How To Respond To Interview Questions

Why Do You Want This Job

Can you admit that you primarily want this job because it will allow you to work from home? Not necessarily.

Employers like to hear why you want to work for themand mentioning something general that many other companies also offer wont help them understand what your admire about their company.

Flatter your boss-to-be by mentioning the companys solid reputation, its admirable diversity policies, and its excellent mentorship programs instead.

For example, Im really impressed with this companys reputation in the industry and I would love to help contribute to your mission.

Example Of An Email Response With Logistical Questions

Subject: Account Analyst Position, Miriam Swan

Dear Mr. Avery,

Thank you very much for the interview invitation for the Account Analyst position at Keen Associates. I look forward to my conversation with Hilda Roberts on November 8.

When you have a moment, please let me know if the interview will take place at your midtown office and also the scheduled time.

I am certain that my accounting experience makes me a suitable candidate for this role. If you require any further details from me before the interview, please let me know.

Best regards,

Why Did You Leave Your Old Job

Either a dreaded job interview question, a delicate one or one with a simple answer, youll almost definitely have to answer this common interview question. Whatever your situation, be sure to give things positive spin, but also be honest. Another important thing to remember is to not talk negatively about past jobs or employees.

If you were let go from your last job, theres no need to hide it or over-explain it. It happens most people were made redundant at some stage in their lives. You can say something as simple as unfortunately, I was let go. If your last company made a number of people redundant e.g. due to restructure or financial problems, mention that you dont want them to think you were the only employee who was let go, as it might make them think that it was due to low performance.

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What Makes You Unique

They genuinely want to know the answer, Dea promises. Give them a reason to pick you over other similar candidates. The key is to keep your answer relevant to the role youre applying to. So the fact that you can run a six-minute mile or crush a trivia challenge might not help you get the job . Use this opportunity to tell them something that would give you an edge over your competition for this position. To figure out what that is, you can ask some former colleagues, think back to patterns youve seen in feedback you get, or try to distill why people tend to turn to you. Focus on one or two things and dont forget to back up whatever you say with evidence.

Is There Anything Else Youd Like Us To Know

Just when you thought you were done, your interviewer asks you this open-ended doozy. Dont panicits not a trick question! You can use this as an opportunity to close out the meeting on a high note in one of two ways, Zhang says. First, if there really is something relevant that you havent had a chance to mention, do it now. Otherwise, you can briefly summarize your qualifications. For example, Zhang says, you could say: I think weve covered most of it, but just to summarize, it sounds like youre looking for someone who can really hit the ground running. And with my previous experience , I think Id be a great fit.

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How To Answer Ten Common Interview Questions

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Almost every job-seeker has found themselves stumbling over one of the standard job interview questions at some point. That’s okay! We stumble over common interview questions because we haven’t had the chance to think through our answers in advance.

You don’t have to memorize your answers to common interview questions like the ten listed below.

Watch on Forbes:

The specific words you choose to answer the question aren’t important. What’s important is your mindset.

What’s the most healthy, appropriate and effective mindset for any job interview? It’s this: the mindset that you’re happy to be in the interview conversation but you aren’t desperate to get the job.

You are confident, instead confident that if this is the right job for you, you will know it and the interviewer will know it, too.

You have no one to please or impress at a job interview. They are checking you out, and you are checking them out too! If they don’t like your brand of jazz, they can hire someone else. You don’t have to contort yourself into pretzel shapes to try to make them like you.

As you read through these questions and sample answers, picture yourself sitting in the interview room feeling strong and contented with yourself. Keep in mind that the right manager for you will see your talents and intelligence right away.

If they can’t see those things on their own, do you really want to talk them into hiring you?

Sample Answers For The Ten Most Common Interview Questions

End of Script

How Do You Work Under Pressure

Many jobs involve moments when, for varied reasons, there are unexpected situations that require swift action. The ability to stay calm, think logically and act correctly in such a scenario is a major asset.

This is another good instance of when to use the STAR method to talk about a specific time you were faced with a challenge, might have succumbed to stress but managed to calmly find a solution.

Example answer:Throughout my career, Ive discovered how to embrace working under pressure. I find that routine can make us complacent, so I try to look for challenges that push me to grow.

