Do you have a job interview lined up? While there’s no way to be certain what questions will be asked, there are several popular questions you can expect.
Sure, every interview is different. The questions you’ll be asked will depend on the job, the interviewer, and the industry. However, by going through the most common interview questions and answer, you can ease your anxiety and walk into your interview well prepared and confident.
And without further ado, here are five of the most frequently asked questions in job interviews.
5 Common Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself
You’ll never miss this question. It’ll often be the question starting off the interview after the nicetie are out of the way. Understandably, it’s a tough question. What information do you share, and what do you leave out? Also, it’s a question most people don’t prepare for because it seems informal, almost friendly even; hence unimportant.
Not preparing for this question would be a big mistake. Think of it as an invitation. It’s an opportunity to share with the interviewer why you think you would be outstanding in the job. Don’t regurgitate facts about yourself that can be gauged from your resume or cover letter.
Here’s one way to answer this question.
“Currently, I am an assistant sustainability manager at XYZ. I develop and coordinate sustainability initiatives and programs. I ended up in sustainability finance by chance. I’d worked in energy development for four years when I realized that challenges in the sector were financial and not technological. This is how I got started in development finance. By collaborating with other professionals in the field, I have learned to see things through different perspectives and incorporate them into my research and projects.”
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Isn’t this the most dreaded interview question? It’s an old favorite. At first glance, it seems there is no right answer. It’s relatively easy to answer the strengths part of the question. You can talk about your technical and soft skills and any personal attributes that relate to the role. However, the difficulty lies in answering the second part. It’s awkward to discuss your weaknesses, especially in an environment where your accomplishments should be at the forefront.
Remember, it’s not a trap. The point of this question is to determine how self-aware you are. Answer this question by sharing a genuine weakness and the measures you’ve taken to improve on it.
Here’s an example answer to “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“I am an empathetic person, and I strongly believe the best solutions are the ones that change lives as well as solve problems. On a related note, I am skilled at relating to people. I have strong communication skills, and collaboration is very important to me. I am an effective team member, always ready to learn and share. As for my weakness, I tend to be a perfectionist. It’s difficult for me to get past the details and see the bigger picture. This has led to some missed deadlines in the past. I’m now aware that being an effective team member requires finding a balance. My work can’t be perfect, but it can be good and done on time.”
3. What interests you about this role?
Interviewers often ask this question to see if you’re a good fit for the company. The best way to answer this question is to do your homework. Compare the job description to your skills and experience. Here’s an excellent answer to the question.
“I am extremely interested in Sustainable Finance Engagement Manager role. As mentioned in the job listing, my work would entail engagement and advocacy work across the finance sector. In my current position, I have researched developments in sustainability and finance. Making a difference in people’s lives is what motivates me to excel in all I do. I am knowledgeable in finance sector levers for change and how they relate to environmental governance and social change.”
This answer works because it cites specifics from the job listing and explains how the role fits their experience.
4. Why should we hire you?
This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Let them know why you’re the best person for this job. Differentiate yourself from other candidates and give them a reason why they should hire you.
It also helps to know the ins and outs of the company. Its products and services, mission, vision, and workplace culture. Here’s a sample answer to this question.
“To be honest, it almost feels like this job profile was written with me in mind. I have the required three years’ experience in sustainability finance, I’ve worked on several successful development projects, and I have proven expertise in project management. At the same time, communication is my forte. I understand the importance of building and maintaining relationships, both within and outside the workplace. I have the experience and attitude required to excel on high-profile, inter-departmental projects. I am truly excited about this job, the prospects it offers, and what I can contribute.”
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
It’s best to reiterate what this question is not asking. It’s not about working your way up the corporate ladder or your future career prospects. What this question gauges is your commitment to the role and the company. Do you see yourself at the company in five years? Are you sincerely interested in the role? Do you want more for your career than your employer can offer?
In short, you should answer this question by discussing how you could evolve in the role, both personally and professionally. Think about how your goals fit the company vision.
For instance, your answer might sound like this:
“In five years, I would love to be a mentor in addition to being an industry expert. I’ve had the fortune of having great mentors in my past positions and would gladly welcome the opportunity to provide similar guidance to others. Also, I would like to have taken the lead on several projects, and I’d welcome the opportunity to take on more managerial responsibilities. I know this is something I have an opportunity to do here.”
In Sum
Every interview has its quirks, and sometimes all you need is a few great answers to convince an interviewer that you’re the right person for the job.
About nexus IT group
nexus IT group is a top IT recruitment solutions firm who recruits top IT talent in large cities across the United States. If you are a hiring manager and have an immediate IT opening, or are tech talent looking to advance your IT career, you’ve come to the right IT recruiting agency, contact nexus IT group. We have access to highly skilled, top talent most can’t easily get in front of, so let our recruiting team show you why so many firms trust and love our IT staffing agency.
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