How to respond to these common job-interview questions?
Congratulations! You secured a job interview with the employer with whom you were competing to get a work. Here’s some tips before you go in. We know that you feel adrenaline and enthusiasm about the future opportunity, but what you need now is a calm mind to ensure that your answers to some of the most common questions about job interviews do not come off as a cliché. There’s nothing wrong with having a safe response, but it’s probably not one that will help you stand out in the running for the role and secure your place.
Career and resume builders believe, to find the right talent, recruiters and hiring managers go through dozens of interviews each week. They’ve heard them all more times than they want to hear whether they’ve heard a safe and sure bet response to the question.
Below-mentioned are some tips on how to respond to some of the most common job-interview questions in order to get a competitive edge over other candidates:
“What would you say is your greatest strength?”
Wrong Answer: I’m a team player or I’m a hard worker.
Tip: Do not resort to addressing the question with something so broad that the same can be said by almost everyone else. Think of specific scenarios that you can highlight to demonstrate your individuality, and also relay why it has been an important characteristic to help you achieve success professionally.
“What would you say is your greatest weakness?”
Wrong Answer: I’m a perfectionist. I have no weaknesses.
Tip: When you want to impress the employer, it is difficult to point out a weakness, but when questioned, do not escape the query by answering with a cover-up of what is a strength. The candidate who is honest and can talk confidently about their region of vulnerability is more impressed by employers. In your answer, you want to demonstrate sincerity and tell the employer that you accept it as an area for change, and what you are doing or have done to work to improve it.
“Why do you want to work here?”
Wrong Answer: I like the company or I’ve heard about the great deals and perks offered to employees.
Tip: The way to go is not to answer the question in a manner that demonstrates only self-benefit. Yes, it might be nice that the organisation provides a snack bar and half-day summer Fridays to its employees, but when addressing the question, that’s not the justification to give. Focus on a response demonstrating your alignment with the task or business of the company. Prove that you have done your homework. “For instance,” I saw how the company took over the market in the fields of …. and its plans to expand into the international market. I ‘m confident of my expertise and skills in …. In such a position, they can be put to good use. The chance to work in space with a leader will also mean that I will continue to learn and fine-tune these abilities even further to develop with the business.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Wrong Answer: Working for ______
Tip: Pause and think about why they are asking this question. Many employers want to see if you have a passion for excellence and ambition. Employers also want to see if the career path and working for the business are dedicated to you. Study ahead of time to know the standard career path for the profession, and the employer’s standard path. React by using it as an opportunity to reiterate your message about your particular skill set and how you expect to develop a new set of skills for the organisation at that time.
Once you have aced your job interview, make sure you follow-up and ask a few question at the end of your interview.
Want to know more insights on the same? Or want to know how to leave a job interview with a good first and last impression? Find the A-Z about job hunting, career guidance, and resume writing right here at ResumeWW.
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