Interviews are a way to assess candidates' competencies and suitability for the job. Exhaustive question answer sessions are a major part of any interviews. No answer can be absolutely correct or absolutely wrong. Nevertheless, interviewers follow a certain pattern to determine candidates' strengths and weaknesses.
There are some common questions that give the interviewers an insight into your profile. Almost all the interviewers will follow this general questioning pattern at the introduction and at the end of the interview.
- Tell me about yourself.
At the onset of any interview, you can expect to be asked to speak about yourself. Remember that the interviewer does not want to know about your personal life beyond name and interests. Give a short introduction about yourself; speak about your educational background, previous job positions you have held, brief introductions about your accomplishments etc. Speak at length about yourself covering all the major points briefly.
- What is your aim in life? /What are your short term and long term goals in life? / Where do you see yourself 10 years hence?
Answer to this question depends entirely on your objectives. Thus, you need to have a clear idea about what you want to achieve in life. Map out your short term and long term career objectives. You may be asked to justify your aims. Hence, keep your reasons ready.
- What are your strengths?
Mention your key skills and positive points. Back them up with concrete examples. State those niche areas that will be apt for the current job profile. Highlighting your strengths will show you in a positive light. Additionally, use keywords like good team leader, efficient manager, strong grasp over communication skills etc. to perk up your answer.
- What are your weaknesses?
You have to carefully determine the weak points that you wish to put forward during the interview. While you can safely mention being over enthusiastic or over ambitious; avoid giving out details about missing out on a deadline or picking a fight with the former employer. At the same time, avoid saying that you have no problem area. This will reflect you as an over confident candidate.
- Why did you quit your previous company? / What are the reasons for leaving your previous job?
This question must be answered very tactfully. Whatever may be the reason for quitting your earlier job, refrain from any negative comments. Quote reasons like shifting career focus, in search of new challenges, different learning experience etc.
- Give reasons on why we should hire you.
To answer this question, you must know your skills that the company can readily use. Speak how aptly you fit the organizations needs and how you can contribute to the company growth.
- How well can you handle pressure? / Are you comfortable working under pressure?
Do not jeopardize your chances by saying a 'no'. Working under pressure is a part of any job. Instead, tell the interviewers how you would tackle the pressure and still manage a good performance.
- What are your work ethics? / What are your principles towards work?
Describe your work ethics in short but clear statements. Your answer must reflect your respect for the work you do and high standards of professionalism.
- Describe a situation where you could not resolve a problem.
Instead of getting intimidated by this question, you should calmly narrate an unfavorable situation. Explain the problem, and quote the reasons as to why you could not arrive at a solution. Do not forget to mention how this incident has helped in your learning process.
- Do you have any questions for us?
At the end of every interview, a candidate has to face this question. As a rule, you should have some questions for the interviewers. You can ask any question that is related to the company or that will help to give you a clear picture of your role in the organization.