Preparing for Your Interview

Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

These questions are commonly asked during interviews, and it's important to practice your responses to avoid being caught off guard. While practicing, aim for a conversational tone rather than sounding robotic or stiff.

• Tell me about yourself. Start by highlighting a few key accomplishments or experiences that are most relevant to the job. Focus on how these have prepared you for the position. Keep it professional and avoid sharing personal information.
• What do you know about our organization? Research the company before the interview. Visit their website, check their social media, and see if they've been featured in the news. Being knowledgeable about the company shows initiative and will impress the interviewer.
• Why do you want to work here? Discuss a couple of aspects of the role that make it a great fit for you. Align those with the company’s goals and values, and mention why you admire the company and what they do.
• What do you consider your greatest strength and weakness? For your strength, provide a specific example of a skill that’s relevant to the job, showing how it has benefited past employers. For your weakness, be honest about an area you’re working to improve, and share what steps you’ve taken to address it. Avoid cliché answers like "perfectionist" or "not able to say 'no'."
• What specific skills and experience do you have that relate to this job? Be specific! Highlight the skills and experiences that make you qualified for the role. Use concrete examples from previous jobs, internships, or volunteer work to demonstrate your abilities.
• Tell me about a time you worked with a challenging co-worker and how you handled it. Provide a specific example, and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer.
• What major problem have you encountered at work and how did you handle it? Again, use the STAR method to describe a specific challenge you faced, the steps you took to address it, and the positive result that followed.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Discuss how you see yourself growing with the company and contributing to its long-term success. Emphasize your commitment to professional development.
• Why should we hire you over other candidates? Use this opportunity to summarize your qualifications and strengths, and explain why you stand out as the ideal candidate for the role.
• Do you have any questions for me? Always have a few questions prepared! It shows your interest in the position and the company. Avoid asking about salary or benefits at this stage. Instead, focus on questions that show your curiosity and engagement with the role.

Behavioral Interview Questions

Some questions may start with phrases like, “Tell me about a time…” or “Give me an example of…” These require you to provide specific examples from past experiences. Use the STAR method for a well-structured answer:

• Situation and Task: What was the context or challenge?
• Action: What steps did you take to address it?
• Result: What was the outcome of your actions? If possible, choose a scenario with a positive result.

Questions You May Want to Ask the Employer

1. Where do you envision the company in the next five years?
2. What would be my primary responsibilities in this role?
3. Can you walk me through a typical day in this position?
4. Who will I report to, and will I have the chance to meet that person?
5. Who held this position previously, and what led them to leave?
6. What would my first project look like?
7. What kind of training or onboarding is provided for this position?
8. Is travel required for this role? If so, how much?
9. Does the company offer support for professional development?
10. What sets your company apart from its competitors?
11. How is the department structured?
12. Is there a formal performance evaluation process?
13. What traits make someone successful in your organization?
14. When do you expect to make a hiring decision, and should I follow up or will you reach out to me?