Do you have a job interview coming up? Get prepared by reviewing the most common interview questions and learning how to answer them — so you get the job.
#1) Tell me about yourself.
One of the most common interview questions isn’t even a question. It’s a directive to share information about yourself. This is your opportunity to showcase the parts of yourself that you want to highlight most. Talk a bit about your life, experience, and personality without going into too much detail.
How to Answer:Help the interviewer get to know you by sharing:
- Where you are from and how you ended up here.
- Your related educational and work experience.
- Personal interests or hobbies that showcase your personality.
#2) What is your greatest strength?
Interviewers are trying to determine if you have the skills needed to perform the job. Use this question as an opportunity to show them that you have the specific skills needed for the position.
How to Answer: Don’t share your greatest strength. Instead, share your greatest strength as it relates to the job description. For example, if you’re interviewing for a teaching position, mention your strong presentation skills (because it’s related) even if typing is actually your greatest strength (because it’s not related).
Related: 7 Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out (And Get the Job)
#3) What is your biggest weakness?
A difficult, common interview question asks you to share something you aren’t good at. This can feel like a trick question, but there are ways to frame it in a positive light.
How to Answer: Highlight a weakness that isn’t needed for the job. For example, don’t say your top weakness is dealing with people if the job is a customer service position. Instead, showcase a weakness that makes you good for a job. For the customer service job, you might say you are a people pleaser which makes you great fit for helping resolve customer complaints.
#4) Why do you want this job?
Hiring managers don’t want to hire someone who is looking for any old job. They want to hire someone who is interested in the work, the company, or both. They want to hire someone who will stay with the company and take pride in their work. Show them why the job is important to you.
How to Answer: On a job level, mention specific requirements of the job (that you pulled from the job description) and why you have the right interest, experience, and skills to perform the duties. On a company level, explain why you are drawn to the mission or the culture of the company. Share how it ties to your personal beliefs or motivations.
Related: Looking to Change Careers? Take These Six Steps
#5) Why are you leaving your existing job?
If you are employed, hiring managers will want to know why you are ready to leave your current position. Choose your answer wisely as hiring managers may look at why you are leaving to see if you will leave their company for the same reasons.
How to Answer: Never talk negatively about your existing job or past jobs. Don’t criticize managers or the company. Instead, frame your answer by talking about you and why you think a new job can help you reach your personal and professional goals.
#6) Do you have any questions for me?
At the end of a job interview, the hiring manager will ask if you have any questions. Take them up on their offer. Asking questions shows the hiring manager that you’ve researched the organization, you are interested in the job, and you are a critical thinker.
How to Answer: Always say “yes,” and ask three to four questions. Before the interview, prepare roughly ten questions so you have a variety of questions in case some are answered during the interview. Some questions to ask include:
- What is a typical day like?
- Is this a new role within the organization?
- What does success look like in this position?
- Why do you like most about working here?
Related: 9 Ways To Nail Your Next Remote Job Interview
Get Prepared for Common Interview Questions & More
These are just a few of the most common interview questions. Dozens of other questions are likely to pop up during an interview. Don’t rely on having great answers on the fly. Instead, get prepared.
Contact CareerSource Central Florida to get one-on-one coaching or participate in one of our interview prep trainings or workshops. Learn common interview questions, practice your responses, and get the job. Request an appointment today.
