QUESTIONS ASKED IN A JOB INTERVIEW

QUESTIONS ASKED IN A JOB INTERVIEW

An outstanding resume, impeccably professional attire and a pleasant personality might seem enough to bag that job you have been eyeing. But in reality how you face the volley of questions thrown at you, seals your fate in a job interview.

Though there are no hard and fast rules as to what bouncers you will have to tackle, there are some common questions that you can expect. Remember, these responses are only suggestions. Try to personalise your response as much as possible.

TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF.
A common question that helps breaks the ice and keeps the conversation flowing is also your first opportunity to offer an overview of yourself and accomplishments. "Your answer should be precise and structured to offer a brief personal and professional summary of yourself,

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH?
You need to leverage this question to highlight not just your best skills but also traits that are desired for the current opportunity. "Describe two or three skills that are most relevant to the job. Avoid clichés or generalities.
Examples: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks, time management.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR ORGANISATION?
Every recruiter expects you to have some basic knowledge about the organisation. "Focus your response on what you understand about the company (history/ products/ services/ industry leadership/ performance record) and what you find exciting about its future.

WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
Before you respond to the question, you need to ensure that you understand the specific needs and expertise relevant to the position. "The answer should cover how the person is going to contribute in the organisation, what value additions he or she brings in and what are the unique selling propositions.

HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO STAY WITH US?
The best answer here would be to say that one is looking for a long term career if career progression and growth opportunities are provided. "Do not mention a job title that one would want next or the interviewer will wonder if one is already preoccupied with moving on.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS?
"Always try to turn your weakness into a positive or demonstrate how you have tried to overcome your weakness.
Examples: "I'm a perfectionist", "I sometimes have a hard time delegating" or ""I tend to expect others to work as hard as I do."

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION YOU HAVE HAD TO FACE AND HOW DID YOU TACKLE IT?
The interviewer is trying to see how one would handle a difficult situation in the workplace and the approach to problem solving. "The best bet is to choose a situation, preferably that wasn't caused by self and which had a positive outcome and explain what one did to overcome the problem.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR PRESENT ORGANISATION?
This is not an opening to speak badly of the former employer. "Focus on your need for
newer challenges, greater responsibilities and increased learning opportunity. You may want to emphasise on how the current opportunity is aligned to your long term aspirations and career goals.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS REGARDING REMUNERATION?
It is wise to defer the question till the company has decided to hire you for sure. If the interviewer insists on a response, try and keep your response broad and generic. "The best answer would be that you expect that you would be given a fair raise in terms of your qualifications and experience proportionate with peers/ similar roles in the organisation.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A JOB?
There isn't a right or wrong answer to this question. "You need to show enthusiasm during the interview and highlight your focus on opportunities that meet your long term career plans and support professional growth and development.