Top Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

No matter how easy job interview questions may seem or sound, people usually tend to get it wrong most times in their manner of approach and reply to these questions. This has caused a lot of people their dream jobs in some cases. In other cases, overconfidence and timidity has also been detrimental to some people. Those are some things you must avoid if you want to get that dream job you so desire. Your composure, fluency, approach, and reply to questions really matter a lot. People need to learn to see interviews as a conversation between you and your employer-to-be. Having this in mind helps calm your nerves. So you must prepare in advance and memories your answers so as not to stutter or think too far off point. Also, proper preparation makes you feel more at ease and more confident!

Job interview questions and how to properly tackle them;

Kindly read this: HUMAN RESOURCE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

This is one of the first questions asked during a job interview and entails talking about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from, your education history, your personal interests which may not be directly related to work, your hobbies, brief recall of your childhood, where you grew up and your personality so as to make the interview a bit interesting, talk about your future ambitions and goals too. This is the ‘present past future’ formula. But be careful not to say too much about yourself. Make your answers short, simple and sweet so you do not seem like a talkative.

2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PREVIOUS JOB AND WHY YOU LEFT

When asked this particular question, it is important to give an answer with the impression that you’re motivated to move to new and better opportunities. If you left your previous job in very bad circumstances, it’s important to avoid speaking against your current/previous organization because an employer will likely not bring someone who speaks negatively about their previous job. Be direct and factual. RECOMMENDED: 4 Important Tips On Getting A Job Abroad In 2020

3. TELL US ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

When asked questions like this, you must talk about attributes that relate to the job in question. When talking about your strengths, it is also a plus if you give practical and professional experiences to back up your claim. Talk about the little skills you have, do not disregard anyone because you never can tell which will attract your employer. Concerning your weaknesses, apply reverse psychology by talking about positive weaknesses like perfectionism. Also, talk about weaknesses you have improved on overtime. N.B. Keep your answers short and simple

4. WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB

Don’t beat around the bush. Hit the nail on the head and be specific about what makes you a good candidate for the job. To do this, you have to be very acquainted with the company’s mission and vision. Give your employer a reason to want your addition to the company’s progress.

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5. WHAT IS YOUR SALARY PROJECTION

This question seems very simple but you may fall off the balance if you are not prepared for it. You must be careful not to overprice or under-price yourself because either way, it may be detrimental to you. Employers usually ask this question to know if they can afford you or to know how you value yourself. You must do the following:

• Research salaries for similar positions in other companies
• Suggest your flexibility
• Give a possible range

But be fair to yourself and give a valuation that you are comfortable and happy with. You could say “My salary range is a bit flexible but I possess significant experience and quite a good record in marketing which valuates my candidacy. With proper highlighting of my responsibilities, we can come to a compromise regarding a fair salary for the position.

6. HOW WELL DO YOU HANDLE WORK STRESS AND PRESSURE

Sharing past experiences of how you handled stress is an important way of answering such a question. Don’t say you have never really experienced stress because it might make your employer feel you have only engaged in low volume working environments and you are not ready for a demanding job. Your answer should be based on how you were faced with serious pressure from work and how you used it to your own advantage and came out successful. Other likely bonus questions include;

• Do you work well with other people?
• What are your future goals?
• Does this job fit with your career plan?
• What is the longest period you have worked in an organisation?
• What is your educational background like?
• How do you intend making our company better?
• What will you do if you get this job?

Always remember to keep your answers short, direct and simple!