Hot Tip: How To Answer The 7 Most Common Interview Questions

How To Answer The 7 Most Common Interview Questions

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Hot Tip: Interview is the last hurdle for job seekers and this will determine whether one gets a job or not. In this phase, all job seekers should be very careful about how they answer the questions asked and how they present themselves in front of the interviewers.

This Is How You Answer The 7 Most Common Interview Questions

1. Tell us about Yourself/How would you describe Yourself 

Real Meaning of the question: Tell Me Why You are the right fit for this Job

  • Answer questions without giving too much, or too little, personal information.
  • Start by sharing some of your past work experience, that is related to the job at hand (briefly), move on to talk about your present work experience, also related to the job, then move on to your future prospected experience, again related to the job. For Example:  in an interview for an H.R Officer, the following may go on “I have always loved working in Human Resources, I was payroll officer for 5 years and recently I have worked as an Assistant Human Resources Officer where I have excelled and gained new skills. And now I’m looking to expand my experience across different aspects of Human Resources and I am confident this organisation is the right place to do so.

2. What salary are you seeking?

Real Meaning of the question:  Are you reasonable and can we afford you?

  • This is a question that requires research first. When you are asked, “What salary are you seeking?” it is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first, but commonly they don’t give a range and will insist you cough up a figure.
  • Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point.
  • The default answer would possibly be: “I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount”, if they insist on you saying the exact amount, then give the going rate (that has been well researched).”

3. What are your weaknesses?

Real Meaning of the question: We would want to know if you are smart enough to handle tricky situations.

  • Handle it by minimizing your weaknesses and maximizing your strengths.
  • Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: For Example  “I am a Principled and Firm person, when it comes to standards I am rigid and to some people, I may come out as hard and difficult.”

4. Why should we hire you?

Real Meaning of the question: Convince us as to why we should take you

  • You should have an  ‘idea’ of what the organisation requires, then answer the question by applying your experience, skills and knowledge to the job and ideals of the organisation: For Example If one is having an interview with an organisation that focuses on Saving Money, one could go on like: “With five years’ experience working in the financial industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your organisation. I’m confident I would be a great addition to your team.”

5. What can you do for us that other candidates can’t

Real Meaning of the question: What makes you Unique and Special

  • Emphasize what makes you different when you’re asked, “What can you do for us that other candidates can’t?”.
  • This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits.
  • Summarize concisely and always match this to what the organisation said they were looking for: “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships.
  • This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly.” Make it as unique and original as you can make it.

6. What are your goals for the future?

Real Meaning of the question: Are you going to grow with us or we are a means to an end for you

  • This question is designed to find out if you’re going to stick around or move on as soon as you find a better opportunity
  • Keep your answer focused on the job and the organisation, and reiterate to the interviewer that the position aligns with your long-term goal, e.g  ” I love stability, it gives me peace of mind
  • My future goal is to eventually become a Human Resources Manager after I’ve proven my competencies in customer service and team leadership.”

7. What do you know about the company?

Real Meaning of the question: Have you done your research before you came here

  • Name specific facts you found while researching the company that demonstrate you understand their business and got to know their organization before applying.

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