A Guide to Frequently Asked Job Interview Questions

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Saumya Aggarwal | 2,732 views

Do you have an upcoming job interview?

Have you ever wanted to know what questions a hiring manager may ask?

Well, we can help…

Hiring managers are always on a lookout for a talent that can fulfill their job requirements in the most efficient way. And they assess candidates for the same with the help of the responses to their interview questions.

There are certain basic interview questions that seem simple, hence many candidates avoid preparing for them, but they are crucial. Though we recommend to never cram any job interview questions and answers, it is helpful to understand what can be asked and how to go about it. A thoughtful answer can go a long way and show that you care and have not come unprepared.

Here is a run-down of the most common interview questions and answers to help you prepare for the interview:-

• Tell me something about yourself?

With this basic job interview question, the interviewer tries to break the ice with the candidates. As such, most of your professional stuff is mentioned on your resume, it is a way to strike a conversation and put you at ease.

Give a pitch that is short and compelling and makes you come across as the right candidate for the job. Start answering with your name, your qualifications, highlight your personality and mention your work experience. Avoid narrating your life story. This can turn off the interviewer.

Sample Answer:

“Sure, my name is Sabina and I have been working as a Content Manager at Company X for the last 4 years. I have some background in Computer Engineering, with a degree from University ABC. What really got me into the field is my passion for business writing and communications. Currently, I’m leading a team of 5 content writers and managing the content assets across web and social. Moving forward, I hope to expand my experience across different industries, particularly IT, which is why I’m interested in your company..”

 

• How do you prioritize your work?

This interview question helps your hiring manager assess the way you communicate and manage time. Talk about how you plan your day or week, whether you prefer to create a to-do list or a spreadsheet. You can further support your answer with a real-life example. Add something related to how you had managed any last-minute project or a work request. Emphasize on how you communicated with your manager or the team and delivered.

Sample Answer:

“I always start all my projects with a to-do list to maintain a balanced workflow and keep a room for any required modifications as the priorities may change. Like once I planned to audit my company’s website to understand the potential lead magnates and leverage them further. Then I did a quick check with my manager. He needed my help to put together an excel sheet ASAP for an urgent deck to be presented to the higher-ups. I moved my planned task to the end of the week and spent the next few hours working on the sheet. I had the flexibility to take up the audit later, the sheet was much more time-sensitive…”

 

• Why should we hire you?

Talk about your professional strengths, key skills, and accomplishments that you think to correspond to the job you have applied for. Mentioning an added certification can help too. This job interview question also gives you the liberty to talk about your personality traits matching a fit for the job requirements. Do not just stick to the given job description. Go beyond and see what makes you stand apart. Be positive and show a large interest in the company as well as the profile.

Sample Answer:

“I have a knack for technology and am always looking out to enhance my skills through certifications. This role offers me to make the most of my knowledge along with diversifying my profile. Plus, I have the right set of skill set to add value to your organization…”

 

Let’s go ahead with our list of common job interview questions and answers.

• Why are you looking for a job change?

OR

• Why do you want to leave your current job?

This interview question is generally asked to understand the right reasons, as in why you are looking out for a job change. Avoid any negative reference like a difficult boss, deficient pay, long work hours, work pressure, etc. Talk about the growth opportunities, an interest in developing new skills, or desire to take up a more challenging job.

Sample Answer :

“It is a move to advance my career and I see this role more aligned with my long-term career goals. I have been associated with my current employer for 3 years now and have grown significantly well. I’m thankful to them for the opportunity, however, I now would like to expand my horizons and explore new avenues not only for an upward mobility as well as a new learning curve…”

 

• What are your career goals?

Career goals represent professional vision, standards and breakthroughs. This job interview question is generally being asked to know your interests and if you have thought about your career seriously or not. So, here is the first rule of thumb. Be as realistic as possible. Talk about what is actually achievable in the near future. Though your interviewer is not going to check on you later if you are following what you said, however, never bluff. Any kind of exaggeration can result into a loss of opportunity. Try to stick to your industry while answering

Sample Answer:

“Now as I explore newer challenges in my career, I’d like to add more critical responsibilities on my plate, involving strategy and decision making. At the same time, I’ll be looking forward to increasing my professional knowledge to add to my subject matter expertise. These career goals will help me achieve new heights in my career and offer the required push…”

 

• What are your salary requirements?

Although this is a common interview question, it also makes for a tricky one. Do your research well and know the market benchmark for your profile. You may use different salary tools available free and come up with a realistic range. State the number that fits according to your years of experience, education and professional skills.

Communicate how you can bring the best to the table for the employer as well as ensure to show your flexibility in terms of salary negotiation. Or you may also begin by first knowing more about the job responsibilities, career growth and then discuss the salary part. Come up with a percentage and not the exact amount, without revealing too much.

Sample Answer:

Before we take up the salary discussion, I would like to understand more about the associated responsibilities. I want to work my way ahead and believe that this opportunity will help me move forward in my career, aligned with my career goals and objectives. I’m open to salary negotiation and we can come to a mutual figure.

 
The hiring managers have immense experience of assessing candidates based on the job interview questions and answers. S/he knows exactly where you are trying to be honest or diplomatic. Try to be as natural and professional as possible and handle the question in the finest manner. The above-mentioned questions give you an idea of what you can expect and help you craft effective responses.

All the best!
 

Top Interview FAQ’s

Q. How can I prepare for interview FAQs?

A. You can start your job interview preparation online. Browse through the given online resources and numerous articles regarding interview preparation. You may also reach out to your friends and acquaintances who have been through any job interview lately and take a hint related to the commonly asked interview questions and answers.

Q. What are some of the job interview questions answers I must prepare?

A. Here is a list of some frequently asked job interview questions that any candidate must prepare:-
1. Tell me about yourself?
2. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Why do you want to join our company?
5. Why should we hire you?
6. What are your salary expectations?

Q. What can be the toughest job interview question and answers?

A. A hiring manager may ask you certain tough questions during your interview, which could be or not related to your profile, like:
1. What critical feedback do you generally get?
2. What is your take on stress management?
3. How do you de-stress yourself?
4. How do you balance work and family?
5. Share the most recent example where you have proved yourself an excellent team player.
6. What qualities do you think you still need to have?

Q. How to answer all job interview questions without a fail?

A. Practice makes a person perfect. The more you practice, the better you will perform in any job interview. There are certain common interview QnA, which you must prepare and think of another set of questions, which can be related to your current job profile, including the performance, challenges, and the modus operandi. Here are other things, which can help you crack a job interview successfully:=
1. Know the latest trends in your industry
2. Know about the company
4. Company vision and products
5. Be truthful
6. Don’t act smart or bluff the numbers
7. Stay thorough with the data and numbers
8. Be confident and not overconfident

Q. What are the tricky interview questions and answers that I must prepare?

A. Here are some of the tricky questions a hiring manager may ask to test your spontaneity:-
1. What would your references say about you?
2. What part of our job description looked challenging to you?
3. Is this your dream job? If not, which one would it be?
4. Are you also considering the roles and jobs at other companies?

And you can prepare some analytical interview questions, depending on your current profile.

Give your best !

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About Saumya Aggarwal

Saumya Aggarwal is an avid writer with a keen interest in capturing the latest job trends.

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