This Is What Recruiters Want from Your Job Application | Novorésumé
How to Answer 14 Most Common Interview Questions [+ Sample Answers]
These questions are the ones you’re bound to hear at just about any job interview – whether you’re an intern or a senior professional with a decade of work experience.
All of these questions are used to learn more about you, both as a person and a professional.
You might have heard the popular idea that there’s no right or wrong answers for job interview questions.
Well, while that might be true, there ARE a set of rules you need to follow when answering these questions.
If you understand what, exactly, the interviewer is looking for with each question, you’ll be able to give the right answer (and rock that interview!)
In this section, we’re going to go through 14 of the most common job interview questions and answers. We’re going to explain what the HR manager wants to see in you, as well as give you sample answers you could use.
Tell me something about yourself.
How hard can it be to talk about yourself? We do it on a daily basis without much thought to it.
However, recruitment managers are not looking for your whole life story, your third-grade achievements, or what you had for dinner last night. Instead, they are looking for a pitch.
This is usually the first question asked in an interview, so it acts as your introduction. Make sure your answer is relevant to the position you are applying for. What you should be aiming for here is to present yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.
A good rule of thumb is to structure your talking points as follows:
Now, let’s go through some examples:
Hey! So, my name is John Doe and I’ve worked as a business analyst for 5+ years in Company X and Company Y.
I have some background in data analysis, having studied Information Systems at [Made-Up] University.
Throughout my career, I’ve done some pretty impressive stuff (if I do say so myself, haha).
For example, at Company X, I led a project for migrating all operations data to a new data warehousing system to cut down on costs. The new solution was a much better fit for our business, which eventually led to savings of up to $200,000 annually.
I am Jane Doe, a recent college graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
I have just graduated with honors in Biochemistry. I know my way around a lab and have had multiple opportunities to put my knowledge into practice as a chemistry research assistant.
The lab felt like home, which is why I’d love to work as a lab assistant. I am passionate, hard-working, and extremely responsible. I am also looking forward to putting to practice all the things I learned during my time at university.
Job Interview Questions You SHOULD Ask the Interviewer
Why: This should be the first thing you ask after the interviewer has completed his or her question line. It shows the interviewer that you are engaged in the conversation and that you care that you are understood, a sign of a good communicator. Chances are the interviewer will respond with ‘no, but in case they do want to revisit something, you now have the chance to fill in any gaps in your previous answers.
Why: No, it isn’t crazy to draw attention to why you might not get the position. This question is very poignant, forcing the interviewer to tell you where you stand. If he or she feels you lack in a certain area, you can provide some reassurance of your capabilities, or your ability to pick up new skills. The question also shows maturity and that you aren’t afraid to talk about your weaknesses.
Why: This is an opportunity to connect with the people sitting across from you on a human level. You will show them that you are personable, not a robot. Further, it can help you identify if the organization is the right fit for you. Pay close attention to the person’s answer and body language.
Why: Employers appreciate candidates who can see themselves growing with their company. This question shows that you are serious about personal development and want a work environment where you can learn from others around you.
Why: Timing is everything with this one. It should be your final question since it sends the signal that you don’t’ have anything further that you want to share about yourself or learn about the position/organization. It’s also a very practical question since you’ll find out when you might hear next from them.
How to Prepare for a Phone Interview
Just like any in-person interview, you need to do your research before you speak with the interviewer. Read everything you can about the company and the interviewer. You can expect to be asked what you know about the company, so have a response ready. Be prepared to discuss key figures and target markets.
The greatest thing about a phone interview is you can keep your notes in front of you. Jot down some key points about the company that you want to call out in your interview. Prepare a list of responses to popular interview questions and highlight your key accomplishments to showcase during the call.
You also need to prepare some questions for the interviewer. Make sure your questions relate to the position and demonstrate that you are perfect for the opening. Keep that list in front of you, so youre ready when the interviewer asks.
Make sure you choose a quiet location for your phone interview where you won’t be distracted, away from your children or pets who can create background noise. Have a notepad in front of you to take notes along the way to avoid typing on your keyboard.
Turn off all notifications and mute your computer, so there are no pings during the interview. Keep a glass of water close, just in case your throat gets dry. If you’re taking the call on your cell phone, make sure you’re in an area with proper reception and that your phone is fully charged. If you took notes about the company, have those ready in front of you.
Youll also want a copy of your resume and the job description for the position you are applying for in front of you so you can refer to them if you need to. Keep any other notes or critical points you want to discuss organized, so you arent shuffling papers throughout the interview.
FAQ
What are the 5 hardest interview questions?
- What Are Your Weaknesses? …
- Why Should We Hire You? …
- Why Do You Want to Work Here? …
- What Are Your Goals? …
- Why Did You Leave (or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job? …
- When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job? …
- What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can’t?
What are the 5 star questions in an interview?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why should we hire you?
- What’s something that you didn’t like about your last job?
- Why do you want this job?
- How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
- Here’s an answer for you.
What are 15 good interview questions?
- Tell me about a time when you were faced with a challenging situation. …
- Do you usually set goals at work? …
- Give me an example of a time you made a mistake at work.
- Have you ever faced conflict with a coworker? …
- Tell me about a time when you handled the pressure well.
