Nail that interview: 7 questions and responses you should expect at your next interview.

Although you can’t be certain of the interview questions that may arise in your next job interview, there are some common questions we recommend you spend some time getting comfortable with as many hiring managers will need to know your responses to them to determine whether or not you’re a suitable fit for the role

1. Tell me about yourself

Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead keep your answer concise and compelling by sharing 2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you most want the interviewer to know about, then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has positioned you for this specific role.

2. Why do you want the job?

Companies are looking for passionate people who really want the job. The best way to showcase this is to identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem”).

3. What do you know about the company?

Often interviewers will ask this question to check that you have prepared and have a genuine interest in the company. If you can tie in the company’s mission or values with something relevant to you, you will be able to show you are a good fit, beyond the job description.

4. What is your greatest professional achievement?

A track record of achieving amazing results in past jobs is sure to make you memorable in the eyes of a hiring manager. Want to go the next step? Use the S-T-A-R method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) when describing an achievement to show the meaning behind this achievement in terms of the business’ success. Remember achievement can come in all forms, whether it’s a KPI or improving the culture and behaviour within the organisation.

5. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.

This question aims to understand how you will respond to conflict. Anyone can seem nice and pleasant in a job interview, but how will you act around others if you are hired? Again, you’ll want to use the S-T-A-R method, being sure to focus on how you handled the situation professionally and productively, and ideally closing by describing how you came to a resolution or compromise.

6. Why are you leaving your current job?

Definitely keep things positive—you have nothing to gain by being negative about your past employers. This is also an opportunity to show your eagerness to a new role or challenge.

7. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

Beyond identifying any possible problems with, this question aims to understand your ability to be honest and how much self-awareness you have. Try to avoid saying nothing at all here, instead, bring up a work related weakness and discuss the actions you are taking to work on it. I.e. Your fear of presenting publicly and your weekly class you’re attending to work on this.