READ TIME – 6 MINUTES
Do you want to know how to answer common interview questions job hunters should know? Maybe it’s an interview for your first full-time role, or perhaps it’s been a while since your last interview.
Worry not… AvA-V can help you!
If you’ve made it past your screening interview with a recruiter and you’re preparing for the next stage, putting in the legwork beforehand can boost your chances of a successful interview.
Here are 5 common interview questions job hunters should prepare answers for before their interview.
HOW TO ANSWER
"Tell Me About Yourself
Typically one of the first questions asked in an interview, the pressure of the situation could cause you to forget every interesting personal detail and blurt out a generic answer.
We get that this question is open-ended, but there is no need to panic!
Here’s what recruiters really mean when they ask you to talk about yourself.
They don’t want to hear anything you’ve mentioned in your CV. They’ve had access to it since you submitted your application and they’ll have read through it in detail. Don’t mention your past employment or education history, as these topics will likely come up later.
Instead, pick a unique and interesting fact about yourself that a recruiter won’t discover in your application – something that makes you stand out as an individual.
Have you ever jumped out of a plane? Can you solve a Rubik’s Cube in 30 seconds? Do you hold any world records?
Each of these points provides you with individuality and uniqueness. They will help make you memorable and show that you have some character and personality outside of your work.
It’s what interviewers want to hear!
Top Tip: Pick interesting facts about yourself that barely anybody knows! Recruiters often conduct candidate research before an interview, so if you’ve shared your achievements on social media then they may have already seen them!
HOW TO ANSWER
"Why Do You Want To Work Here?"
One of the most common interview questions job hunters can face, this question will determine if you’ve done your research.
Employers want to know that the candidate they hire will be committed and dedicated to the business. Company knowledge is so critical that 47% of recruiters said they would reject a candidate who had little knowledge about the company.
If the only thing you mention in your answers is the salary, commute or convenience that the role offers, you won’t create a strong impression.
You can prepare your answer to this question by learning about the company’s history, mission and aspirations.
If you share the same visions as the recruiters, you will show that you want the role for more than convenience reasons.
Do you notice training, progression or development opportunities in the job advertisement? You could bring these up in your interview too!
Top Tip: Look at the company website + social media to fuel your research prior to your interview. 78% of candidates say they find it difficult to find information about companies prior to an interview. Do the work now and reap the rewards later!
HOW TO ANSWER
"Why Are You Leaving Your Current Role?"
This can be a very tricky question.
A common interview question job hunters should keep an eye and ear out for, this question is designed to test your commitment.
Hiring managers like to ask this to determine if you have the necessary experience required for the role, but they also use this question to scope out your personality.
Recruiters want to understand if you have the correct character for the role.
This question IS NOT an opportunity to badmouth your current or former employers.
If there is a genuine reason for you leaving your current role, that’s okay.
You can discuss why you’re looking for a carer change and provide positive answers about your aspirations and goals, but you should never say a bad word about a previous employer.
Talking negatively about past employers is unprofessional and creates doubt among recruiters. How can a business be sure you won’t say similar things about them?
This is an interview question job hunters face that can trip them up, whether intentional or not – don’t fall into a trap with this question.
Top Tip: Be truthful! Discuss your aspirations and goals without saying a bad word about a previous employer or position. It will show your professionalism, aspirations and fantastic personality.
HOW TO ANSWER
"What Are Your Strengths?"
At some point during your interview, you will likely be asked what your greatest strengths are.
This questions is designed to test your opinion on yourself as a professional. Hiring managers want to see if you have self-confidence and belief in yourself as an employer.
However you need to be careful that you don’t confuse confidence with ego. Big yourself up and be honest, but don’t come across as arrogant.
It’s also essential that you keep it conscience – avoid just listing what you’re good at.
Your answer to this question should always be tailored to the job you’re interviewing for. So if you’re interviewing for a sales role, avoid discussing any strengths that aren’t directly linked to sales.
You also mustn’t lie about your skills. If you lie about your strengths, skills or expense, you will be caught out eventually, damaging your employability.
Here’s AvA-V’s Imogen discussing this topic further…
Top Tip: When possible, you should discuss traits that are unique; something many people won’t possess. This may be experience or your skills using certain tools or software.
HOW TO ANSWER
"Do You Have Any Questions For Us?"
These common interview questions job seekers face are the perfect opportunity to show how engaged you are in the interview. Asking the right questions will show them that you’ve been paying attention.
Recruiters will ask this question for one final opportunity to gauge your interest in your role and assess your critical thinking skills.
This is where you get to show off how much time and effort you’ve put into this interview with some in-depth and measured questions.
You could ask industry-related questions, potential challenges you’ll face in the role, or why the opportunity became available.
It also lets you gather any missing details about the role and the company that may have been missed in the interview.
If answered well, this question should help you and the business come to your final decision.
Top Tip: Write a list of pre-prepared questions down before your interview date. Even if some of these questions are answered during the interview, showing the recruiter that you prepared questions beforehand will highlight your organisation and preparation skills.
Why is Interview Preparation Important?
Preparing answers for common interview questions job hunters face is essential to the success of your application. If you’re not confident and assured in your responses, you risk showing poor character.
Having pre-prepared answers shows that you’re organised, knowledgeable and committed – all skills recruiters love!
Don’t let your next role be halted by poor preparation – research the best common interview questions job hunters will be asked and get ahead of the curve.