Getting a response from an employer after submitting an application is often the most exciting part of the job search.
This indicates that based on your resume, your future employers have formed an opinion of you.
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Poor or no preparation displays a lack of interest to the employer, which is a grave mistake.
As a result, the key to interview success is preparation.
The following are some of the top common questions asked during interviews and how best to respond to them.
1. Tell us about yourself
Translation: Do you fit the profile of our ideal candidate?
Other versions of the question:
a.) What information about you should we know?
b.) What do we need to know about you?
Important Points to Remember
a.) This is one of the most frequent interview common questions asked during interviews.
b.) Your interviewer basically want to get a feel of your academic credentials, work experience, skills and career achievements.
c.) They have obviously gone through your CV, but need hear it from you. This is a chance to give a pitch and convince them that you would be the best candidate for this position.
d.) Arrange your thoughts in three parts where you introduce you experience and skills, state achievements and successes and end with a projection of your next step in your career.
e.) Cohesive flow of thoughts is critical because mixing up events shows disorganization or possible dishonesty.
Pitfalls to avoid when answering this question:
a.) Steer away from giving too much information. Stick to facts and relevant information. Remember that it is an interview and not a social chat.
Sample Answer:
My name is Naomi Muthoni Mwangi. I am a Certified Public Accountant and a Bachelor of Commerce graduate with 3 years experience working as an Accountant.
In my recent position, I was responsible for the maintenance of all financial records in the company, collecting and monitoring revenue, processing payments as well as preparing accurate and timely financial reports.
I enjoy working in the Accounting industry particularly because, even as there are challenges that come with it, there is the constant need to handle multiple things at a time and meet deadlines. This has translated into my every day activities making me more reliable in everything I set myself to do.
I have a great concern for detail and when I commit to perform a certain task; I always deliver within the set time. I am now looking to work in an Accounting environment where I can work with a team and continue to build on my skills.”
2. How did you hear about this position?
Translation:
Did you specifically search for our company or did you stumble on the advert? Are our advertising methods working? Are we searching in the right pool?
Other Versions of the question:
Where did you get information on this job?
Important to Note:
a.) This may seem like an overly unnecessary question, it is a very common question and there is a strategic reason behind it by the interviewer.
b.) The interviewer may want to know whether you were seeking the job actively or passively and whether you actually targeted their company.
c.) They also want to know which of their job advertising method works best.
d.) They might even have a rewarding scheme in their work place that rewards existing staff who recommend excellent candidates to fill certain positions.
e.) Be specific and brief in your answer about the source, but do not dwell on unnecessary details unless asked to elaborate.
f.) Use this as a marketing opportunity and talk about the particular details of this job that drew you to the advert.
g.) At the same time, in a succinct way, define why you feel qualified for the position advertised and why you would be excited to join the team.
Pitfalls to Avoid when answering this question
a.) Dropping names may backfire in your face, especially if the person you mention is currently in a strained relationship with the company
b.) Always confirm with a current employee whether or not to mention their name.
c.) If you somehow cannot remember the name of the site you got the advert from, do not make up a name. Just state that you currently cannot remember.
d.) If you are aware of a strained relationship between the person who referred you and the company, do not refer to them.
Sample Response:
“I heard about this accounting position through a current member of staff here, Mr. John. We used to work in the same department at company XYZ where I was an intern then.
“After looking through your ideal candidate profile and doing a bit of research on your company, I am convinced that I am cut out for this role and I feel excited at the possibility of joining your team”.
3. What do you know about this company?
Proper research about a company can reveal information that is not common knowledge to many job seekers. You could stumble upon recent milestones that the company you wish to join recently attained.
This will work well to your advantage and the panel of interviewers will be impressed by your keen interest in their company.
At the end of the day, informed answers to a panel will always win over empty bravado in an attempt to impress. Interviewers can see through futile cover-ups efforts trying that replace the lack of planning and research. Be wise.
Answer:
You can state for instance:
“Well, from your users’ reviews I saw happy clients showing their appreciation for your quick response, excellent customer service and innovative products. I would definitely like to be part of a team that is this passionate about customer satisfaction and they live to grow it.”
Negative reviews or complaints should point to you the company’s pain. This should help you position yourself as the guy with the solution.
