What Are The Reasons For Which You Want To Work Here
Answer: To answer this question it is advised to keep in mind the various strengths of the employer. This can be gained through careful research about the particular company. Then the opportunities that are given in the career should be described. Following this, you should highlight how the employers contribution has taken the company to a great height. The ending should include why the other candidates are interested in the company as well instead of applying to other companies.
Common Interview Questions And Answers
Interview questions help recruiters assess a candidate’s suitability for a role. Answering questions is also an opportunity for the job seeker to share career highlights and address weaknesses. In this article, we will look at ways to prepare for interview questions and sample answers you can provide.
Are You Interviewing With Other Companies
You might be asked to explain where you are in the hiring process with other companies in a phone interview. This can be helpful for recruiters to understand how quickly they should move you through the process. If you are already interviewing for other positions, for example, you might be a higher-risk candidate than those simply in the searching phase. To answer this question, be honest about your current situation but dont feel the need to go into detail.
Example answer:While I feel this role is the better fit for what Im looking for, I am in discussions with three other employers.
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Why Have You Switched Jobs So Many Times
If youve switched jobs in a very short period of time , the interviewer is bound to ask about it.
After all, job-hopping is one of the biggest red flags for HR managers.
True, you might have had a reasonable cause. Maybe the second company you got hired in just wasnt a good culture fit for you.
Well, youll have to communicate that.
Companies tend to be skeptical because of the following reasons
- You might be a job hopper. Some people tend to switch jobs the moment they get a better salary offer.
- You might be unqualified for the job and you quit because you couldnt deliver.
- You get bored easily and your solution to that is quitting.
So, your job here is to convince the interviewer that you dont belong to any of those 3 categories.
You need to make them realize that you will not jump ship a few months after getting hired just because some recruiter PMd you on LinkedIn with a better offer.
The best way to answer this question is to explain the reason you switched jobs. It could be one of the following:
- The company culture wasnt a good fit. This happens to the best of us – sometimes, the company just isnt the right one.
- The job description was misleading and you ended up doing something you either didnt enjoy, or were not qualified for.
- You learned that you simply didnt enjoy the job, and are not willing to try out something different. While this isnt the best potential answer, its honest and chances are, the HR manager will understand.
Possible answers:
Why Are You Interested In This Position
Interviewers typically want to be sure that you applied for this job because youre genuinely interested in it. Avoid voicing concerns about your current position or companynegative comments about your employer are often interpreted as unprofessional. A good answer will positively frame your transition and communicate your desire to grow in the role youre interviewing for.
Research the role and company ahead of time to understand how it relates to your background. Ask yourself questions such as, How will this position help me advance in my career?, How does the position align with my future goals? and What makes me a good fit for this company or role?
Example answer:While I highly valued my time at my previous company, there are no longer opportunities for growth that align with my career goals. This position fits perfectly with my skill set and how Im looking to grow in my career. Im also looking for a position at a company like yours that supports underserved communities, which is a personal passion of mine.
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Why Are You Leaving Your Job
Makeameme – Sayingimages
This is another one of those behavioral interview questions.
The specific reasons for your leaving are often less important to the interviewer than how you conduct yourself when discussing it.
The interviewer is often looking to see if you speak ill of your former employer and/or left on good terms.
How to Answer:
When asked about why you are moving on, state your reason in a positive manner rather than being directly critical or accusatory.
Focus on what you’ll get out of the change in employment. If you are currently employed, you can explain that your career goals dont line up with the company’s direction, and if you were recently let go, give them a brief overview about why, without ever bashing your previous employer.
Example Answers:
“My current employers vision has changed over the past few years and no longer lines up with mine.
After 4 years with the organization, Ive made the decision to look for a company where I can utilize my skills and share similar values…”
Why Did You Decide To Apply To This Role
This question aims to evaluate the candidates interest in the role. Are they really motivated to get hired for this specific job or do they just mass-apply to every job ad under the sun? Candidates should show that this application was a conscious decision on their part.
