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Although interviews can often take unexpected turns, adequate preparation proves significantly advantageous.
Some questions are all-rounders that cover multiple subjects when rephrased in various ways.
Whether you are a first-time interviewee or a seasoned professional, we will guide you through new strategies to enhance your approach and increase your chances of getting the job.
Here are 6 of the most frequently asked questions across different fields and sectors and how to answer them.
1. Tell Us About Yourself
Think of you knocking on someone’s door and they ask, “Who are you?”. Exactly! In your interview, it is your chance to present yourself beyond what is written in your CV and cover letter.
Though recruiters already have your documents, they want to hear directly from the horse’s mouth. Most interview questions are designed to be answered within one to two minutes, so complement the information they already have with a concise response.
Brush up your summary to reveal unique details about your professionalism and experience. Use this opportunity to highlight key achievements, motivations, and what drives your career.
2. Why Should We Hire You?
This question is closely tied to your muse to work with the company. Instead of starting with the benefits open to you, focus on how you can address the company’s needs.
You can get answers to this question from the job description. Remember, the job description outlines the qualifications needed and hints at the possible challenges at the organisation.
For instance, if they are looking for someone to develop financial models, this indicates a challenge with financial management which could be due to limited resources or a need for higher expertise.
To articulate why you should be hired as their financial model, emphasise how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Start with the benefits you bring to the company, then touch on how the role aligns with your career goals.
3. What Do You Know About This Role?
This question is for you to showcase how your acquired skills, knowledge, and experiences align with the job. As an industry veteran or newer to the field, it is essential to draw connections between what you know and what the job entails.
Draw points from the job and tailor them to highlight relevant experiences you gained through formal education, training, or previous roles.
Consider mentioning any relevant projects or achievements that illustrate your qualifications. Convey your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the organisation.
4. How Much Do You Know About Our Company?
Answering this question effectively hinges on your in-depth research about the company. Your knowledge about the organisation shows that you genuinely care about the organisation beyond salary and benefits.
Take the time to learn about the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent developments. Highlight specific initiatives or projects that resonate with you and explain why they matter.
Emphasise that you see this as a chance to make a meaningful impacts. Frame your response to reflect your desire to contribute positively to the organisation and the lives it touches.
5. What is Your Weakness?
When discussing your weaknesses in an interview, remember that the recruiter is not looking for perfection, though they expect professionalism.
Choose a weakness that shows self-awareness and a commitment to growth rather than something that might undermine your qualifications for the role.
For instance, instead of simply stating a lack of a specific skill, you should state that you have recognised a point of weakness and are working actively to improve your weak areas.
Working actively to improve a weak area could be taking helpful courses or attending lectures or seminars on your weaknesses. Recruiters do not expect you to be flawless, however, to be a great work in progress.
6. Can You Work Under Pressure?
Absolutely! It is important to convey to your recruiter that you can get things done, even in high-pressure situations. You can explain that you thrive when everyone works together towards a common goal.
Emphasise your enthusiasm for completing tasks and achieving success. Frame pressure as a motivating factor that drives you to perform at your best.
Generally, a thoughtful analysis of your experiences and training can address basically every interview question.
Did you have a job interview recently? What would you like others to note?