Common Questions
With millions of Americans changing jobs this year and new positions opening up at a steady clip, the interview is an important part of the process. It’s a chance for candidates to show their skills and make a case for why they’re the best candidate for the job. While it’s not possible to predict exactly what interviewers will ask, there are some questions that tend to pop up frequently. Knowing these common questions and answers can help prepare candidates for what’s to come and help them craft compelling answers that will impress hiring managers and increase their chances of getting the job.
These interview questions and answers are designed to offer insight into how a potential employee might react in certain situations, such as how they handled a difficult boss or how they handle conflict in the workplace. Oftentimes, these questions are asked early on in the interview, which allows candidates to provide a more detailed response and gives them a chance to showcase their problem-solving skills.
One of the most popular behavioral interview questions is “tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult coworker.” While many candidates are nervous about this question, they should be prepared to answer it in a positive and confident tone. The goal should be to emphasize the fact that they can work well with others and can adapt their style to fit different types of personalities.
Common Questions and Answers in an Interview
Interviewers also love to hear about specific professional achievements that candidates are proud of. However, if a candidate goes on and on about a single accomplishment, it might be an interview red flag, as they could be embellishing or even making up details in order to impress the hiring manager. Instead, a better approach is to talk about two or three different professional achievements and how they relate to the role in question.
Another common interview question is “where do you see yourself in five years?” While this may seem like a standard, straightforward question, it can reveal a lot about a potential employee’s career ambitions and whether or not they’re serious about the job. In addition to revealing a potential employee’s goals, the way in which they answer this question can also shed light on their personality, as some people are more likely to be honest about their goals than others.
Other important factors to look out for in an interview are the quality and details of a candidate’s answers, as well as how they are delivered. For example, if an interviewee’s answers are rambling or include little information, this might be a sign that they won’t be able to keep their focus during the rest of the hiring process.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that there are certain questions that are off limits in the interview, such as those asking about a candidate’s family status, gender, race or religion. While some interviewers might ask these questions with good intentions, it’s always a bad idea to discuss personal details in the workplace.
