How to answer interview questions confidently?
The answer to that is ... by preparing oneself before the interview!
Being shortlisted by recruiters based on the competence of your resume is not the finale of your job application.
There is an important process that can seal the deal for your job landing, and that is the interview round.
Both phone interview questions and face-to-face interview questions can be tricky for professionals seeking jobs in any field or industry.
The best way to overcome such barriers is by preparing oneself beforehand and getting acquainted with the most likely questions that recruiters may ask during job interviews.
We have compiled some of the most common interview questions that a recruiter may ask and have provided sample answers for reference.
Top 10 Most Common Interview Questions
What are the 10 most common interview questions and answers?
The following questions are some of the most common interview questions that interviewers ask during an interview:
- How do you describe yourself?
- How did you hear about this job vacancy?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- Why are you leaving your current job?
- Where do you see yourself a few years from now?
- When can you start?
- Is there anything you would like to ask us?
The above-listed top interview questions can play a vital role in communicating your professional identity to potential employers. Hence you need to be prepared in your mind to answer them confidently.
You can also check out Hiration's Interview Preparation library where we have stored 20,000+ questions and sample answers to help you bag that targeted job.
Also Read: How to ace interviews with these job interview tips
How to Prepare for an Interview
Before we go into the details of what the most common interview questions are, let us discuss some basic interview etiquettes.
Once you get past the resume selection and get shortlisted, you need to focus on making the best impression on the recruiters.
Keep yourself well versed in the following details:
- Research the organization wherein you are applying for a job
- Review the targeted job description
- Be prepared for tackling any type of questions professionally
- Make your selling point crystal clear
- And make sure to carry a copy of your updated resume with you
So, how to answer interview questions confidently?
Well, the trick is to be positive, and apart from the above points, ensure that you wear the right clothes and maintain a confident body language.
Be it common interview questions or informational interview questions one needs to be prepared beforehand to make a positive impact on the recruiters during interviews.
Sample Answers to the Top 10 Most Common Interview Questions
What are the most common interview questions and answers?
Now that you are familiar with what the most common interview questions are, let us guide you in giving suitable answers.
Because knowing what questions to expect is fine but knowing how and what to answer does the trick for you during interviews.
Tell Me About Yourself Sample Answer
One of the simplest questions that can make one break into a sweat when asked in an interview is when one is asked to describe oneself.
Though it may seem like a basic question, one gets lost in thoughts while trying to construct the best sentence for answering this very question.
Now the trick to answering this question with ease is by clearly stating where you stand as a professional and highlight your positive traits.
Sample Answer 1: I am a result-oriented professional and drive on constant challenges while seeking opportunities that would help me grow in every way.
Sample Answer 2: I am a dynamic and goal-oriented professional who strives towards goals that help me learn and upskill myself.
When you are asked, ‘tell me about yourself’ let the recruiters understand what you have to offer by introducing yourself as someone who possesses all the qualities that the targeted job profile demands.
How You Heard About the Job
One of the most common interview questions during an interview is how you heard about the job.
It is very likely that the recruiters would as you questions such as:
- How did you hear about this job vacancy?
- Who told you about this job?
- Where did you come across this job?
You can answer these questions based on where you actually came across the specific job vacancy.
Sample Answer 1: I came across this job on LinkedIn.
Sample Answer 2: A friend/colleague of mine referred it to me.
The recruiters tend to ask this question to see how and where people are getting to know about their job posting for future reference.
Ensure that you have a professional LinkedIn profile and do upload your resume for recruiters to identify you as a suitable applicant.
Why You Want the Job
When asked, ... Why do you want to work here?
You can base your answer on the higher goals of the targeted organization and its notable achievements and laurels.
Sample Answer 1: I aspire to build my career on the kind of solid foundation that your organization has laid and contribute towards the higher goals of the company.
Sample Answer 2: I am inspired by the work culture of this organization and feel that it can provide me with the right opportunities for every aspect of my professional and personal growth.
This question may be asked to get an insight into what you expect from the job if selected.
Why You Deserve the Job
Why should we hire you?
This question is one of the most common interview questions.
The moment this question is asked, you should seize the opportunity and present yourself as the most suitable applicant, provided you have what it takes to land the job profile.
Highlight all those major points that shed the light on your suitability for the targeted profile.
Sample Answer 1: I am confident that I can bring something new to the table if given the chance by applying the skills and expertise which I have gained over the years.
Sample Answer 2: I possess the right set of skills and experience that is required to handle the vacant position and contribute towards the organization's business growth.
Your answer to this question can help them recognize your confidence and commitment towards the vacant position.
