Regardless of the type of job you’re going for, there are a number of interview questions you can expect to field when you sit down with a hiring manager. When you prepare carefully crafted answers to these inquiries, you’re better able to highlight your strengths as you show the potential employer how you could benefit their business. Below are some frequently asked interview questions, as well as strong responses to these questions:
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Companies want to hire someone who plans to stick with the business for the long haul, so this question should be answered with the company you’re interviewing with in mind. Instead of speaking in generalities, give specifics about how you imagine yourself growing and developing within the organization.
How do you manage your time?
With this question, employers are looking to hear that you can prioritize a workload and meet deadlines. As you provide an answer, hit on your use of “to do” lists or other organizational strategies that you utilize to keep yourself on track.
What is your biggest weakness?
This one almost always comes up in an interview, and it’s a difficult one to answer, so plan accordingly. Simply trying to claim you have no weaknesses makes you seem arrogant, but admitting a major character flaw can take you out of the running for the job. As you reply, try to select something that once was a weakness that you have since worked on or overcome. You want an issue that actually leaves room for improvement.
Why do you think you will be successful in this role?
Before you go to the interview, take a look at the job description and make note of the skills that are required. From there, identify your own strengths. When this question is asked, illustrate how the two line up. For instance, if they’re looking for someone who is able to meet deadlines easily, explain how you’re organized and show how you have successfully met deadlines in the past. If they need someone who can build relationships with clients, talk about how you’ve nurtured business connections and turned these relationships into an increase in revenue for your past or current employers.
Another common interview question is about what motivates you. Even if you are driven by money, it’s important to incorporate other factors into your response. You want to show the employer that you truly get satisfaction out of the work you do every day and that you don’t work solely for a paycheck.
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