Tips to Answer Interview Questions Successfully
In the previous article of this series, we discussed how to prepare before an interview. To conclude our series on Interview Tips, we will focus on the four most popular interview questions that can be difficult to answer this week. We will discuss the best way to respond to ace your interview and potentially receive a job offer!
Tackle Interview Questions
One of the most important parts of the interview preparation is to be ready to effectively respond to the hiring managers’ questions. Interview questions allow hiring managers to know more about you that is not typically written out in your resume. Therefore, many interview questions are general and used amongst most employers. Since these interview questions are so common, hiring managers will expect you to be able to answer them smoothly and without hesitation.
Below, review the top four most asked interview questions, then prepare your responses based on your experience, skills, and interests with our tips.
Tell Me About Yourself
At the beginning of your interview, the hiring manager will most likely start the conversation by asking you about yourself. This question gives the hiring manager an understanding of your qualifications and why you think you would be a good fit for the position. Because of the question’s generality, you may not know where to start with your answer and might even include personal details unrelated to the situation. Your answer must be concise and direct, including only relevant information.
*TIP*: Follow a simple structure to answer this question by speaking about your past, present, and future, professionally. Start by describing your background with a summary of your most impressive responsibilities. If you are currently employed, you may explain your impact within that organization. You can include certain accomplishments or skills you have learned. Next, briefly summarize your previous experience with key achievements. Lastly, express your interest in the new job and why it's a good fit for you and your goals. Explain how you are the ideal candidate for the position.
Why Do You Want to Work at this Company?
Interviewers often ask this question to determine whether or not you took the time to research the company and think critically about whether you’re a good fit. Do not approach this question with a generic answer. If your answer can be applied to any company out there regardless of their industry, you lose an opportunity to stand out from other candidates applying for the same role.
*TIP*: The best way to prepare for this question is to do your homework and learn about the products, services, mission, history, and culture of this workplace. In your answer, mention the company's aspects that appeal to you and align with your values and career goals.
What Do You Consider to be your Weaknesses?
When you are interviewing, you want to put your best foot forward and show off your skills and accomplishments. When it comes to this question, you may want to say, “Nothing, I am perfect!” However, this is not the approach you should have. Sharing your weaknesses shows the hiring manager that you are self-aware and honest. Do your best to frame your answers around positive aspects of your skills and abilities as an employee, turning weaknesses into strengths.
*TIP*: Select an actual weakness that is honest and professionally relevant. Add context on how this weakness is incorporated into your life. To change this weakness into a strength, provide a specific example that sparked a change and how you are overcoming this weakness.
Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
Do you switch roles quickly? Do you value a long-term opportunity with a company? Do your plans for the future match the career path for someone typically hired for this position? Understanding how you imagine your life in the future can help employers understand whether the trajectory of the role and company you applied to fits in with your personal development goals.
*TIP*: Keep your answer focused on the job and the company and reiterate to the interviewer that the position aligns with your long-term goals. Be honest and specific with your answer to make sure this job opportunity is right for you and will lead you to your career goals. It is okay to be unsure of what career path you want to take, but make sure this experience plays an important role in helping you make that decision.
You do not need to memorize your answers, but you should think about what you are going to say so you are not put on the spot. Your responses will be stronger if you know what to expect during the interview and have a sense of what you want to focus on. Knowing that you are prepared will boost your confidence. Thank you for joining us for our Interview Tips Series. If there are other topics you would like us to cover, feel free to email us suggestions to marketing@riverway.jobs. Do not forget to check out our job postings after reading this post and apply today! Let us find the right job for you!