What Your Strengths Are
What are your greatest strengths?
Your answer to this question can help you make a positive impression on the interviewer and leave a huge impact on them during the interview.
Focus on all those strong points that elevate your expertise in the targeted job profile.
Mention your functional and technical skills while keeping in mind the requirements of the recruiters provided in the job description.
Sample Answer 1: My greatest strength is my ability to undertake any task assigned to me and produce results that contribute towards business growth.
Sample Answer 2: I strive on multitasking and coordinate with multi-functional teams which helps me produce the best results while maintaining a healthy work relationship with my colleagues.
This question falls under the most common interview questions because it is one sure way for recruiters to identify your confidence in yourself.
Good Weaknesses for Interview
One of the most dreaded yet most common interview questions is ...
What are your weaknesses?
Now, you need to keep your composure and stay positive.
Talking about your weaknesses can be enormous pressure, but if delivered in the right tone and light, it can be beneficial for you.
Sample Answer 1: My weakness lies in my inability to let go of a project until I complete it with perfection and I focus too much on the details.
Sample Answer 2: I tend to accept every challenge that comes my way despite my lack of skills in tackling them but I am constantly working on myself to gain skills that can help me handle them.
Recruiters tend to ask this question to catch the applicants off guard so make sure to be prepared.
Reasons For Leaving a Job
Why are you leaving your current job?
It can be because you hated the job, they were paying you less, or you saw no growth in your career.
No matter what the reason was or is, you need to ensure that you are being honest by highlighting the issue and not dragging down the previous organization in case it jeopardizes your current job application.
Sample Answer: I am leaving my current job because I am looking for new challenges that can provide me with more opportunities to develop my skills and allow me to make full use of my potential.
The answer to this question should be polished in a way that leaves no negative comment on your previous job while giving an insight into what you seek in a job.
Also Read: Some Common Reasons for Leaving a Job
Where You See Yourself in the Future
Be honest when asked, 'where do you see yourself a few years from now?'.
This can give the recruiters an insight into your future growth and career goals. But keep in mind that there is no harm in confessing if you do not have any plans sketched yet.
Sample Answer 1: As of now I have no set plans, but I am open to new opportunities that can help me outline and build my career as I move forward in life.
You should answer this question by keeping in mind that the recruiters are trying to understand if you are here to stay or move on. So be diplomatic with your answer while being honest.
When You Can Start
When can you start?
Well, the answer will depend on your employment status.
This question is rightfully on the most common interview questions list because one needs to know when you are available.
If you have already resigned and are ready to join right away, then state the same. But if you need to give notice to your current employer, then your answer will depend on how long you will need to serve the notice period.
Sample Answer: I am currently serving my notice period, which will be over in the next seven days, so I can join right after that.
Questions to Ask in an Interview
If you are wondering what questions to ask the interviewer in an interview, then here are some common ones that you can shoot:
- What kind of benefits are provided to the employees?
- What do you expect from an employee on a daily basis?
- Do the expectations change often?
These are just basic questions that an applicant can ask during an interview.
You can also ask anything that can help you clear your doubts regarding the policies of the organization or just something that relates to your profile.
Always prepare yourself by going through some of the common interview questions to ask an interviewer Doing so will help you clear any doubts you have about the job profile, company, salary package, workload, etc.
Also Read: Common Interview Questions to Ask an Interviewer.
Hiration Services
Here at Hiration, we strive to enable every professional to land their dream job and we provide constant support and guidance.
Feel free to check out the following services and features to boost your professional grasp in the job market:
- Interview Preparation
- LinkedIn Review
- Digital Portfolio Builder
- Cover Letter Builder
- Hiration Online Resume Builder
- Hiration Online Resume Review
Get the best samples of tough interview questions and answers, unique interview questions and answers, and 20,000+ sample questions and answers to prepare yourself on how to answer interview questions confidently.
Key Takeaways
What are the five hardest interview questions?
The five hardest interview questions can vary but often include behavioral questions, problem-solving scenarios, situational challenges, questions about weaknesses, and inquiries about handling conflicts.
What is the best answer for Tell me about yourself?
The best answer for "Tell me about yourself" succinctly introduces your professional background, highlights relevant skills and experiences, and connects them to the job you're interviewing for.
What are some unique interview questions to ask employer?
"What is the most exciting project your team has worked on recently?" or "How does your company foster professional growth and development?" are unique interview questions to ask employers.
What is the STAR method in interviews?
The STAR method in interviews is a structured technique to answer questions by describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result of a specific experience or scenario.
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