Common Job Interview Question and Answers

Job Interview Tips

Employers will get to know your personality, interests, goals, and objectives from interview. It is the perfect time to demonstrate your interest in the position and your knowledge about the company and the industry. Each position and each workplace is difference. These differences require different job interview questions in order to see if you are a good fit for the company. Despite these differences, there are a variety of general job interview questions asked at interviews in many different fields. These general job interview questions are broad enough to use at any type of interview, from entry level to executive level positions. It is a good idea to prepare for these types of questions since they may play a role at any interview you attend.

1. Tell something about yourself

The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present. Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extra careful that you don't run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover five topics including personal introduction, early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it.

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2. Why Did You Apply for This Position?
Employers want to know that you have a desire to work for their company. They do not want to hear about how badly you needed a job. Focus on the company’s history and vision in your answer. “I want to work for Walton because your company is on the verge of developing some of the most technologically innovative products today.”

3. Have You Heard About Our Company?
This answer should always be “Yes.” Part of interview preparation involves researching the company and its products and services. You should be prepared to expand your answer to mention specific products and services and you should have a firm grasp of what it is the company truly offers.

4. What is your greatest strength?
For this question numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples may be a) Your ability to prioritize, b) Your problem-solving skills, c) Your ability to work under pressure, d) Your ability to focus on projects, e) your professional expertise, f) your leadership skills, g) your positive attitude towards works etc., in addition to your strong academic background.

5. What are your weakness?
The interviewer who asks this question is looking to see how honest you are with yourself, and how well you deal with your own shortcomings. Bit of a tricky question this, after all no one wants to show their weaknesses but we all have them. Don't pretend you don't have weaknesses, and don't avoid answering the question. This is your chance to show that you are honest and take responsibility for your actions. A good way to answer this question is to mention your weakness, then tell what you have done to overcome that weakness. If you have been disorganized in the past, you could say, "I used to be much disorganized, always forgetting assignments and birthdays. But I managed to work out a computerized system of to-do lists and reminders that keeps me on top of everything. "You could also say, I don't have straight way transport or bus service from my residence to the office. So, during the rainy days I had difficulties in finding a rickshaw to reach the bus stop and I would get late, occasionally. Now on the raining days, I get up earlier in the morning and rush out to my office to reach on time." The most comprehensive way of dealing with this question is to try and turn it into a "positive" from a "negative".

6. What is Your Expected Salary?
Money questions can be tricky. You do not want to give an answer that is too low, because you risk receiving less income than the position offers. You also do not want to give an offer that is too high, because you risk being seen as either arrogant or unaffordable. The best answer is no answer. Tell the interviewer you would like to learn more about the company first and research the salary once the interview is over.

7. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.

8. What important trends do you see in our industry?
Be prepared with two or three trends that illustrate how well you understand your industry. You might consider technological challenges or opportunities, economic conditions, or even regulatory demands as you collect your thoughts about the direction in which your business is heading.

9. How Long Do You Expect to Stay with the Company?
Employers look for dedication. They look for individuals that will fulfill a useful role in the company for years. Answer these questions confidently. Tell the employer that you plan on staying indefinitely as you grow within the company.

10. Describe Your Dream Job in Detail
Many interview questions and answers ask about specifics where the answer itself may not be best for your chances. You cannot reply with your dream job is the position you are applying for, because that will obviously be pandering for the position, but if you state a position that either is not available at the company or taken by someone qualified, you risk alienating those individuals. Instead, focus on the non-specific aspects of the job, such as “A career where I wake up excited to go to work and leave every night satisfied with the events of the day.”

11. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
Answers to these questions should always be about sticking with the company. Even if you are using this job as a stepping stone for your future career, employers only want to hear about a dedication to their company, and this dedication should be found in your answer. “My goal is to move up within the organizational rankings and hopefully take on a management role with greater responsibilities.”

These types of common questions may be found at any job interview. It is important that you prepare answers for any type of interview question so that you can confidently provide an answer that helps you win the job.