If you’re looking for a place to work, you understand how challenging the world of job hunting is. And once you’re able to land an interview, you face a new challenge: questions that sometimes seem confusing or not entirely relevant. How can you navigate the strange world of interview questions?
You’ll hear plenty of questions at job interviews. Do you know how to best answer them while still being honest? Take a look at several common questions and suggested answers here. #VoiceLink #VoiceLinkCommunications Share on X
Job Interview Questions
A job interview is a two-way street. While the employer is asking you questions, you can decide based on their questions and information about the position if this is a good fit for you. It’s also very common to hear similar questions across multiple industries for multiple different positions, so it’s usually pretty straightforward to prepare for an interview. Some of the most common questions you’ll hear include:
- What’s your dream job?
- Why did you leave your old job?
- How do you handle disagreements with your boss?
- What is your greatest strength/weakness?
- What do you know about the company?
- Why should I hire you?
- Are you planning to have children?
1) What’s Your Dream Job?
An employer asking you this wants to know more about your future career goals and what your ultimate perfect fit will be at the end of your job search. They’d like to learn about how you can apply what you get from their company to your career paths.
2) Why Did You Leave Your Old Job?
This question is never easy for anyone to answer, but you have to be honest and have an answer at some point. Let the interviewer know what didn’t work well for you at your old job and how you’ll be a much better fit for a different environment with more to offer–the job you’re interviewing for. If you were let go, just be open about it.
3) How Do You Handle Disagreements with Your Boss?
This question may seem intimidating, but the interviewer wants to know what your problem-solving skills are when it comes to management and coworkers. A behavioral interview question like this is more focused on how you respond to scenarios such as disagreements with your employer.
Pro Tip: Confidence is key to the interviewing process! Answer each question with confidence to let the employer know you’re knowledgeable on what you say.
4) What is Your Greatest Strength/Weakness?
It’s important to know your greatest strengths and how you can apply them to the job you’re interviewing for. The hiring manager will want to know that you know what your strong suits are. On the other hand, it’s good to know your greatest weaknesses so that you’re aware of how to improve on those issues.
5) What Do You Know About the Company?
Assuming you research the company beforehand, this question presents a good chance for you to let the employer know what interests you about the company. Don’t recite the about page of their website, but explain the culture or the benefits of the company that you admire and would see yourself a good fit for.
6) Why Should I Hire You?
Consider the job description that you read when you applied for the position, and how your skills qualify you for the job. Use this question to sell yourself as a problem solver and hard worker for the company you work for. Let the interviewer know that you possess the skills they’re looking for in a dedicated employee.
7) Are You Planning on Having Children?
It’s important to note that questions like this are ILLEGAL. An employer cannot ask you questions about your family life, gender, or religion during the interview process. The interview must be strictly about yourself as a professional, no personal questions. If a question like this does come up, by mistake maybe, simply redirect your answer back to something work-related.
Navigating the Interview Process
Job hunting can feel like a career on its own at times. But going into an interview prepared and ready can increase your odds of landing your new dream job. It just depends on how much time you’ve spent preparing for the interview. Good luck with your job hunt!
Join the conversation to learn more about successfully nailing an interview to launch your career.