, and the aim is to check whether you have done your homework. Make sure you are familiar with the company’s history, mission, and vision, as well as their latest focus (products, etc).
   If you can demonstrate that you complement the goals of the company, you can potentially be considered a great fit for the role.
   
   

3. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

   The best way to answer this common interview question is to first pick your actual weakness (perhaps your colleagues or relatives/loved ones have told you about it) and give some examples of how you have been working on the positive results you have achieved it. This way, you can show the interviewer that you are continuously learning and working on improving yourself.
   Similarly, when talking about your strengths, the interviewer wants to see how confident are you in presenting yourself, and talk of your achievements, certain projects you took on and were proud of. It is important to not be overly humble or extra self-confident.
   
   

4. How do you approach a challenging situation?

   Another very important question to keep in mind. The key is to build your answer based on STAR scheme.
   Situation – briefly explain the situation and set the context
   Task – outline what was expected of you and what challenges did you face
   Action – list the steps you have taken to solve a problem or achieve the result
   Result – finalise by highlighting your accomplishments and achievements and tell about the impact it had.
   
   

5. Why should we hire you?

   By asking this, the interviewer is looking for specific answers, nothing vague. Be specific with your answers, and make sure to highlight your best achievements and skills, giving examples and situations.
   
   
   
   

6. What is your greatest achievement?

   Think of your best achievement, make sure to present it in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd. The interviewer needs to be able to differentiate you from other candidates. Do not brag, but instead be confident and humble.
   
   

7. What are your goals for the future?

   It is a very common question and is mainly asked to determine how ambitious the candidate is. Be sure to research the position and the company and know what could be the next steps for your career. If you are unsure, it is best to just say that you are hoping that the role you are applying for will help you evolve and see the potential future.
   
   

8. What are your salary expectations?

   Although not always you will be asked this question. It is always better to be prepared and know your value. Research salaries in similar positions to have an idea of what to demand.
   
   

9. How do you handle stress?

   Answering this question will help hiring managers identify any potential red flags you might have. You want to show that you can handle stress in a professional and positive manner that helps you continue working or won’t stop you from accomplishing your goals. Moreover, be specific and explain what you actually do to deal with stress–like taking a 15-minute break to take a walk outside, or crossing items off on a to-do list, etc.
   
   

10. What are your hobbies and interests?

    An unusual question, but should never set you back. It is a great psychological way to evaluate your reaction, find out your “outside the box” way of thinking. Think about 1-2 things you genuinely love doing and say a few words about, without going into too much detail. It is always a plus to reflect that you are passionate about something else outside of work.
    
    

11. Are you interviewing any where else?

    There are a few reasons you may be asked this question:
        1) To find out how urgent your job search is.
        2) To find out their competitor’s strategy and hiring surge.
    You are not obliged to respond to this question, and it is better in some cases to reserve some information if you find it irrelevant.
    
    

12. Describe yourself in 3 words

    The 3 words you select to describe yourself will help the employer better understand the way that you think, determine whether you are a people’s person, business-oriented or a team player.  It is a great way to determine what are the important qualities of a future employee.
    
    

13. Why do you want to leave your current job?

    It is best, to be honest, and clear when answering this question.
    If you happened to be fired, make sure to mention what have you learnt from it, and how have you evolved since. If you decided to resign yourself, describe your hopes and objectives for the next opportunity.
    Avoid mentioning anything negative about your former employer, badmouthing is never encouraged.
    
    

14. Do you have any questions?

    Keep in mind, asking questions is good, and is a way to show interest in the position. It also demonstrates your serious intention and genuine interest in the vacancy. Naturally, this will make the interviewer trust you more. Inquire about role specifics, training, the team, the company’s objectives and development plans for the future. Do not ask about the salary, vacations, insurance or benefits, unless you are being offered an actual role.

Although you may be asked way more questions, the ones we have listed above should help you prepare better for the job interview coming up. Keep in mind that the interviewers are human beings just like you.
Good luck!