Sample answer:
I have been following your companys successes for some time now and I know you have a great software development team. I was thinking that this would be the best environment for me to apply the skills I acquired during my internship and Masters degree. So, I checked your careers page regularly and when I saw this job ad, I thought it was finally time to try my hand. I have experience in web development and Im really interested in the projects youre mentioning in the job ad in fact, one of them was the subject of my thesis. I really think Im a good fit for the job and can grow even more in your workplace.
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What Did You Like Least About Your Last Position
This question can tell employers about types of work you enjoy, your experience level with certain workplace scenarios and whether or not you would be a good culture add. Avoid saying anything negative about your former employer, managers or colleagues. Dont mention any aspects of your last role that youre aware would be part of this role. Make your answer about your career growth and enthusiasm for joining their organization.
Example answer:While I enjoyed my time learning and growing in my last job, there was a lack of opportunity in the way I wanted to progress in my career. I deeply enjoy being challenged and getting better at what I do, which I understand is a top priority for managers at your organization. Thats why Im excited to continue having conversations about this opportunity.
Read more: Interview Question: “What Did You Like Least About Your Last Job?”
How Do You Define Success
Employers ask this to help them understand how your definition of success influences your goals and how you measure them. A good answer will show that you know how to define and measure goals and youre willing to challenge yourself and work hard to meet them.
Consider your proudest achievements, your long and short-term successes and how the company youre interviewing with views success. Give specific examples of how youve succeeded in the past.
Example answer:I define success as fulfilling my role in my team and in the company. I work toward completing my individual duties as effectively as possible, balancing that with professional growth and contributing to larger organizational goals. In my previous role, success meant exceeding weekly metrics, implementing processes that supported the companys KPIs and meeting quarterly professional development goals.
Read more: Interview Question: “How Do You Define Success?”
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What Interview Questions Are Illegal
Off-limits interview questions center on unchangeable or highly personal aspects of a candidates identity.
Illegal interview questions include those pertaining to:
- Sex, Gender Identity, or Sexual Orientation
- Race, Color, or National Origin
- Religion
- Citizenship
If a candidate brings these topics up, then it is advisable to steer the conversation onto other subjects. A candidate may inquire about reasonable accommodations and the inclusivity of your work culture, at which point it may be pertinent to outline your organizations benefits, diversity efforts, and willingness to support underrepresented employees. However, as a rule, you should never pose questions related to these topics, and should defer these discussions if the candidate initiates them.
The legality of asking about criminal background during interviews is more complex. In most places, it is not illegal to ask candidates about criminal records, but employers may not deny applicants based solely on conviction history without conducting an individualized assessment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission warns against placing conviction questions on job application forms. Most employers wait to ask about criminal conviction until the late stages of the interview process.
At Times You Will Be Asked To Do Many Things At Once How Do You Prioritise Your Tasks
Why employers ask this: This question aims to reveal your time management and decision-making skills, Shepard says. Employers want to understand how you prioritise things and the way you engage with people during that process.
How to respond well: Be prepared to give an example of how you prioritised things in a previous role, Shepard says. Can you talk about how you schedule your day to ensure the most important things get done? Or a time where you were able to handle an urgent priority by reorganising other tasks? Its also worth considering how you communicate with others about deadlines or how you keep track of your workload via to-do lists or other organisational tools.
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What Is Your Preferred Style Of Management
This question reveals whether the candidate would be a suitable fit for your company and the style of management you have in place. If their answer conflicts with your corporate setup, ask them how they plan to adjust to a different type of management.
Red flags: The candidate does not know, would prefer not to be managed, or their answer conflicts with your management style.
Finally Learn Next Steps Before You Leave
- What are the next steps in the interview process?
- Is there anything else I can give you that would be helpful in making a decision?
- Can I answer any final questions for you?
Want to practice your interview skills? Contact your schools career center and ask if you can schedule a mock interview.
Log into Handshake now to start looking for full time jobs!
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Can You Tell Me About A Time You Went Above And Beyond What Was Expected Of You At Work
This question invites candidates to tell a story about their former position and the role they played. Every candidate should be able to give an account of how they performed additional duties that were not expected of them. Depending on their answer, you can gauge how far they will be willing to go to get results.
Red flags: The candidate cannot think of anything or their answer is uninspiring.
