Many hiring managers use several common job interview questions.
Interview preparation is one of the best ways to put your best foot forward.
Proactively answering (and practicing) your interview questions is key to earning a second interview or job offer.
Land your dream job with our interview tips.
If you’re embarking on a job search, brush up on what you can expect during the interview process. Being prepared will set you apart from the other job candidates, and will increase your chances of being invited back for a second interview, reaching your career goals, and landing your dream job.
Expect some tough interview questions during your quest for a new opportunity. The good news is the hiring manager will most likely pull at least some of the interview questions from a list. Let’s talk about the most common questions and some sample answers.
The hiring manager or recruiter might kick off the interview with this question. It’s broad and eases job seekers into answering questions. However, it’s far from simply a throwaway question.
The interviewer will be listening for key career points. They will also be measuring your level of self-awareness and your communication skills.
Answer this question in a few sentences. Highlight your education and achievements that relate to the job description. Don’t go into too great of detail about your personal life.
An example answer could be: “After I graduated with my MBA, I moved to Austin and worked for ABC company. After some skill-building, I earned a Rookie of the Year award for my commitment to company growth and corresponding results. After being promoted, I realized my true passion was management.”
This is where you get to sell yourself and make a big push to try and stand out in the interviewer’s mind. Give a concise answer, relating what you say back to how it gives their company value. Take the most relevant aspects of your work experience and what motivates you to paint a picture of how those factors will help you succeed in the role they’re filling.
An example answer could be: “I’m responsible for email campaigns and social media branding at my current job, so I’d be able to adjust quickly to your marketing role. In addition, I’ve worked remotely for the past three years, and that experience has trained me to be highly productive with a dispersed team.”
Employers use this question to learn more about your skill set and work ethic. This question sounds straightforward, but it can also easily trip you up. Either you don’t want to come off as boastful and give a vague answer, or you could talk too long and go into too much detail, and could come across as uninsightful or arrogant. Ace this question by succinctly showcasing talents that most closely align with the new role you’re trying to land.
An example answer could be: “Problem-solving is my greatest strength. Working in customer service with my current employer has allowed me to increase my problem-solving ability. I handle an average of two dozen calls a day and have the second-highest problem-resolution rating.”
Talking about your weaknesses may be the most uncomfortable part of the interview. It’s important to decide how you’ll answer during your interview preparation, including a follow-up on how you’re working to strengthen yourself in this area.
An example answer could be: “Public speaking is my greatest weakness. It makes me nervous. I have found that being prepared and comfortable with my presentation and doing deep-breathing exercises a few minutes before both help me stay on track.”
This is a common behavioral interview question. The interviewer is looking for red flags, such as you talking badly about your previous employer or work environment. It’s important to spin a good answer in a positive light. Highlight the good reasons you’re seeking employment elsewhere, such as looking for more focused career advancement opportunities.
An example answer could be: “After working for my current employer for five years, I realized the avenue I was looking to advance in wasn’t going to be available for quite some time. I decided to continue my career path by finding a new opportunity that better suits my skill set and desired career path.”
Most jobs are going to have stressful situations. Showcasing your ability to stay cool during a crisis and act rationally to stress, deadlines, and difficult people gives you a competitive boost during the interview.
An example answer could be: “One of the best pieces of career advice I ever received is, ‘It’s not all about you.’ When stressful situations come up at work, I try to remember not to take anything that is said or done personally. I keep a cool head and think rationally before taking action during high-stress times.”
The hiring manager is looking for information about your long-term goals and the opportunities you want out of a new job. Your answer should align with what they said the position entailed in the original job description.
An example answer could be: “My goal for my next job is to be in a work environment where I can thrive in the company culture and position. I want to immerse myself in opportunities to increase my knowledge. Within five years, I want to prove myself enough to get promoted into management.”
This question tries to pinpoint your motivation for seeking employment. Craft an answer by relating your best qualities and experiences with what is needed to succeed in the new position.
An example answer could be: “I want a job where I’m a perfect fit, and the type of work this job requires aligns closely with what I believe to be my strongest qualities. From what I’ve seen, the company culture and core values speak to me. I’m excited to see what I could accomplish in this position.”
Salary negotiation is one of the most important parts of the hiring process. It begins with this question. In addition to your skill set and how you’ve handled the job interview, the hiring manager wants to know your salary expectations to see if they can afford to hire you.
Research salaries during your interview preparation.
An example answer could be, “Based on my experience and work history, I would expect a salary range of $XX,XXX to $XX,XXX for this position. Does that sound reasonable?”
Recruiters want to be assured the person they hire is qualified and equipped to handle the job's responsibilities. Answering this question well gives you a great chance of snagging a second interview or job offer.
An example answer could be: “I’ve successfully performed several of the required job duties in my current role. In addition, my volunteer work has helped me hone my customer service skill set. I’m also accustomed to and have been successful in a remote work environment, so you would never have to worry about me being unproductive while working from home.”
Read the job description carefully. Use it to prepare your answers.
Scour the company’s website. Pay special attention to their mission and core values. Try working how you fit into their company culture into your answers.
Don’t just highlight your experience and skill set. Plan on displaying your self-awareness and work ethic, too.
Find out who will be present in the interview and look them up on LinkedIn. Gaining insight into their personality and background may help you better connect with them.
Roleplay the common interview questions. You could do this with a friend or family member. Make sure you have a good answer for all of them.
Prepare answers to difficult questions. This includes gaps in your employment, lack of a degree, or little experience.
No matter where you’re located, what type of work experience you offer, or the new role you seek, Joblist can help you find your dream job. Discover the next stop on your career path by visiting our quiz page today.
