Top 5 Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

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One of the most frequently asked questions we get from job seekers at The People Pod is, “What are the common interview questions and how should I answer them?”

Imagine how great it would be if you knew what the hiring manager would ask in the upcoming job interview.

Alas, only if you could read minds!

Anyway, the next best thing would be to know the top interview questions with winning answers. And we’re going to give you just that.

Interview Questions with Winning Answers

Interview preparation involves getting comfortable with the questions the employer might ask so that you can respond effectively with confidence. This gives you some time to mentally jot down a few points you’d like to cover when asked those questions.

By this, we don’t mean you should have a canned response for every question. However, you must know what the hiring manager is looking for in your answers. Also, you need to be able to prove you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

We’ve prepared a list of common interview questions with winning answers to make it easier for you. Since these are classics, employers would expect you to answer without hesitation and confusion.

Question 1: Tell Me About Yourself

This is one of the simplest and the most crucial interview questions employers throw interviewees’ way. Nonetheless, candidates fail to prepare for it.

When an employer asks this question, they want to know why you’re the right fit for the position. You need to prepare a concise and compelling pitch for that. Please don’t go too much into the details of your personal life or employment history.

Instead, a good rule of thumb is to start by shedding some light on your current role. That is, talk a little about what you do and what you’ve achieved. Then talk about how you got there. Talk about relevant experiences only. Finish off with why you think you’re the right person for the job.

To add personality to your answer, you can mention your interests, motivation, or a favorite hobby that doesn’t directly relate to work.

Question 2: Why Do You Want to Work at This Company?

This is another super simple interview question that candidates make the mistake of giving a generic answer to.

If your answer can be applied to several organizations out there and it makes you sound like all other candidates, you’ve lost the golden opportunity. This is why you must do proper research on the company before your interview and identify a unique aspect that intrigues you. Present it in a way in front of the hiring manager that shows you truly know the company.

Additionally, you can mention how you’ve watched the organization grow over the years and would like to contribute to its success. Don’t forget to highlight any opportunities for future growth. This will show that you understand the company’s vision and mission.

If you got a chance to interact with some of their employees, feel free to mention how their experiences got you excited to become a part of the company.

Whatever angle you choose for answering this question, be specific and honest.

Question 3: What Are Your Greatest Strengths and Weaknesses?

With this interview question, employers want to determine your level of honesty and self-awareness. Your answer will tell them how well qualified you are for the job.

When talking about your strengths, focus on quality versus quantity. Highlight one or a few characteristics (depending on the question) that set you apart and are relevant to the position. Don’t just enumerate a list of adjectives. Give examples to prove your point.

On the other hand, your weakness should be something you struggle with but are working on. For example, you might not be great at public speaking but are willing to participate in activities that can help eliminate that fear and boost your confidence.

Question 4: How Do You Deal with Work Pressure and Stress?

Things don’t always go in your favor at work. All employers want their workers to be pro at juggling different responsibilities and dealing with stress and pressure.

There’s a good chance that the hiring manager would want to tap into your ways of tackling difficult situations. What would you do if things go awry?

The best way to answer this interview question is to acknowledge that workplace stress is natural and often unavoidable. It will be best to share an example of how you overcame a challenge at a previous job. Talk perhaps about how you used stress to your advantage and came out stronger and more successful on the other side.

Question 5: What Are Your Career Goals?

Your answer to this question will help the employer detect if you’re a job hopper or plan to stay at the company for at least a year or two.

The hiring manager would like to know if you’re aware of your career’s direction and how you feel about it. Your answer will reveal if your future plans align with the career goals of the ideal candidate for the position at hand.

You should keep your response focused on the job and the company you’re applying to. The idea is to reiterate that the position perfectly aligns with your short and long-term goals. Think of where the job can take you and answer along those lines.

Also, show that you have realistic expectations for your career and convey that this experience would bring you closer to your goals.

View Interview Questions as Opportunities to Shine

All great candidates see interview questions as an opportunity to demonstrate their creative thinking process and commitment and passion for the job. Remember, your answers will communicate your character and values and show the hiring manager how deserving you are of the position.

A little preparation goes a long way. While you craft winning responses, keep in mind that they shouldn’t be all about you. Take the employer’s needs into consideration as well, and you’ll be good to go.

Now that you know about the frequently asked interview questions and how to answer them, get ready to ace that interview and get your dream job. With this interview guide, you’ll be able to handle anything the hiring manager throws your way.

Best of luck!