Job interviews can be daunting to any prospective employee, regardless of how confident they may appear on the outside. Preparing for an interview is key to earning your desired role, and it is important to be as prepared as possible. This article is designed to provide guidance on how to prepare for a job interview, with a focus on 2020. We will discuss the 10 most common job interview questions, five good interview tips, how to prepare for a job interview, and the things you should not say in an interview.
What Are The 10 Most Common Interview Questions And Answers?
Below are the ten most common job interview questions, along with appropriate answers to each one.
- Why should we hire you?
“I believe that I have the skills and experience necessary to be an asset to your organisation. Additionally, I am a fast learner and I have a willingness to move out of my comfort zone. I am confident that I will make a positive contribution to your team.”
- What is your greatest strength?
“I’m a very efficient worker, who is highly organized and good at multitasking. I have a great ability to stay on task and maintain a focus on the goals that I set for myself.”
- What is your biggest weakness?
“I sometimes struggle to be assertive in difficult conversations. I am constantly trying to work on my communication skills and I actively pursue opportunities to practice and improve.”
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“I see myself in a position that allows me to use my strengths and experience while also giving me room to grow. In five years, I hope to have really settled into a role and be able to take on additional responsibility and use my skills to make a positive impact.”
- What are your salary expectations?
“I am sure we can come to a fair agreement that meets everyone’s needs. I am open to discussing this in further detail during the interview process.”
- What motivates you?
“I am motivated by the desire to exceed expectations and continuously better myself. I am driven by the belief that hard work and dedication will be rewarded in the end.”
- Tell me about a time you failed?
“I once worked on a project with a tight deadline that I thought I could finish in time. Unfortunately, I was unable to meet the deadline and had to admit defeat. I learned my lesson and now I always challenge myself to set realistic deadlines to avoid any additional stress.”
- Describe a situation where you had to problem solve?
“I had to work with a team to come up with a solution to a problem that required creativity and quick thinking. After a lot of brainstorming, we came up with a solution that was implemented and successful.”
- Tell us about a difficult decision you had to make?
“I recently had to make a difficult decision regarding a colleague. After a lot of deliberation, I decided that it was the best thing to do for the team and we were able to move forward with a positive outcome.”
- Explain a conflict you have had with a coworker?
“I used to work with someone who I had a difficult relationship with. We disagreed on a lot of things, but I was able to remain professional and we were able to resolve our differences and move forward in a positive way.”
What Are 5 Good Interview Tips?
When it comes to preparing for a job interview, there are a few simple tips that you can follow to make sure you make the best impression possible.
- Dress for success. It is important to dress in a professional and appropriate way for the role you are applying for. This will indicate to your interviewer that you are taking the position seriously and that you understand the need for a professional appearance in the workplace.
- Practice. Rehearse and practice your answers to common interview questions. This will make sure that you are prepared and have a good understanding of what you will say during the interview.
- Do your research. Make sure you have done your research on the company and role you are applying for. This will help you demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a good understanding of the company and that you are genuinely interested in the role.
- Be positive. During an interview it is important to remain positive and remain focused on the task at hand. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and make sure your energy is positive and upbeat.
- Stay focused. Stay focused on why you are the best candidate for the role. Do not get sidetracked by irrelevant questions and focus on conveying to the interviewer that you are the best match for the position.
How Do I Prepare Myself For a Job Interview?
Preparing for a job interview is essential to make sure that you are as prepared as possible. Below are seven key tips to help you prepare for an interview.
- Create a portfolio. You should create a portfolio of your work history and qualifications that you can refer to during the interview. This will help you keep track of what you have achieved and will also show the recruiter that you are organised and prepared.
- Practice. You should practice and rehearse your answers to the most common interview questions. This will ensure that you are well-prepared and can confidently answer questions during the interview.
- Research the company. Before attending an interview, make sure you have conducted research on the company and the role you are applying for. This will help you demonstrate to the interviewer that you understand the position and are genuinely interested in the role.
- Plan your journey. Make sure that you plan your journey to the interview in advance. This will help make sure that you are not late and can arrive on time and with a clear head.
- Prepare your questions. Prepare interesting questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the company. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are engaged and enthusiastic about the role.
- Be positive. Remind yourself of the reasons why you are perfect for the role and ensure that you remain positive and upbeat throughout the interview.
- Be yourself.Make sure that you are honest and genuine during the interview. This will help make sure that you present yourself and your qualities in the best light.
What You Should Not Say In An Interview?
It is important to be mindful of the things you say in an interview, as anything you say can be used to judge you as a potential employee. Below are some examples of things that you should not say in an interview.
- Negative comments about yourself or your past employers. It is important to remain positive and professional and ensure that you do not make any negative comments about yourself or any past employers.
“I felt like my old boss was very unorganised and I struggled to work with them.”
- Unnecessary information. Stick to answering the questions and do not add any unnecessary details that do not relate to the role you are applying for.
“I once drove through the night to get to an appointment on time.”
- Talking about salary. Even if the interviewers ask you about your expected salary, do not get into specifics. Instead, you should simply state that you are open to further discussing the issues at a later stage of the interview process.
“I’m expecting an annual salary of $50,000.”
- Lies. Always be honest in an interview and make sure not to exaggerate any facts or tell any lies. Stick to the truth and make sure that your answers match the qualifications and experience you have stated on your CV.
“I have been working as a web designer for 3 years.”
- Badmouthing previous or current colleagues. No matter how much you disliked a past job or team, do not badmouth them in an interview. Remain professional and think before you speak.
“My last team were absolutely terrible to work with.”
Preparing for a job interview does not have to be a daunting process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make sure that you are prepared and give yourself the best chance of being successful.