Describe A Difficult Work Situation And What You Did To Overcome It
This is one of those pesky behavioral interview questions and is one of the most common. You need to have a success story ready to go for this. Relate a story where you dealt with a problem successfully. The key here is to pick a success story that shows you exhibiting the qualities/skills required at the job and company you are interviewing for.
- Pick an example that shows you tackling a problem that could arise at the new company youre interviewing for. This shows your value.
- Be specific and fairly concise.
- Use the S.T.A.R. Method
DONT:
- Dont bash anyone in your success story.
- Dont ramble.
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How Would You Rate Me As An Interviewer
This is another stress question that is designed to put the candidate on the spot. Obviously, the candidate will not want to insult the interviewer, but the question demands an answer. Ideally, the candidate should provide an answer with a reason for their decision. Even a negative answer could provide good results and highlight things you may not have thought of.
Red flag: The candidate does not provide a reason for their decision.
Question: Why Should We Hire You
This is clearly a differentiation question. What you want to tell them is: theyd be crazy not to they hire you.
Focus on them: You need to only share how you meet almost all the criteria they seek, and also have two to three additional abilities that they might not even know they needyet. They need to know you are a candidate who can not only meet their needs now, but will also be valuable for where they want to go in the future.
- Are they likely to need another skill set as they grow as a company?
- Or maybe you have skills that you noticed are in another job description they are looking to fill?
You can help out with those deliverables until they find someone .
Have you been down a path already that they are currently starting? Having lessons learned to offer them is a very strong plus for a job candidate.
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If You Were An Animal Which One Would You Want To Be
Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet. Theres no wrong answer here, but youll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say
How Do You Handle Conflict At Work
Employers ask this question to gauge how you interact with various stakeholders or colleagues of differing opinions. Often, being the right person for the job involves more than just hard skills, hiring managers also value candidates who can collaborate with others and approach conflict in a productive way.
A good answer will discuss a time you encountered a conflict with a colleague, client or manager and maintained the patience to resolve it. Its important to relay what you learnedhow you grew personally and professionallyas a result of the experience. Use the STAR method to construct your response.
Example answer:I was working as a project manager on an IT project, and one technician was constantly late finishing tasks. When I approached him about it, he reacted defensively. I kept calm and acknowledged that the deadlines were challenging and asked how I could assist him in improving his performance.
He calmed down and told me that he was involved in another project where he had to do tasks that were not in his job description. After a meeting with the other project manager, we came to a resolution that alleviated the technicians workload. For the remainder of the project, the technician delivered great work.
I learned that you dont always know what others are experiencing and by keeping that in mind, I can better navigate conflict and be a more helpful and supportive colleague.
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Why Are You Leaving Or Have Left Your Job
What They Want to Know: There are many different reasons for leaving a job. You could be moving on because you want more opportunities for growth, you may be looking for a salary increase, perhaps you’re relocating, or you have another reason you’re leaving your job. Be consistent in your answer when meeting with representatives of a prospective employer, because they may compare notes.
Our business was sold and, although I was invited to transition to the acquiring company, I decided that this was the perfect opportunity for me to explore new career opportunities.
More Answers: Interview Question: Why Are You Looking For a New Job?
Hr Interview Questions: The Top 10 Questions Asked In The Hr Interview
Contributor
In the initial screening phase of a hiring process, an HR professional will ask candidates a set of HR interview questions. The purpose of these questions is to gauge the candidates basic skills and interest for the role, and to clarify various points about their application and resume.
Here, we put together a list of the best human resources interview questions for candidates, plus sample answers.
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Can You Tell Me About A Stressful Work Situation And How You Overcame It
Keep in mind that stories are more memorable than facts and figures. This is also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your human side and how you’re willing to take the initiative without being asked.
Example:It was the first day of my boss’s two-week vacation. Our agency’s highest-paying client threatened to leave because he didn’t feel he was getting the personalized service we promised him. I spent my lunch hour on the phone with him, talking through his concerns. We even brainstormed ideas for his next campaign. He was so grateful for the personal attention that he signed another six-month contract before my boss even returned from her trip.