One time, I was supposed to deliver a project to a client in five days. A colleague who was working with another client had the same deadline, but he had to take a leave of absence due to personal reasons. I was forced to take up both projects at the same time. While I felt an initial sense of panic, I tried to reframe it as an opportunity to see what I might be capable of. Instead of letting the stress get to me, I came up with a very detailed time management plan and found new ways to boost my efficiency that enabled me to deliver both projects on time.

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What Are You Looking For In A Job Example Answers

Alright, at this point, you probably have a good idea about how to answer the interview question, What are you looking for in a job? But that doesnt mean seeing the tips in action isnt useful.

With that in mind, here are three example answers, with each one focused on a different situation.

1. Entry-Level Individual Contributor

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

As a recent Computer Science college graduate, what Im mainly looking for in my next job is a chance to apply my skills in a fast-paced work environment. While Im experienced with C++, Java, JavaScript, and Python, the chance to sharpen my programming capabilities and coordinate with a highly skilled team is a perfect fit for my goals.

Thats why I found this position so enticing. Along with having an opportunity to contribute to high-value projects, Ill be working with talented colleagues in a team-focused culture. Plus, its my understanding that your company priorities internal training and work-life balance, making it an exceptional fit overall.

2. Moving into Management

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

3. From Manager to Company Leader

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

What Are Your Career Aspirations

The question is similar to “What is your dream job?” but recruiters require a more realistic answer here. It would be best to discuss what makes you happy in your job.

Your answer may revolve around a particular company, position, or hobby. But the main task is to tie your response to this specific post.

Perhaps there are skills that you want to develop. Focus your answer on those that this particular company will help you with. For example: “I have always been interested in new trends in game development. I am interested in learning and putting it into practice . And I think your company is perfect for this.”

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What Is Your Desired Work Location

Of course, if youre looking for a flexible job, your desired work location might be your home office. But some flexible jobs might require you to come into the workplace on occasion or even travel.

While you can say that youre flexible when it comes to your desired work location, you can also add you would be amenable to working remotely, too. Try saying this: Im open and flexible to the location of this role, and Im definitely interested in working remotely if the job allows it.

Tips To Prepare For Situational Interview Questions

Here are some ways on how to prepare for hypothetical interview questions:

• Prepare in advance. Read through sample questions on the internet and try to prepare answers for the questions, especially those that are related to your industry. Read through the job requirements, so you might get some clues as to what the hiring manager would ask.

• Practise. You can talk to yourself in front of the mirror to try managing your tone and facial expression. If you’re able to get hold of a friend or family member to listen to your answers, they may be able to give you feedback and their opinions.

• Use the STAR method. Answer the situational questions using the STAR method, and think about how your answer can benefit the company.

• Focus your preparation. Prepare for technical situational interview questions depending on the position you are applying for and the industry you are in.

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Could You Please Tell Us A Little Bit About Yourself

This is not exactly a job interview question, but a typical interview opener especially when the job interview is being conducted by an inexperienced or unskilled interviewer. Logically, a good interviewee would think of asking the interviewer to confirm exactly what information they want answered, but there is a better way to answer this question professionally and succinctly.

The key point is to not repeat everything youve stated in your resume. Recruiters will have read your resume prior to asking you this interview question, therefore you dont need to recite it. However, you should make reference to impressive achievements or relevant work experience when touching down on your professional background.

I suggest you learn to answer this question with a three part, pre-planned marketing statement that can more or less be reused from interview to interview. Start with a brief summary of your career history I am a Marketing Manager with 10 years of experience working for global software companies in the UK and abroad.

Then, talk them through briefly how your career developed but dont just repeat what they can see on your resume. Talk to the interviewer more in terms of what youve learnt or achieved. Mention a recent accomplishment that you are proud of that will also capture the potential employers attention . You really want to focus on what makes you exceptional and how your skills and experience match the requirements of the job.

Accept Or Propose An Interview Time

After you have thanked the sender, you should either confirm the company’s proposed interview time and date or propose one that works better for your schedule. If you do need to propose an alternative time, be sure to explain why their proposed schedule will not work for you. In that instance, it is usually better to offer a range of dates and times when you are available, so that the hiring manager can choose one that aligns with their schedule.

