It can be challenging to make sure you’re selling yourself to the best of your ability in an interview. Most of the time, when recruiters are asking generic interview questions, they’re looking for you to answer them very specifically. Before any interview, you should thoroughly research the company and make sure you understand the role. Pick apart the job description so that you can answer questions in a way that highlights how you will succeed in the role. Read over the best ways to answer 5 of the most common interview questions:
“Tell me about yourself.”
Use this question to talk about what motivates you, the relevant qualities that you bring to the table, and why you would be a good fit for the position. DON’T just reiterate what’s on your resume, such as your education, experience, and involvements. They already know who you are on paper; this is the time to give them more insight on who you are in terms of your motivation and skill set. Make sure you study the job description thoroughly beforehand so that you can align your skills with the qualities they’re looking for.
“What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?”
When you’re talking about your strengths, make sure these strengths are inspired by the job description so that you know they are relevant to the position. Also, make sure you have real evidence for these strengths; the recruiter may choose to ask you to talk about a time where you exhibited one of your strengths. As for weaknesses, choose a weakness that won’t affect your performance in the specific role (public speaking, impatience, giving constructive criticism). The most important part is that you acknowledge the steps you have taken to improve that weakness and how you have grown so far from it.
How to answer what your greatest weaknesses are (with examples.)
“What interests you about the role and our company?”
Here, you should show that you have done extensive research on the company and the role. In terms of company culture, you can talk about their values, or employee experiences if you have talked to recent employees there. You should also be referencing the responsibilities of the role and how you would add value to the company as an employee. Include some evidence within your past experience to further drive how much they would benefit from hiring you. They want to see that you care about the company and can prove to be an asset!
“Tell me about a time you have been a leader or demonstrated leadership skills.”
Almost any role you apply for will want to see that you have exhibited some leadership skills, even if it’s not necessarily for a leadership position. Prepare for the interview by having some great examples of you being a leader, whether that be in school, a team activity at work, or working in a leadership role. Make sure that these situations highlight essential leadership skills, such as active listening, communication, delegation, and trustworthiness.
“What questions do you have for me?”
Make sure you always have some questions for the recruiter; asking specific questions shows that you have done your research and that there is still more for you to know. On top of that, you also want to make sure that the job is fit for you, and asking questions will give you a more comprehensive idea of that. For inspiration on specific questions to ask the recruiter at the end of an interview, check out our blog: 5 Questions You Need to Ask Your Prospective Employer in an Interview
For more tips on all things job search and professional development, check out our Employee Tips or contact us at mglenny@franklinprofessionals.com
