Job Interview Questions & How to answer them

35 Most asked Job interview questions and tips on how to answer.

1 Tell me about yourself?

Confine your answer to your work related experience. Never go into personal details unless the panel asks you.

2 Tell me about your dream job?

If your response is a specific along with the responsibilities that you expect, you may be put under the scanner to confirm whether you suit that particular role. So it’s better to make use of stereotyped phrases like amicable environment etc.

3 Why did you leave your last job?

Give a positive response. “I’m in pursuit of greener pastures”. Just confine your words to better opportunities. However, never ever speak out things like “It is my ill-tempered boss at the workplace that made me think of this change”.

4 What is your weakness?

Don’t start listing out all your personality disorders straight away. Stay composed and quote silly weaknesses that are strengths in disguise. Things like “I take time getting ready for the office in the morning and so I set my alarm two hours in advance”.

5 What are your strengths?

The more you market, the more you will be in demand. Just list out all your strengths. Be prepared with clear examples that reflect those you’ve listed.

6 What do we know about the type of work we do?

Do necessary homework by browsing every nook and corner of the company’s website, as this is the most authentic source of information to answer questions like these. Talk to the people currently working for the company for specific information, if you know someone personally.

7 Why should we hire you?

This must be dealt with a sense of biparty need. Speak in a balanced tone to send the interviewer a message that you need the job as much as the company needs you. Never compare yourself with other participants.

8 Do you consider yourself successful?

Invariably say yes. Success does not mean getting control over the whole world. Discuss all your major achievements till that point in time.

9 Why have you been unemployed for such a long time?

Cover up with productive activities that you have been doing. From attending any course or improving your knowledge by any means such as freelancing or working for non for profit organisations.

10 What do co-workers say about you?

Just come out with the regular compliments you once received from your colleagues and take care that you do not exaggerate.

11 How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Don’t be too specific here. Answers like “as long as both the parties feel satisfactory” sound good.

12 Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Try to convince the interviewer that you are the appropriate person for the job. Never express any sort of doubt about your credentials by speaking a bit uncertain. Assure them that you are the right person.

13 Describe your management style?

It is very important that you make the listener understand the point that you lay a lot of emphasis on the communication of any sorts with subordinates and colleagues. Talk about the way you guide those you manage and share with them as much as possible to make them comfortable with what you do.

14 Are you a team player?

Once again a firm yes is necessary for this! Exemplify with various scenarios that you have succeeded in when meeting project deadlines as a team.

15 What is your philosophy towards work?

No adjectives for these sorts of questions. Just speak about the basic values you have adopted at your previous workplaces in a few words. And the energies you can bring to teams.

16 What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?

 Be impartial and create a sense of feeling that you are flexible and don’t mind whether you have to follow or lead.

17 What irritates you about co-workers?

Any feeling is from a perception. So tell the panel that you can get along with any kind of co-workers by adjusting with them all the time and by dealing with things softly.

18 Why do you think you would do well at this job?

Highlight your skill sets and your experience from previous work-places.

19 What is more important to you: the money or the work?

Tell them that both are equally important to you. Don’t sound too generous one way or the other. Tell them that you look for job satisfaction too.

20 What would you previous supervisor say your strongest point is?

Specific situational things that happened at your previous workplace need to be mentioned. Don’t just blabber out adjectives. If you have letters of recommendation or praise, show it to the panel for their reference.

21 Tell me about your ability to work under pressure?

Answer such tricky questions carefully. Just explain the situations in which you thrive when under pressure. Present as if pressure within limits brings the best out of you.

22 How do you propose to compensate for your lack of experience?

Highlight your skill sets and any achievements you achieved that have helped create a sense of confidence. Mention some similar roles you have taken up during schooling or during degree projects.

23 What motivates you to do your best on the job?

Dumb answers like “the salary” will just wipe off your chances. Quote some positive things like work environment, discipline, and integrity.

24 When will you feel successful in this job?

You may answer “When I qualitatively and quantitatively meet the targets set and go beyond that level”.

25 Are you willing to put the interests of the organisation ahead of your own?

A simple yes! This is a test of how far you will integrate with the company and take things seriously to meet the organization’s needs.

26 What qualities do you look for in a boss?

Never say specific things or take descriptions to the minute details. Mind that this is not a poetry competition. Just say some good things like “competent, fair and encouraging”.

27 How do you see yourself five years from now?

Say something relevant to the objective line in the resume and speak as if you are a person with vision.

28 What have you learned from your previous mistakes?

Don’t just disclose blunders at previous workplaces. Reveal some of the considerable mistakes and speak much about the lessons learned.

29 If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?

Mix out ten job description along with your skill set, but be relevant and give out justifiable answers.

30 What are your expectations from this job/company?

Speak as if you are inducted into the company. Speak about enjoying a bit of freedom rather than being restricted to carry out small duties. Clarity in the tasks assigned may also be tagged under the expectations.

31 Do you have any questions for me?

Make a list of your questions as part of the homework. Be clear in understanding the responses, which establishes that you are very clear in your thought and action.

32 Why do you think you can succeed in this job?

Spot out the similarities between the job requirement and the skill sets you possess with a rightful explanation.

33 What do you think of the last company you worked for?

Showcase it as a great platform for your growth. Avoid any sort of negative and never go into the details of the work as it is confidential.

34 How do you handle criticism?

Speak out as if criticism is the best way to improve. Say that you never take criticism personally and understand the intentions for the harsh treatments. Narrate any situations in which you rose to the next level when you were subject to criticism.

35 What are your activities and interests outside of work?

Describe how you enjoy your free time and list out your hobbies. Try to relate your hobbies to activities that help you to gain skills.