Acing the interview is one of the most vital aspects of passing the job selection process. Even when you’re job hunting with the help of staffing agencies, you’ll often have to pass an initial interview to be considered for the job. While no predetermined answers guarantee you’ll land the position, certain guidelines can help you approach the questions more efficiently. The following seven are some of the most recurring ones, coupled with strategies on how to approach them.
1. Tell Me A Bit About Yourself
Most interviewers base their first impressions on this question which is why you must show confidence while answering it. Use various examples to sell yourself, but make sure that they’re relatable to the position that you’re applying for. Explain your thought process behind certain actions so they can understand you better. Most importantly, remain genuine and mention some of your hobbies as well, explaining how they helped you grow as a person and in skill.
2. Why Do You Think This Job Is For You?
This is an excellent time to go into the details. Try to imagine yourself in a couple of years if you were accepted for the position. What would you have accomplished? How would the company benefit from your employment? Show your enthusiasm while answering this question and incorporate some of your past experience. It’s much easier when you don’t overthink it–for most people who are passionate about the job, the answer mostly comes naturally.
3. Tell Me Your Biggest Weaknesses
We all have our negative traits, and we’re most of the time aware of them. Many people choose to answer this question by transforming their weaknesses into strengths, but this can have the exact opposite effect. Instead, be honest and share your shortcomings. Talk about what you’re doing to overcome them and how you manage to keep them from affecting your general health, life, and your work performance.
4. How Big Of A Salary Are You Expecting?
The answer will vary a lot from person to person and job to job. However, you want to have some prior knowledge, so do your research about the average salary in your branch and the area where you’re living. You want to avoid mentioning specific amounts–a good alternative is to have a range between two values you’re comfortable with. Leave some open room for negotiations, but avoid underselling yourself. You could even ask the interviewer to provide a range themselves.
5. How Do You Deal With Stress?
No matter your workplace, you’ll encounter stressful situations at some point. This question tests the grounds to see if you can work efficiently even under pressure. The best way to answer this is through an example. Describe a situation that caused general upset among the employees and how you managed to retain your composure. Acknowledge that these events do happen, but reassure them that you know how to act appropriately and minimize the adverse effects.
6. Why Did You Leave Your Previous Job?
Avoid being negative while answering this one. Be brief and genuine, and emphasize that you’re looking for new opportunities and consider the company a perfect fit. Don’t complain about your previous professional roles, as they reflect badly on you instead of your former employers, and simply focus on all of the positives that your newest advancement will bring, as well as how you’re looking forward to the future.
7. Where Do You See Yourself In Three Years?
To avoid putting yourself in an unfavourable position:
- Keep your answer strictly related to that particular company.
- Describe your long-term goals and how the company’s mission aligns with them.
- Even if you don’t plan on sticking around for too long, visualize yourself in the industry as best as you can.
- Mention that you plan on becoming a leader of your own while combining it with some creative project that you’ve wanted to approach but haven’t yet had the opportunity to.
Although you’ll surely be asked additional questions, these cover all of the necessary basics. If you’re still struggling, staffing agencies can help connect you to the employers where you’ll have the highest chances of passing the interviews. Wherever you apply, remain honest and confident, and get straight to the point.
