So, you have decided to change your job, but sadly, you've been out of the market for too long to be familiar with interview questions. Worry not, because here's EV's common interview question collection to help you out.
In this article, you'll find the most common interview questions and answers, along with tips and tricks from our seasoned consultants. Let's dive in!
1. Tell me about yourself
This is considered the ice-breaker question and is usually the first question to start the interview. While this is not new or a mind trigger, many still fail at this stage if they don't prepare for it.
Here's what you need to include in your answer:
- Your name.
- Briefly introduce your current role.
- Your professional background.
- Educational background.
- Skills and strengths.
- Interests.
- Why you are interested in the position.
Example:
"I'm [your name], currently a [your current position] with [current company]. With [number of years] of experience, I specialize in [key skill #1] and [key skill #2]. holding a [your highest educational qualification] in [your field], I've successfully [briefly mention a notable achievement].
Outside of work, I'm passionate about [personal interest/hobby], where I [briefly tie your interest to positive qualities]. I'm drawn to [company name] because of [specific reason]. I believe my skills in [key skills] align well with the needs of this target position, and I'm eager to contribute to [company name]'s [specific goals or projects]."
2. How did you hear about this position?
If you heard about the position through a friend or found out about the hiring banner on a platform, don't hesitate to share that with the interviewer. Being honest about how you hear about the position can help you stand out from numerous candidates.
The answer should include:
- How do you know about the position.
- Why do you think that the position suits you.
Example:
"I'm impressed by how the company has grown in the past few years and have always wanted a chance to work for the company. Luckily, I saw your hiring banner for the position on the company website and thought this is the perfect opportunity."
3. What are your greatest strengths?
Recruiters use this question to see whether you are a good fit for the position and to examine your ability to evaluate yourself. They can also be trying to ascertain whether you're someone who actively pursues personal development. The hiring manager can learn a lot about your work style and attitude by inquiring about your strengths and weaknesses.
How to answer:
- Your greatest strength should also be the most important skill for the job.
- Your strength helps you stand out from other candidates.
Example:
"My greatest strength lies in my meticulous attention to detail. I understand the importance of precision in every task, whether it's analyzing data, preparing reports, or managing projects. This commitment to accuracy ensures that my work is consistently of high quality."
4. What are your greatest weaknesses?
It's always simpler to choose and highlight your strong points when talking about your weaknesses and talents during a job interview. However, sharing your weaknesses can help you gain a good impression from the interviewer. Here are some tips to handle this question:
- First of all, be honest. Accept that everyone has flaws. Don't use my weakness as a strength by saying your weakness is that you are a workaholic or a perfectionist. It's rather fake.
- Avoid choosing the weakness that's crucial for the job. For example, if you are applying for a Marcom position, say your greatest weakness is communication. You are giving them a reason not to hire you.
- Have your plan to improve and share it with them. This step shows your eagerness to advance yourself, which is a huge plus point.
Example:
"Public speaking has been a challenge for me, and I used to get nervous before presentations. However, I've been actively working on improving this skill by attending workshops and practicing regularly. I've seen significant progress, and I'm committed to further developing my public speaking abilities."
5. Why should we hire you?
This is your chance to sell yourself and your skills! This question is a little bit straightforward, but nothing a clear mind and a confident attitude can't fix. Your answer should include:
- How you can handle the work and also deliver a great outcome.
- How you can fit in with the team and the company culture.
- How you stand out: your selling points.
Example:
"I thrive in collaborative environments and have a track record of working effectively with cross-functional teams. My communication skills, coupled with a collaborative mindset, have consistently contributed to successful projects. I am confident that my ability to foster positive working relationships will enhance the overall dynamics of your team."