Some companies will otherwise send you to a link for a Calendy or similar service. You should still reply to the email after filling out the link, though–it continues the conversation and ensures your responses are not overlooked.

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How Did You Find Out About The Job

This is a simple question that can be answered in a short sentence, although you can also use it to get your foot in your door by stating that you keep up to date with company activity or that youve had your eye on a position in the IT Department for a long time etc.

If youve been genuinely following the company for a while, you might want to mention here what specific activities of the company really appeal to you or if youve spoken to some employees of the company and heard great things about working for them, you can comment on that here, too.

Example Of An Email Response For A Skype Interview Request

Subject: Account Executive Position, Abe Sawyer

Dear Ms. McDougal,

I am very excited about being invited to interview for the Account Executive position at Fargo Marketing. Thank you very much for this opportunity. I look forward to our virtual Skype meeting on March 30, per your interview request.

Would it be possible to confirm the interview time when you have a moment? I can be available to meet virtually with you anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

With my academic and professional background, I believe that I am a good candidate for this role. I look forward to sharing my approach to marketing innovation with you on Tuesday. Please let me know if you need any further details from me.

Best regards,

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What Are Your Weaknesses

“What are your weaknesses” is one of the most popular questions interviewers ask. It is also the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: “I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful.”

Questions About Background And Experience

The interviewer is also likely to ask questions related to your technical background and professional experience. Use these sample questions to prepare for what you might discuss during your interview:

• What’s your favourite feature of ReactJS?

• With what feature do you have the most experience?

• How long have you been working with ReactJS?

• What are your strongest points in ReactJS?

• How do you stay up to date on current trends?

• Tell me about a recent project you completed. What made it successful?

• Explain a time a ReactJS project didn’t turn out the way you planned. What did you do?

• In which coding languages are you proficient?

• What do you feel are the advantages of using ReactJS libraries?

• Do you have any certifications in ReactJS?

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Questions About Your Age

There are instances where an employer may need to determine an applicant’s age. The interviewer can ask a young interviewee if he has appropriate working papers. If the job requires that an applicant is of minimum legal age for the position , the interviewer can ask as a pre-requisite to employment that proof of age be furnished. If the company has a regular retirement age, they are permitted to ask if the applicant is below that age. However, an interviewer can’t ask your age directly:

• How old are you?
• What is your date of birth?

If faced with these questions you can choose not to answer, or answer with the truthful, if vague, “My age is not an issue for my performance in this job.”

How Should You Reply

Now that you understand the why and the when of the reply process, it is time to look at how you should structure the email. The following guide examines each of the important sections of any successful reply email. We have also provided an example of this type of email reply immediately after these tips.

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Email Sample : Responding To Accept A Video Interview Request

Hello NAME,

Thanks so much for getting back to me. Id love to have a video interview and learn more about the position and what youre looking for.

Do you mind telling me which video platform well be using, just so I can prepare?

Here is my availability for a video interview this week:

• Tuesday Wednesday, 11:00 am 5:00 pm Eastern Time
• Thursday Friday 8:00 am 3:00 pm Eastern Time

If none of these times work, please let me know and Ill be happy to come up with some other options, too. I look forward to speaking with you.

Best regards, Your Name

Question : If You Were An Animal Which One Would You Be

This is a fun question designed to draw out your personality. So, approach it with good humor. Also, use it to your advantage! Pick one of your top strengths one that’s particularly important for the job and think of an animal that exemplifies it.

Perhaps you’d be a meerkat, because you’re great at working in teams or a camel, because of your reputation for stamina during long projects. Mention a few possibilities, to demonstrate your extensive range of valuable attributes.

Tip:

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What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment

Its easy to get hung up on figuring out your single most impressive accomplishment. Instead, think of a few achievements that showcase your work ethic and values. If you can, pick examples that also tie back to the job youre applying for. The STAR method is a great tool to ensure you highlight the parts of your story that employers want to hear.

Example answer:In my last role, I managed all social media content. I noticed other brands were experimenting with videos and seeing great engagement from their customers, so I asked my boss if we could do a low-budget test. She agreed, so I produced a video cheaply in-house that drove double the engagement we normally saw on our social channels. It also drove conversions with 30% of viewers visiting our website within a week of seeing the video.

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