Interview Tips

5.4.3 Interview FAQs

Take a look at some of the most frequently asked interview questions, and some helpful tips on how to answer them.

Q1. Can you tell me a little about yourself? Tips to answer:

• Don’t provide your full employment or personal history.

• Offer 2-3 specific experiences that you feel are most valuable and relevant.

• Conclude with how those experiences have made you perfect for this specific role.

Q2. How did you hear about the position? Tips to answer:

• Tell the interviewer how you heard about the job – whether it was through a friend (name the friend), event or article (name them) or a job portal (say which one).

• Explain what excites you about the position and what in particular caught your eye about this role.

Q3. What do you know about the company? Tips to answer:

• Don’t recite the company’s About Us page.

• Show that you understand and care about the company’s goals.

• Explain why you believe in the company’s mission and values.

Q4. Why do you want this job? Tips to answer:

• Show that you are passionate about the job.

• Identify why the role is a great fit for you.

• Explain why you love the company.

Q5. Why should we hire you? Tips to answer:

• Prove through your words that you can not only do the work, but can definitely deliver excellent results.

• Explain why you would be a great fit with the team and work culture.

• Explain why you should be chosen over any other candidate.

Q6. What are your greatest professional strengths? Tips to answer:

• Be honest – share some of your real strengths, rather than give answers that you think sound good.

• Offer examples of specific strengths that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

• Provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated these strengths.

Q7. What do you consider to be your weaknesses? Tips to answer:

• The purpose of this question is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty.

• Give an example of a trait that you struggle with, but that you’re working on to improve.

Q8. What are your salary requirements? Tips to answer: • Do your research beforehand and find out the typical salary range for the job you are applying for. • Figure out where you lie on the pay scale based on your experience, education, and skills. • Be flexible. Tell the interviewer that you know your skills are valuable, but that you want the job and are willing to negotiate. Q9. What do you like to do outside of work? Tips to answer: • The purpose of this question is to see if you will fit in with the company culture. • Be honest – open up and share activities and hobbies that interest and excite you. Q10. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be? Tips to answer: • The purpose of this question is to see if you are able to think on your feet. • There’s no wrong answer – but to make a great impression try to bring out your strengths or personality traits through your answer. Q11: What do you think we could do better or differently? Tips to answer: • The purpose of this question is to see if you have done your research on the company, and to test whether you can think critically and come up with new ideas. • Suggest new ideas. Show how your interests and expertise would help you execute these ideas. Q12: Do you have any questions for us? Tips to answer: • Do not ask questions to which the answers can be easily found on the company website or through a quick online search. • Ask intelligent questions that show your ability to think critically.