You know that saying, "Fail to plan, plan to fail"? Well, here are some tips on handling those common interview questions like a pro.
First off, when they ask you questions, keep it short, sweet, and relevant. If you hit a tough question, take a breather before answering—stay cool.
1. "Tell me about yourself."
Introduce yourself in a way that aligns with the requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant qualifications, career trajectory, and skills that match the job description.
2. "What do you like about your current job?"
Share your appreciation for your current role, ensuring your reasons align with the skills and experiences sought in the new position. Emphasise the diversity and interest of your current job without exaggeration.
3. "Why do you want to leave your current job?"
Explain your desire for new challenges, increased responsibilities, varied experiences, and a different work environment as reasons for seeking new opportunities. Avoid negative remarks about your current employer and refrain from making salary the primary motivation for leaving.
4. "What have you achieved to date?"
Discuss a recent work-related achievement, emphasising the skills utilised and the tangible benefits it brought to the company. Provide quantifiable results to showcase the impact of your accomplishment.
5. "What is the most difficult situation you've faced and how did you deal with it?"
Describe a challenging work scenario you faced, focusing on your problem-solving approach. Select a situation not caused by you, outline the problem, the available options, why you chose a particular course of action, and the positive outcome.
6. "Are you happy with your career?"
Affirm your satisfaction with your career path, followed by a brief explanation of what aspects have contributed to your happiness. If there are areas where you feel stagnant, clarify them diplomatically.
7. "What do you dislike about your job?"
Exercise caution in discussing dislikes about your current job. Avoid specifics that could highlight weaknesses. Instead, mention general aspects like company size or decision-making processes, demonstrating resilience in handling challenges.
8. " What are your strengths?"
Highlight your core strengths, preparing to discuss three or four key proficiencies such as quick learning ability, determination, positive attitude, and teamwork skills. Be ready to provide examples if requested.
9. "What are your weakness?"
Acknowledge a weakness, avoiding claims of perfection. Opt for either a professed weakness in an area less crucial to the job or a trait that can be perceived as a strength. Discuss steps taken to address or mitigate the weakness.
10. "Do you have any questions?"
Express readiness to ask questions during the interview. Tailor your queries based on the discussion, demonstrating your engagement and interest in the role and the company's challenges. For instance, inquire about specific challenges hinted at during the interview process.
And remember, don't ask about benefits or pay until they're ready to offer you the job. Your recruiter can fill you in on that stuff before the interview.