You just landed an interview with your dream job. The day of the interview, you dress professionally, take copies of your resume, and arrive on time. Now you’re in front of the hiring manager and the interview begins. This is where every interviewee starts feeling nervous. Self-doubt and insecurity set in around rather you are answering the questions correctly. Well, here is a list of the top ten job interview questions that Hiring Managers like to ask and how to answer them.
Question #1:
Tell Me About Yourself.
Simple yet difficult to answer. Most people do not like to talk about themselves or even know what to say. So, make sure you practice this question and prepare to talk a little about your personal interests, experiences, fun facts, and/or education that shows the hiring manager your personality. Try not to dive into too many personal details, but just enough to make you seem likable.
Question #2:
Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?
Another popular and favorite question by the hiring manager. Why are you the best candidate for the job? Be prepared to tell the hiring manager why you are the best candidate among all others to get the job. Here you would want to talk about your accomplishments and qualifications that match the proposed job. Here you are marketing yourself so make sure to pitch your strengths how you can contribute to the position and company betterment.
Question #3:
Why Do You Want This Job?
There is no right or wrong to answer this question because everyone will have a different answer. However, make sure whatever reason you decide to give, you relate to the job and give examples of your personal
Question #4:
How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role?
Hiring managers ask this question to learn how your previous work experience and educational background fits the current position. So, prepare a few examples from your experiences to tell how and why you fit the role. Make sure all of the experiences you showcase, relates directly to the offered position.
Question #5:
Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job?
This is perhaps one of the most serious questions you will encounter, so answer with honesty. If you left your previous job on a bad note, do not bash the previous company or boss, but rather keep it short and concise by saying there were some differences, so you decided to terminate the relationship. If you were fired from your job, again keep it short and explain how you wish you had done things differently. However, you choose to answer this question keep it short and on a positive note.
Question #6:
What Is Your Greatest Strength?
This is one of the questions that hiring managers almost always ask. Make sure to discuss the attributes that qualify you for that specific job, which will set you apart from other candidates. One tip to help answer this question is to “show” rather than “tell” about your attributes by giving examples.
Question #7:
What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
Another popular question asked by hiring managers, which is the opposite of strength. The key to answering this question is to turn your weakness to a strength. Talk about what your weakness was and what you did to turn it into your strength. This question is an opportunity to show the hiring manager that you’re well qualified for the job.
Question #8:
How Do You Handle Stress and Pressure?
This is a very important question asked by the hiring managers, which will tell them if you can and how you handle pressure. Avoid stating you do not stress or feel pressure under difficult situations. This only tells them that you do not care enough about the task at hand. Rather think of a time you faced a difficult situation or person and you deescalated and resolved the issue.
Question #9:
What Are Your Salary Expectations?
This question can be a little awkward to answer, but so important as it will set the base of your salary. You don’t want to sell yourself short or ask too high, making yourself unattractive. In some locations, employers are legally prohibited from asking you about salary history, but they can still ask how much you expect to get paid. Do your research before the meeting so that stay within the market.
Question #10:
What Are Goals for the Future?
This question is to find out if you’re going to stick around or move on as soon as you find a better opportunity. Be short and concise with your answer and try to align your future goals with the current company. No one wants a jumper, so try to convince the company that your long-term goals include growing in the current company.
Conclusion
No matter what questions are asked, make sure you answer with honesty and always relate to the offering job. Use your experience, education, skills, and personal experience to answer questions that will benefit the company. Every company is self-interested, so answer questions that show how you will benefit them, how you will fit right in their company, and how you can help them grow. No answer is perfect, but if you have the company’s best interest at heart, you will do great. Good luck!