Everyone goes through the job interview process post-graduation. In the modern corporate world, it is a rite of passage that most people go through to land their first job. Not to say that its smooth sailing from then on, but your first job interview will be a new experience, and it?s important to equip yourself with the right tools to tackle it the best you can.
Unless you?re of the lucky few who have been hired before actually graduating, you?ll have to go through the grueling process of explaining to hiring managers why you want to work for their companies, and why they should hire you. It can be tiring and intimidating, both at the same time.
With the current economic situation, it is hard to find many job openings of your choice. So, the ones that you get, you?ll want to make sure that you get them. Interviews can make you feel uninspired if you?ve been on a roll, and dull your senses. To make sure that you?re on your best form, it?s important to prepare for your interview by understanding the interview process, especially the questions that will be asked.
These are the top 10 common interview questions that you need to prepare for to ace your interview.
1. Why do you want to work for us?
Obviously, this is an open-ended question, and you need to focus on what is not said as much as what is said. Make sure you?ve done your research regarding the company?s work environment, and their management, if possible, your interviewer too. Be genuine when answering, and make sure your answer is concise.
2. What is your greatest strength/weakness?
An important thing to remember is not to be on either extreme of humbleness or self-importance when answering the question. Don?t answer with something that might seem over-the-top and circle back to how your weaknesses have been eliminated (or lowered) and your strengths have helped you professionally.
3. What are your expectations?
The interviewer wants to know not just your expectations about salary, but also the workload and the opportunities you are looking for. It is better to explain why you are looking for what you are looking for.
4. What interests you about this role?
Another top 10 interview question that pops up no matter what job you?re applying for, the answer to this can vary depending upon the designation and/or the institution you?re applying in.
5. How would you describe yourself?
Most employers ask this question from their candidates, which is why we have added it in our list of top 10 interview questions. Take this question as a chance to sell yourself as a candidate to the employer. Show them how versatile your skills are and how you can use different facets of your personality to excel at your job.
6. Why should we hire you?
Depending on whether this question is asked in the beginning of the interview or towards the end, it can either convince the employer or reaffirm their decision about hiring or rejecting you. Be mindful of the tone of the question, and answer accordingly. Make a note of the things you want to include beforehand, and try to include them as naturally as possible.
7. Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
OR
What are your goals for the future?
These are one of those questions that you should not only expect, but also prepare for. You don?t want to sound like you are too restrictive about your plans, but you also don?t want to sound unsure of your professional goals.
8. Can you tell me about any problems you faced and how you overcame them?
As someone who might not have any professional experience at all, (if you?re wondering, internships definitely count) this question may seem intimidating, but it?s actually a great way to tell your employer about any accomplishments you may have made in other areas too, such as student committees, or societies.
9. Do you have any questions?
Definitely have questions. You are expected to. Even the most detailed job listings can be confusing or even misleading, so it?s best that you not only ask questions, you as smart questions. Pay attention to what has already been discussed in the interview, so as to not repeat those things when it?s your turn to ask them a question.
10. How do you handle pressure?
Be honest while answering this question, and also be specific about what level of pressure you?re willing to endure. Most people would say that they thrive under pressure, but in reality, we?re not built to grind our wheels all the time. It?s not a shortcoming to want a ?relaxing work environment, and you should feel okay telling your interviewer that.
That concludes our list of the top 10 interview questions you need to prepare to ace your interview.
There are a few other things that can help you have a great interview, even if you end up not getting the job.
Be Confident.
Whatever you say, if you?re confident about your answer, even if the interviewer doesn?t agree with it for whatever reason, they will respect you and remember you for being yourself amid a long list of applicants.
Be Honest.
We spoke about this before, and it is an important rule of thumb no matter how many interviews you?re going for. There?s no need to go into details unless the situation asks for it, but make sure that your answer reflects your true feelings or opinions on the subject.
Relate back to the job you?re applying for.
No matter what question the interviewer is asking you, their end goal is to judge you as a potential applicant, so make sure you?re answering each question in the context of the job.
We hope you?re feeling better about tackling your job interview after reading this article. Our list of top 10 interview questions was made, keeping in mind the dilemma that young people go through before attending their first few interviews.
Good luck out there.
