Frequently Asked Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

People would often say that your job interview will make or break the application for a specific occupation. It goes without saying that giving the right answers for each question raised by the interviewer would be critical not only for your success, but for your overall impression on the company. Not only that, smart answers would also allow the interviewer to learn about you and the skillset you’re trying to present to them in terms of its benefit to them. Otherwise, giving farfetched answers would mean that you have to try again and work on your a-game—literally.

Generally speaking, interviewers gather basic information from the applicant and how would they be of help to the company. More or less, that would be their foundation of answers as the interview goes on. When talking in specifics, here are some commonly asked job interview questions that may be given to you as you try and survive—and thrive— in one of the biggest challenges of your adult life.

Why should we hire you?

This question will set you apart from the other applicants. With that, you want to tell them that hiring you is a good investment to their company and you are capable of not only helping them in their present endeavors, but as well as in the future ventures. You should also make sure that your answer would cover up their specific requirements and you are the best person suited up for the position. Avoid over selling yourself or being too timid, which is unnecessary and to avoid misrepresenting yourself for someone suited for the position.

What are your strengths?

This questions needs asks for you to be straightforward and true to your answers. This general yet deafeningly difficult question will verify you as the main person for the job as you elaborate the skillset that you have, and what is needed for the job itself. This question assists you as well in your formation as a professional leading to the success of their company. Do not give them answers wherein you cannot state facts or provide evidence. You must also, be careful with the words that you use to describe yourself, for they may be irrelevant and not needed at the workplace.

What are your weaknesses?

Expect that when they ask for your strengths, your weaknesses will also be put on the spotlight. People are mostly try to avoid of this question because they are afraid of telling the wrong things to the interviewer. The best thing to do is loosen up and let go of your prejuduices when this question is raised. People who give genuine answers are those who allow themselves to learn even more with what is presented to them. Show them that you know your weaknesses, the things that you have done to overcome them, and that you have the capacity to improve yourself while working the best of your abilities. Be careful not to overthrow it though and not highlight any major weakness that is represents a huge problem in the field.

Why do you want to work for us?

There are two important things that you must remember when this particular question is raised to you: You should be able to show them that you present an opportunity where they are able to fulfill their needs by hiring you, while sharpening your skills as you become a part of their company. Make sure that you highlight those skills and that they match the position you are applying for. Focus on the positives, do your research about the company, and do not forget to mention that their workplace is the best place to hone your abilities as a professional and an individual.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question might come of a little tricky because you might give answers that leave too little for the imagination. You want to stress that in five years’ time, you have developed holistically as an individual and you have been vital to the company’s success, but you must remain focused with the current situation. Explain your commitment to the job at hand and show that you are committed to a long-term career with the company. Follow up your commitment with a pragmatic plan of action that gives answers to the needs of the company, with minimal or no supervision at all which would highlight your potential as a possible leader in the future.

How do you evaluate success?

Usually, the interviewer would want to know your work ethic, your target, and you as an individual. Before answering this question, it is important that you must know the job that you are applying for. Big companies project a continuous development over time in the bottom line, where you will be first working. On the other hand, small ones would assess you in terms of your social impact. Keep in mind that you have to emphasize as well the areas of your own self where you find it growing as you work for them. Just do not over do yourself as always and keep your answers balanced and in check. Explain that while working for them, you have allowed you and your skills to develop while making yourself an indispensable asset who works under the name of their company.

Regardless of the question being asked to you, understanding the workplace and the job that you want to deal with are the first steps of assessing the situation. By knowing yourself, and how can you be of help would be the first thing to do before stepping into a job interview. Preparation is always the key, and equipping yourself with the right mindset and attitude will not only give you the confidence you need as you face the hiring manager, but this will also enable you to determine what are you truly capable of, as a working professional and as an individual.