Most interviewers follow a similar set of questions. Graduate Coach has listed the most typical interview questions with advice on how to answer them

When looking for a job, it is important that you are ready when you face your future employer. The most challenging part is the interview. To prepare for this, you can practice how to answer interview questions. Most interviewers have similar sets of questions, so being prepared will make the battle a lot easier. Below are some guides on how to answer interview questions:

Describe yourself.

A classic question often asked at the beginning of the interview. Make sure that you are comfortable when talking about yourself so that you can start a pleasant conversation with the interviewer. Introduce yourself, your values, experience, achievements, qualifications, etc. Keep your answers in line with your career.

 

What are your strengths?

This is an easy question and you have to give them your best skills and traits. Skills are things you have acquired from school and work such as a university degree, masters, training, seminars, computer skills, typing skills, languages etc. Traits are unique characteristics such as hard working, goal-oriented, punctual, flexible, etc. Through this question, your interviewer will have information as to what may be your future contribution to the company if they hire you.

 

What are your weaknesses?

This is one of the toughest questions. We all know that everyone has a weakness but we cannot admit it during the interview. You only need to admit to one weakness but make sure it is something that you can change. Then, explain to the interviewer on how you plan to overcome your weakness.

 

TELL ME HOW YOU OVERCAME A MAJOR PROBLEM IN YOUR PAST OR CURRENT JOB

The interviewer is interested in your problem-solving abilities when he says to you: "Tell me how you overcame a major problem in your past or current job".

You will have to explain how you solved the problem and show pride in your skill in doing so.

 

What do you know about our company/organisation?

When applying for a job, you have to be resourceful. You can use the internet to search for the company's website and their services, products, history, profile and goals. You can also check their Careers area so you have an idea on what they can offer to you as an employee. You do not need to know everything about the company.

Through your research, you can come up with your reasons why you are interested in joining their team. Make sure that your reasons are good enough to convince them that you really took time to know more about the company.

 

Why are you leaving your present job? (If applicable)

The next most common question interviewers like to ask is: "Why do you want to leave your present job?" or "Why did you leave your most recent position?" These are dangerous questions that should be treated carefully.

Try not to make derogatory statements about your previous employers or negative comments such as: "I needed more money." Generic answers such as, "I'm making a career decision by applying for this new job", are better.

Note: This question does not apply if you have just left university and your part-time job there, or have been recently temping. In this case, it's useful for you to say the following:

"I gained a lot of useful life experience through my part-time job/temping work, but now I'm focusing on beginning/improving my career, so this is the next step forward."

 

Why do you want this job (or the position offered)?

Read the qualifications and responsibilities of the job offered. You can tell them your traits and skills that match the qualifications for the job. Then, convince them that you are capable of doing the job effectively by citing your previous work experiences or achievements. Furthermore, you can mention that your career goal is aligned with the company's goal or that the company provides opportunities for advancement.

 

Why should we hire you?

Mention all your good qualities, skills, abilities and accomplishments. This is similar to selling a particular product. To convince a prospect buyer, you need to mention what is great about the product. So ask yourself this question, what is great about you to make you fitted on the job you are applying for?

 

What sets you apart from the other applicants applying for this position?

A killer question which you might be asked is: "What sets you apart from the other applicants who are applying for this position?"

It is best to devote your answer to highlighting your skills, experience, and presentation as you have no inkling of what the other applicants might have to offer.

Learn to match what you can bring to the table to what the organisation needs since this is key to clinching the job. Determine the key elements of the position and how you can add value to the group.

 

Where do you see yourself five/ten/twenty years from now?

Your career goals should answer this question. Explain how you plan to move to another job position within the company. This will provide the interviewer the idea on what the company can gain from you if you achieve those goals.

Know yourself first, and then you will know how to answer interview questions. Have a positive attitude and be confident, this will greatly help in easily achieving the career you are aiming for.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specialises in the latest in Careers. For more information regarding How To Answer Interview Questions please drop by at http://www.job-interview-success.com/