Interviewing for a new job or even for a promotion can seem like a daunting experience for you. Thankfully, most interviewers are just as nervous! The easiest way for some interviewers to speed up the process and hire the best candidate is by asking similar questions. Here is a list of the top 10 interview questions most likely to be asked during your next interview.
1. Tell me about yourself?
This is typically how an interview starts because it gives the interviewer a good first impression of what type of person you are. First impressions are key! This answer should be kept to around 2 -3 minutes and focused on what you enjoy and how it relates to your jobs such as, “I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 5 years but in my mind I’ve been doing it since I was 5 years old, etc.”
2. What is your greatest weakness?
This is a difficult question, but there is a great secret in tackling it! Don’t use a strength as a weakness such as, “I’m just too punctual”. Be honest and mention how you’re fixing it. “I find it difficult to present a project to a room of people, but I have recently been taking online classes on how to overcome my fear.”
3. Why did you leave (or are leaving) your last job?
There are a million great reasons for why you left or are leaving your job and some may be juicier than others, but when it comes down to answering this question you must remain positive. Don’t trash your old boss or coworkers! Avoid the trash talk with, “I’ve learned a lot from my last company and over time I realized I need to increase my skills. Your company has a lot of what I’m looking for in my career growth.”
4. Describe a difficult work situation and how you handled it.
This is a classic question looking for a problem and resolution. Take your time when answering this question and truly think back to a time a difficult situation occurred and how you handled it.
5. Why should we hire you?
This is a great opportunity to talk about your achievements! Remember that time you crushed your presentation to the board? Or how you saved over $100,000 on your projects budget? Keep it relevant to the company/position you’re applying for and let them know how awesome you are.
6. What would you like to be doing 5 years from now?
When interviewers ask this question they want to see if you are a good investment to their company. Job hoppers are expensive and time-consuming. If you’ve done your research you should know about the companies’ goals and growth. Here’s a good opportunity to discuss how you like to help them reach that goal and keep the company growing each fiscal year.
7. Why do you want this job?
Hopefully you know the answer to this because you applied for it! However, really think about why you want the job and let them know what you’re skills are, what you love doing, and how they relate to this job.
8. How do you evaluate success?
Probably one of the most difficult questions is thinking about how does anyone evaluate what "success" is? Typically at work, finishing a project on time and on budget is successful, taking on new tasks and learning new skills is successful, and being promoted and taking on more work is being successful.
9. How much are you expecting for salary?
This is such a "cross-roads question" because if you say too high, you may not get the job and if you say too low, they may underpay you! If working with a recruitment company, let your interviewer know that it is negotiated with them or if they really want an answer be upfront with a range you feel comfortable with.
10. Why do you want to work for us?
Companies want to know how much you took the time to research them. This question is a secret way to find out and show what you know! Show off your skills and tell them how much you admire their growth over the last ____ years and can see that their company is here to stay. Or, tell them about their outreach program and how you think it’s great how much they give back. Skies the limit here!
