Are you preparing for an interview? We all know every interview will be different, but is there anything you could do in advance to make sure you are prepared and more confident while speaking to your potential employer? Whether you are new to the interview game or need to refresh your skills, here are the top 7 most commonly asked interview questions you should be ready for.
1. Tell us more about yourself
You are not expected to talk about yourself for the next 60 minutes, as some would love to. Your task is to sell yourself and provide a brief summary. If your interviewers need more details, they will ask. Be precise and listen. If you are not sure how much they actually expect you to share, ask: is there anything in particular you wish me to focus on?
2. Why have you decided to work in this industry?
That’s your chance to share that you are really passionate about the industry you work in. There are many candidates with skills out there, but a genuine passion is something everyone really wants to see. We often ask: why digital? “Oh, because it is the new trend.” That’s not enough, prospective employers are looking for your motivation to stay in this industry for the foreseeable future.
3. What trends do you see in the industry?
This type of question is your chance to share your knowledge, expertise and understanding of the market you work in. It’s not a right or wrong question. Employers want to see that you have your opinions and are not afraid to share them.
4. What are your long term career goals?
We’re always surprised when we hear: oh, that’s a difficult question. Really?
You are interviewing, because you want this job and because it’s in line with your professional and personal goals. You are not expected to share your life plans with your interviewer, but they want to hear how this job would help you to get closer to achieving what’s important to you.
Don’t worry, they won’t expect you to say that you want to be there for the next 10-15 years, so make sure you are honest and reasonable.
5. Why are you leaving your current role? And why did you leave your previous jobs?
It’s probably helpful if you understand clearly why you really want to leave, and know how best to communicate it in a positive light.
First of all, make sure that you don’t lie, as you may lose your chance not only for this job, but also other options in the market. Nobody wants liars. On the other hand it would be smarter if you were able to present everything in a positive manner. Bad mouthing your previous employer is not a good idea and the end of the day people would prefer to work with people who can bring some positivity to daily challenges.
6. What do you know about us?
Have you done your homework? Do you know about the size and services of the company, their competitors, how they position themselves in the market?
Use Google, their company website, online publishers, check LinkedIn profiles of your interviewers. Make sure you know something about the company’s recent awards or you’ve noticed that you and your interviewer went to the same university. Try to connect with them on a professional and personal level.
7. Do you have any questions for us?
You should do. Have them written down. Don’t interrogate your interviewer and don’t bombard them with unnecessary questions, it would only annoy them. Instead think of what’s really important to you.
Remember that the interview is as much for them as it is for you. Make sure they cover the important areas too and you won’t have any concerns after. Ask about career progression, expansion and future, about their expectations and maybe even feedback. Lack of questions isn’t great, as it may suggest lack of interest or preparation.
Our last piece of advice for interviews is one of our key values, honesty.
Always be honest and don’t oversell yourself. You are not the right person for every job out there and not every position is for you. Also, interviews are for you too, so make sure that people you are interviewing with are the same individuals you would like to work with.
We, your recruiters, are here to make the interviewing process easier. It’s our job to give you hints on what to expect from the interview and are available to run test interviews with you. It’s also our job to take and pass feedback. So make sure you work with us!
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