The 6 most frequently asked questions at a job interview
During a job interview, you can expect to be asked some typical questions. In this article, you will find six frequently asked questions to help you prepare properly.
Don’t know what to expect during your job interview? Are you afraid of stiffening up or not being able to say a word? During job interviews you can often expect some typical questions: try to prepare yourself beforehand for these questions, so that you will feel more at ease and the meeting will go more smoothly. Below are six frequently asked questions, but be sure to remain spontaneous and don’t rattle off your answer like a lesson memorized.
Can you tell a little more about yourself?
This question breaks the ice and gives you a chance to tell some things in a nutshell: who are you, what education did you have, what experience do you have … Use your resume as a guide and provide some additional info about you and the things relevant to the position. Among other things, you can clarify exactly what the range of duties of your previous jobs entailed. Focus on the added value you can bring and what your ambitions and goals are.
What are your strengths?
What skills and character traits can add value to your opportunities and job performance? You can think about what your strengths were in your last work experience or what positives surfaced during your college days.
Think of some concrete examples, situations, initiatives that you can talk about and show that you actually possess the strengths you mention.
What are your areas of improvement?
This question is harder for many to answer than the previous question. When you think about your lesser points, you quickly start falling into clichés. Try to avoid this and, of course, don’t portray yourself too negatively. Try to put a positive spin on your work points. For example, you can say, “I find it hard to make decisions because I am quite a doubter. This is because I am very perfectionist and keep tinkering with my assignment until I am 100% satisfied with the end result. Sometimes I have to learn to be satisfied with a little less in order to work faster that way as well.”
Why do you want to work for this company?
It is important for the employer that (future) employees know exactly what their company stands for. So already delve a bit into your potential employer’s business and culture. Surf to the company website, check out the company’s social media pages. That way you’ll find out both what the company does and its culture and discover why it would be a good fit for you. If you apply to a family business, for example, you can link that to the fact that you like working in a personal environment where commitment is crucial.
Why does this position appeal to you?
The answer to this question should not be difficult because normally you have already thoroughly reviewed the job content in the job posting before applying. Using your abilities (and any experience), discuss why the aspects of the job appeal to you and why you are the right candidate for the position.
Why do we need to hire you?
The answer to this question is the moment to convince the employer of your added value. It is important not to give a standard answer: think about it in advance. You have already shown that you know what the job package entails, what the required competencies are and that you have already sniffed out the corporate culture online. Bring these elements together and still convince the people opposite you with your final assets and motivation.
Are you ready?
If you have answers to these frequently asked questions in the back of your mind beforehand, you can start the job interview with greater peace of mind. And never forget: always be honest and completely yourself!
