Recruitment experts have a full suite of interview questions to ask aspiring job seekers.
These questions aren’t just asked to fill in time or to have a chat. Each question gives interviewers an insight into the candidate’s personality and long-term suitability for the position.
Here are some of the most common questions a potential employer may ask. Prepare answers to give you the best chance of success at an interview.
Describe your most significant achievement in a similar role?
Refer to previous first-hand experience to give potential employers a tangible example of some of the skills you can bring to the role. If your most significant achievement is unrelated to the position, the recruiter may need to dig a little deeper into your professional skills and ability to achieve relevant goals.
Study both the selection criteria and job description to help prepare relevant examples that show your ability to achieve targets in the role.
Why do you want this job?
Finding out why you have applied for the role will help potential employers understand more about your personal and professional goals. This is where you can refer to company objectives and detail how your motivation aligns with the company.
Specifically, research the company before the interview to help you prepare a response that shows you understand the company mission and how you can help them achieve goals.
Can you tell me about yourself?
While you might not know where to start with such a broad question, this is where you can share some of your relevant professional experience.
Typically, an employer isn’t interested in trivialities about your personal life. Instead, they want to know about any personal qualities and interests that are relevant to the role. Consider mentioning personality traits and professional skills that demonstrate that you’re the most suitable candidate for the role.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Asking this question is a quick way to get a candidate to show self-awareness of personal and professional traits that will help them perform the role successfully. Nobody is perfect, and an employer doesn’t expect you to be. However, you should know if time management isn’t your strongest point or if being pedantic can sometimes cause you to spend too long on a task. Identifying your weaknesses can be turned into a positive by helping you adopt strategies to overcome any less than admirable traits. Be honest. For every strength or weakness, mention how you intend to overcome it or how it will help you achieve your goals.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
The answer to this question will show the employer your level of ambition and how well you have mapped out a long-term career path. Your specific goals are totally individual to you, just ensure that you make it clear how this position fits into your plans. Also make sure to indicate a willingness to learn and achieve company objectives while working towards your own milestones. By sharing how your goals can align with the company’s plans, you can subtly show how you are the perfect candidate.
Why are you leaving your current employer?
As one of the most significant questions in an interview, it’s important to prepare a positive answer to this question.
Undoubtedly, there are reasons you weren’t happy in your employment, or you wouldn’t be leaving. However, make sure to address these negatives in a way that places you in the best light. For example, answering that you’re leaving a role because your boss made you work too hard will likely lead to negative thoughts about your work ethic. Instead, try to concentrate on negatives that are entirely out of your control and do not reflect on you.
Employers want to know that you’re a team player and you’re going to walk through their doors with a positive approach. This answer will determine whether you can overcome any personal issues for the greater good of the company.
For more interview preparation tips to help you on your career path, contact us today.
Do you want to volunteer, build your resume or refine your applications? Then contact us today through the form below and see how we can help you!