Job interviews are usually the ‘make or break’ step of a recruitment process. The good thing to remember is that your profile has already been shortlisted, which means that you have already come through the rejection round. The interview is where the recruiter really wants you to give them the right reasons to select you. Even though psychologists recommend that you should go ‘off-script’ in an interview, it is good to prepare yourself mentally, at least to an extent where you can communicate openly.
Preparing for these 9 questions will help you not only get through an interview in flying colors, but also in strategizing your job search.
tell me something about yourself.
This is an introductory, open-ended question that can help you set the right tone for the rest of the interview. It gives you a chance to share something unique about yourself, beyond your resume, with the interviewer. Skip your work history and focus on something describes your strengths as an employee.
why don't you take me though your resume?
While your resume/profile divulges your career graph in a broad sense, this question gives you an opportunity to take the interviewer through your professional journey. Highlight the things that you think will be most relevant to the job role you are interviewing for such as career growth or work-life balance. Focus more on your roles and responsibilities in your previous jobs, and the business outcomes you were able to produce such as directly impacting sales or profitability.
why do you want to leave your current company?
This question can be a little challenging to answer, especially if you haven’t spent a significant amount of time in your last company. Take this as your opportunity to share what you are looking for in your new role and prospective organization. You can choose to cite the reason of moving on from your current company in a way that it doesn’t raise any questions around your loyalty as an employee.
why was there a gap in between your two jobs?
It is best to be honest when answering this question. Explain the reason for a gap in your employment or why you needed to take that break. The more you are convinced about your choice and its reasons, the more convincing you will sound in your answer.
describe a situation where you had a conflict with your manager and how you dealt with it.
Discuss one or two such instances in your career where you faced a challenging situation with your manager or colleague. Explain how you dealt with the situation. Make sure your answer brings out your ability to tackle tough situations as well as your people skills.
where do you see yourself in a few (usually five) years from now?
This is a common question that almost all the interviewers ask. However, make sure you are well-prepared and provide a convincing answer to the interviewer. This answer must speak about your professional goals and plans. Having clear goals and a strong ability to chart your path reflects your skills as a potential manager. Preparing for this question will also give you insights about how the role you are interviewing for can help you achieve your goals.
what would your dream job look like?
Practice visualizing your highest idea of a job or a career, preferably with an organization or with your own team. When answering this question, explain what your career would look like, if your ultimate professional goals were achieved.
why should we hire you?
When answering this question, focus on the prospective role, its responsibilities, the company culture and your career goals. See how your current profile and future aspirations can be aligned with each of these factors. Remember, the recruiter is as interested in finding a candidate who can handle the roles and responsibilities of the job.
do you have any questions for us?
This is a big window of opportunity for you to impress the interviewer, so do not waste it by opting out. Prepare for some questions to ask in the interview before hand not only to make a positive impression but get some idea about the work culture. You can ask something relevant to your role, responsibilities, or the company culture - if you are being interviewed by a recruiter. On the other hand, when being interviewed by a prospective business manager, it is better to go beyond the basics. Thoroughly research the company, its clients, and business opportunities, and see if there’s some questions to ask in the interview that will help you understand the company’s future plans.
last few words
Those were some of the important questions that you need to ask when appearing for a job interview. Even if you are quite experienced, it is advisable to be mentally prepared to answer these questions without any hesitation and increase your chances of getting the job.