For instance, when asked what value you will be bringing, or why they should hire you, sit up straight because you will blow them away with an informed response.
4. What are your greatest professional strengths?
Translation:Is the candidate self-aware
Related questions:What do you think sets you apart from other applicants?
a.) Why should we hire you?
b.) Why you?
c.) What can you say makes you the perfect fit for this position?
d.) What arel your professional strengths?
Important to note:
a.) Self-awareness is very critical in candidates during interviews. When interviewers ask about your strengths, they want to ascertain that the candidate is self-aware and more importantly can relate their skill set with the role.
b.) Your interviewer wants to identify qualities, skills and experience that is only unique to you or that which you master really well. It is hence, your best time to shine.
c.) Your interviewer is also keen on your communication skills. Your thought process when answering this question is key.
Ensure your thoughts flow coherently. The secret to this is planning ahead. Ensure that you have a short list of your most relevant strengths on your fingertips.
Pitfalls to avoid when answering this question:
a.) Avoid making a long list of strengths. You should have at most five strengths that you can elaborately define and give examples of instances where you applied these strengths.
b.) Do not give irrelevant strengths. For instance, saying you can walk on your hands for 400 meters while interviewing for an accountant position. Every strength you list should be tied to the current position.
c.) Ambiguous answers should be avoided at all cost. Know your specific strength and have specific examples to accompany these strengths.
d.) Avoid the temptation to give canned answers. These backfire in your face when asked to elaborate and you realize mid-sentence that what you are trying to explain has nothing to do with you or the position in discussion.
Sample Response:
“I possess outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills. Apart from the routine courteous conversation with clients and follow up, I used to go an extra mile to find solutions for unprecedented client problems.
“Once, one of our driver called and reported a stalling case that was likely to result in him delivering some merchandise to a client 2 hours late.
“I called the client and informed them of our predicament. They were understanding and even asked where our truck was so that they could pass by and collect the package. This way, we averted unnecessarily inconveniencing an esteemed customer”.
5. What words would you use to best describe yourself?
Can you describe yourself in a few words? Or in three adjectives as some interviewers prefer to ask? This is a common interview question you should expect, that allows you to look for words that tell more about who you are as a professional.
Answer
“I would describe myself as someone who is good at what she does, goal-oriented, customer-focused, accountable and a highly motivated self-starter. When working with me, you can be assured there won’t be a need for micromanaging.”
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6. Why do you want to leave your current employer?
This can be a tough interview question.
The interviewer wants to know why you want to work for their company. When asked about why you are moving on from your current position, stick with the facts, be direct and focus your answer on the future, especially if your departure wasn’t under the best circumstances.
Other versions of the question
a.) Why do you want to leave your current job?
b.) Would your former colleagues recommend you for this job?
c.) What skills do you bring on board from your current/previous job?
Important to note
a.) Be honest and tactical when giving your answer
b.) Focus on your positive contribution to your former boss
c.) Some situations are beyond your control
Pitfalls to avoid when answering this question
a.) Do not say that your current workplace is toxic/unfavourable
Answer:
Sample 1:
“I have worked at company X for three years and was awarded the best employee of the year for my exemplary performance in teamwork and problem solving.
“Having successfully achieved that, I am ready for another challenge with your company and to offer my expertise in X field for the overall benefit of your organisation”.
Sample 2:
“I have been working hard for the past five years in a similar position, improving on key skills that are critical to this new position and creating a consistent positive impact on the organisation.
“With this in mind, that is the reason I am really keen to find a senior position with your company.
“Your company also offers an ideal environment and practical exposure that will allow me to be fully committed to this position and based on my track record, I am confident that i will meet the company’s objectives”.
7. What are your salary expectations?
One of the most common questions asked in a job interview is the one about salary. The employer wants to know what you expect to earn. It seems like a simple question, but your answer can knock you out of competition for the position if you overprice yourself. If you underprice yourself, you may get shortchanged with a lower offer.
Answers
Experienced professional: “According to the research I have done and duties listed in the advertisement, similar positions pay a salary of X to Z. With my skills and experience, I expect a salary ranging between Y and Z”.
Fresh Graduate: “In regards to the research I have done, similar positions pay between X and Y. I would like to receive a starting salary in this range.”
source: Kenyans.co.ke
