Four Interview Questions You Should Prepare For (Discussed in Detail)

There are many variables in the job interview process, and your success will depend on the chemistry between you and the interviewer, the structure of the interview itself and even how you may be feeling on any particular day. But, thankfully, there are some typical questions which remain constant. 

Below are some of the obvious questions with tips on how to answer the questions:

1) CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?

This is the question which launches practically every interview. It seems easy enough to answer, and is a great starting point for more specific questions to follow.

Crafting an impressive answer to this question will allow the interviewer to understand how effectively you communicate, how engaging you are and how you connect with others.

There are many ways to answer this question. You can talk about your current role, achievements and scope and move into the past before explaining why you are interested in moving into your new role. Alternatively you can talk about your professional interest in your field and how you have developed. No matter which approach you take, it is important to tailor your response so that it is relevant to the position and company you're applying for. Be concise about what it is about you which has driven you to apply for this particular position at this company.

Whatever you do, don't regurgitate what's written on your resume or share intimate details about your personal life. You can, however, shed light on why you feel passionately about your field and the role you are applying for.

2) WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

There are three steps to nailing the answer to this question. Firstly, show off how much you know about the company and express enthusiasm for the organization's values and reputation. Secondly, align your own skills and values to those of the job description for the role which you are applying for. Thirdly, this is your opportunity to connect the role to your career trajectory by expressing how the position makes sense for you. Make sure to include what you'll be bringing to the company and what you hope to offer.

A trap in answering this question would be to give the interviewer the impression that you're just in it for what you can get or - heaven forbid - using the position as a stepping stone for bigger and better things ahead.

 3) WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

You're underpaid, overworked and undervalued, and your boss is a douchebag - however these are incorrect reasons to give when answering this question.

The trick is to be tactful but also honest in your response, so even if negative experiences have caused you to want to leave your current position it is important to stay positive and show gratitude to your current employer rather than express criticism.

Good reasons for leaving a job include a focus on how you would like more professional development and growth, or an interest in fulfilling your potential with more responsibility, an opportunity which the role you are applying for will give you. Furthermore, you may wish to state practical reasons if the job you are applying for if it is closer to where you live or gives you a better work/life balance.

COVID-19 has caused a great deal of turbulence on the job market. If you have been let go, be truthful without going into detail. Do not use the term 'fired' and don't express ill-feeling towards your previous employer in your response. Share how you've grown as a result of the experience.

4) WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES?

You want to be honest but also keep your response positive. Discuss your weaknesses first and place it in context by sharing a story as to how this trait emerged but end it on a positive note by showing how, despite the weakness, you were able to grow in self-awareness. Regarding strengths, read the job description and link them to the requirements of the role. Outline any positive feedback which you have had regarding your strengths.

Avoid clichés and try to be genuine in your responses. Give specific and concise examples of the strengths and weaknesses to avoid vagueness in your response.