1.) Why did you leave your formal place of work ?
While answering this questions , make sure you don't talk down on your formal employee , if you had issues with them before resigning you can relay it to the interview in a diplomatic and subtle manner , this will aid the perception of the employee about you . I.e , I left because I wanted a higher challenge , I want to grow my carrier path in a different industry or job position (make sure it is relevant to the organization that is interviewing you ).
2.) Who are you/ Tell me a little about yourself -
This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it's crucial . Here's the deal : Don't give your complete employment or personal history. Instead give a pitch - one that's concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you're right fit for the job. Start off with 2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you must want the interviewer to know about , then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has positioned you for this specific role .
3.) How did you hear about the position?
Another seemingly innocuous question, this is actually a perfect opportunity to stand and show passion for and connection to the company . For example , if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name drop that person , then share why you were so excited about it. If you discovered the company through an event or article , share that . Even if you found the listing through a random job board , share what specifically caught your eye about the role .
4.) What do you know about the company ?
Any candidate can read and regurgitate the company's "About us" page. So, when interviewers ask this, they aren't necessarily trying to gauge whether you understand the mission- they want to know whether you care about it. Start with one line that shows you understand the company's goals, using a couple key words and phrases from the website , but then go on to make it personal . Say, "I'm personally drawn to this mission because ....." Or I really believe in this approach because ...." And share a personal example or two .
5.) What are your great proffessional strengths ?
When answering this question, interview coach Pamels Skillings recommend s being accurate (share your true strengths not the one you think the interview wants to hear ); relevant (choose your strength that are most targeted to this position); and specific (for example , instead of "people's skills", chose "persuasive communication or relationship building then follow up with how you have demonstrated this traits in a professional setting
6.) What do you consider to be your weaknesses ?
What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question - beyond identifying any major red flags - is to gauge your self -awareness and honesty . So , "I can't meet a deadline to save mylife " is not an option! - but neither is "Nothing ! Am perfect ! , strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that your working to improve . For example , maybe you've never been string at public speaking , but you've recently volunteered to run meetings to help you be more comfortable when addressing a crowd.
7.) Tell me about a challenge or conflict you've faced at work , and how you dealt with it ?
In asking this question your interviewer wants to get a sense of how you will respond to conflict . Anyone can seem nice and pleasant in a job interview , but what will happen if you're hired and Andrew in compliance stared getting to your face ?" Says Skillings . Again you will want to use the S-T-A-R method , being sure to focus on how you handled the situation professionally and productively , like an ideally closing with a happy ending , like how you came to a resolution or compromise .
8.) Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years ?
If asked this question be honest and specific about your future goals , but consider this : A hiring manager wants to know a) if you've set realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have ambition (I.e , this interview isn't the first time your considering the question) and c) if the position aligns with your goals and growth . Your best bet is to think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines. And if the position isn't necessarily a way ticket to your aspirations ? It's ok to say that you're not quite sure what the future holds but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.
9) Why should we hire you ?
This question seems forward , but if you're asked it, you're in luck : there is no better setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things : that you can not only do the work , you can deliver great results ; that you will really fit in with the team and culture; and that you will be a better hire than any of the candidates .
