Interviewers ask tough questions and expect tough answers. This is why it’s so important to prepare ahead of time, especially if you are new to the industry. If you want to answer all your interview questions perfectly, here are some tips on how to do that.
Most Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
The best way to answer these questions is often the opposite of what you think they are asking! Let’s understand how to ace those questions that most interviewers ask.
How to answer the most common interview questions?
1. Tell Me About Yourself
This is the first common interview question you will get asked during most of your job interviews and some industries prefer to begin their interview by asking about yourself, rather than talking about work.
Try to answer questions about yourself without giving too much information. Offer some of your histories and explain the skills you have acquired over time but try to focus on things that are directly relevant to the job position that you want.
Example: When answering this question, I give a one-sentence answer: “I am an accountant in India with 5 years of experience.” That’s it; nobody has ever asked me my age or educational credentials after that!
2. How did you hear about this position?
You have to reply within 3 seconds without hesitation. Explain what got you interested in this position and why you thought the job would be a good fit for how you want to grow as an individual professionally.
Example: “Through my friend, who has been working here since last year. So I researched about their company and learned that they were looking for….” That way, your interviewer gets more details from introvert candidates like myself!
3. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
Always follow up a job interview with the question “Why Do You Want to Work Here?” or as it is sometimes referred to, “why me?”. Be sure your answer contains motivation and passion. Practice answering this question in front of the mirror so that you can be confident speaking these words.
Example: I always open my answers by telling them how excited I am about working at their company. If they don’t buy any part of what you are saying, you have at least shown them the interest and willingness to work there.
4. What Are Your Career Goals?
This question is very straightforward. It basically asks you if you know what your next steps will be in order to fulfill the career path that has pre-planned for yourself. I usually put a bullet point on my answer explaining why this position fits those goals and how excited I am about working with these people!
Example: “I feel placed here at Strategic Logistics because we are doing well differently, developing new products & services.” This way, you are exposed to the job description and you have given them more motivations for your reasons.
5. How Would You Describe Your Best Qualities?
This is important because it tells a small part of who you really are when it comes down to business dealing, revenue projections, or product design. Be sure that your answer contains visuals such as concepts, images, or objects that can show off how this type of person acts in different situations if you are applying to a Supply Chain management position.
Example: “I am an energetic, hard-working, and dedicated individual that can take in situations with good engagement”
6. Why Did You Leave your current job/last job?
This question is important because it will expose not only your situation but also give them an insight into how you handle situations on different levels. When answering this question, don’t forget to talk about past experiences that have shaped you up into the person holding your answer today while being able to utilize what they are seeking in their company:
A good answer, for example: “I was challenged by my previous contact here and did not see eye-to-eye with the laid-back management.”
7. What is your greatest strength?
This is basically the component of who you are and your background. This way, it will expose whether or not that’s the type of person employers want when recruiting for their workforce. Example: “I can adapt to new situations with good planning and quick action making, I utilize my strengths along with help from others.”
8. What is your greatest weakness?
This is basically a way of telling your experience and what issues or situations you have encountered in the past that could hinder future success.
Example: “I’ve had bad experiences with dealing with each other when moving forward from individual to group negotiations.”
9. What are your salary expectations (salary range)?
This is one of the most important questions you need to give an honest and transparent answer. The bottom line should be correct current or future salary expectations up front, especially if being recruited for a certain position with a certain compensation rate.
Example: “My expectations are $12-$15 per hour.”
The number goals must match whatever your experience’s job requirements clearly detailed listed in any supply chain job, it will make sure both parties fulfill their needs and expectations.
10. How many years of work do you have?
This is the number you need to list down the fastest, easiest way possible for employers to define your objective level of salary expectation upfront and your previous experience. A good rule is that more equals faster according to sides can come at any time with a lower pay rate if needed because this will mean that there are acceptable chances for them could maintain their company goals anymore as they grow their life experience.
Example: “I have 1 year of work experience now.” They expect to grow and you need a chance to increase your chances for high salary opportunities.
11. What type of work environment do you prefer (your dream job)?
This question is defined as your work environment prefere