Job interviews are like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. But unlike Forrest Gump’s famous quote, you don’t have to leave the outcome of your interview up to chance. By preparing for the most common job interview questions, you can increase your chances of nailing that dream job.
Employers will interview an average of 6 candidates for every vacancy they advertise, so it’s important to make sure you stick out as an applicant! Your interview may end up being a video interview since the pandemic, which can help take the edge off a little bit. Now, 60% of recruiters resort to video technology to interview candidates.
If you’re feeling stressed, don’t worry – you’re not alone! 73% of job seekers say the process of looking for a job is one of the most stressful events in life. If you’re feeling nervous, be sure to read our other article on how to prepare for an interview.
It may take some time though. On average, it takes 24 weeks to go through the hiring and interview process and find a job. So, be sure to have patience when on the look for a new job.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most common job interview questions and provide you with tips and tricks on how to answer them like a pro. So, put on your best suit and let’s get ready to impress those hiring managers!
Top 10 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Examples of Answers
Q: Tell me about yourself.
Example answer: “I am a recent graduate with a degree in Marketing. I am passionate about digital marketing and have experience in social media management and email marketing. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter.”
Q: What are your strengths?
Example answer: “One of my biggest strengths is my ability to work well under pressure. I am also a strong communicator and am able to collaborate effectively with team members to achieve our goals.”
Q: What are your weaknesses?
Example answer: “I tend to get bogged down in the details at times, which can slow down my productivity. However, I have been working on delegating tasks more effectively to overcome this weakness.”
Q: Why do you want to work for our company?
Example answer: “I have been following your company for a while now and I am impressed by the innovative solutions you provide in the market. I believe my skills and experience align well with your company’s values and goals.”
Q: Can you tell me about a time when you had to overcome a difficult challenge?
Example answer: “In my previous role, I was tasked with managing a project with a tight deadline and limited resources. I had to collaborate with my team to come up with creative solutions and prioritise tasks effectively to meet the deadline.”
Q: What are your long-term career goals?
Example answer: “In the long term, I would like to take on a leadership role within the company and continue to grow professionally. I am committed to ongoing learning and development to achieve these goals.”
Q: What do you know about our industry?
Example answer: “I have been researching your industry and I am aware of the current trends and challenges. I am also familiar with some of the major players in the industry and their strategies.”
Q: What do you consider to be your biggest professional accomplishment?
Example answer: “In my previous role, I led a team to develop a successful marketing campaign that generated a significant increase in sales. This was a major accomplishment for me and the team.”
Q: How do you handle stress and pressure?
Example answer: “I try to maintain a positive attitude and keep a clear focus on the task at hand. I also prioritise self-care activities such as exercise and meditation to help manage stress.”
Q: Do you have any questions for us?
Example answer: “Yes, I am curious about the company culture and how it supports professional development. Can you tell me more about the opportunities for growth within the company?”
Expert Tips for Nailing Your Responses and Making a Great Impression
- Research the company: Do your homework and research the company before the interview. Look at the company’s mission statement, values, and recent news or projects. This will help you understand the company’s culture and goals, and tailor your answers accordingly to the interview questions.
- Practice beforehand: Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the actual interview questions.
- Be specific: Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills and achievements. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your ability to apply your skills in a real-world setting.
- Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude throughout the interview, even if you feel nervous or unsure. Smile, maintain eye contact, and show enthusiasm for the job and company. 4 in 10 employers would reject a candidate if they show no enthusiasm.
- Listen carefully: Listen carefully to the interview questions and make sure you understand what they are asking before answering. This will help you provide relevant and thoughtful responses.
- Be honest: Be honest about your skills, experience, and career goals. Don’t exaggerate your qualifications or pretend to be someone you’re not.
- Ask questions: Come prepared with your own interview questions to ask the interviewer about the job or company. This shows that you are interested and engaged, and can help you gather important information to make an informed decision about the job.
- Follow up: After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer. This shows your appreciation for the opportunity and helps you stay top of mind for future opportunities.
How to Follow Up After the Interview and Increase Your Chances of Landing the Job
Following up after an interview is an important step in the job search process. It shows your continued interest in the position and can help you stand out from other candidates. Here are some tips on how to follow up after an interview:
- Send a thank-you email: After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the position. This can help you make a positive impression and keep you top of mind for future opportunities.
- Be timely: Send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours of the interview. This shows that you are organised and respectful of the interviewer’s time.
- Personalise your message: Personalise your message to the interviewer based on your conversation during the interview. This shows that you were engaged and attentive during the interview and can help you stand out from other candidates.
- Show your enthusiasm: Use your follow-up message to express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. This can help reinforce your interest in the job and demonstrate your passion for the work.
- Ask for next steps: In your follow-up message, ask about the next steps in the hiring process and when you can expect to hear back. This shows that you are proactive and interested in the opportunity.
- Keep it professional: Keep your follow-up message professional and to the point. Avoid using overly casual language or being too pushy. Remember that you want to make a positive impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.
Let us know how your job interview goes!
Job interviews can be daunting, but with the right preparation, they can also be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. By mastering the top 10 most common job interview questions and tailoring your answers to the specific job and company, you can increase your chances of landing that coveted position.
Remember, interview questions are not just about demonstrating your qualifications and experience, but also about showing your enthusiasm and passion for the job. So, go ahead and put these tips into practice, and may your next job interview be a walk in the park – or at least, a walk in the corporate garden.
What interview questions have you come across? Give us an email at [email protected], or let us know on our LinkedIn or Facebook Pages!
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