10 common questions asked during the job interview

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1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF! 

The interviewer is saying ”I want to hear you talk”. This is a starter but it is a common question so your response can stay the same. Spend a maximum of four minutes to describe your qualifications, career history and range of skills, emphasizing those relevant to the job on offer.

2. WHAT HAVE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS BEEN TO DATE?

The interviewer is saying “Are you an achiever”? Select an achievement that is work-related and fairly recent. Identify the skills you used, the achievement and quantify the benefit.

3. ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR CAREER TO DATE?

The interviewer is asking about your self-esteem and self-confidence, your career aspirations and whether you are a happy, positive person.

4. WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION YOU HAVE HAD TO FACE AND HOW DID YOU TACKLE IT?

The interviewer is trying to find out what your definition of difficult is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem solving using your initiative. Select a difficult work situation which was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did and what the outcome was. Always end on a positive note.

5. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR PRESENT JOB? 

The interviewer is trying to find out whether you will enjoy the things you will experience in the job on offer.

6. WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESSES? 

The interviewer is asking about your self-perception and level of self-awareness.

7. WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

The interviewer wants a straightforward answer as to what you are good at and how it is going to add value.

8. WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER? 

The interviewer is trying to understand and evaluate your motives for moving. This should be straightforward. State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility, experience and a change of environment. Never be negative in your reasons for leaving, and rarely will it be appropriate to say that salary is the primary motivator.

9. WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK FOR THE COMPANY YOU ARE GOING FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH?

They are asking you why you want to work for them as opposed to any other company. The reasons need to be specific to this company, for example the culture, people development etc., so general points like the fact they have a good name aren't what they are after. Again, you need to demonstrate that you have done some research.

10. WHAT CAN YOU OFFER TO THE ORGANISATION? 

The interviewer is trying to know how your technical and soft skills, qualifications, career history could be beneficial to the company.