When you walk into a job interview, it’s important to be prepared for the tough questions. It’s easy to stumble over our words in front of the hiring manager when we’re nervous. But you can make this easier on yourself by preparing and practicing ahead of time.
Don’t be taken by surprise the next time an employer sends a hard question your way. Here are 5 common interview questions we want to help you answer with confidence.
What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
If the employer doesn’t ask you this question, it will be a miracle. It’s usually one of the first questions they ask in a job interview. It’s important to find the balance between selling yourself short and being too arrogant. Remember, there’s a difference in being cocky and answering confidently.
Be honest about both. What are you struggling with right now and what are you doing to improve in that area? Share some specific steps. The employer wants you to be honest.
If you struggle with organization, don’t be afraid to tell them that. For example, you could say something like, “At times I struggle to keep projects organized, but I’m overcoming this by learning how to use a task management system so I’m not keeping everything in my head, but instead writing it down so I can see it.”
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
Again, be honest. Is there a reason you connected with the company that attracted you to the position. Let them know about it. Why do you want to be part of this team?
Answering this question is going to require some research about the company. Review their website. What are their values? What about the company’s history attracts you to the job?
Explain to the employer why it’s mutually beneficial for you two to work together.
Here’s an example: “When I saw that your mission statement emphasized working hard and playing hard, I was immediately drawn to the idea that you want your team members to have fun in their jobs. To me, that’s an important part of a work environment”
Include very specific examples of your connection with the organization.
Need help perfecting your next job interview? Download our free guide, How to Create the Perfect Elevator Pitch today and WOW your next employer!
Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
This is an important question for the employer because they want to know if they’re company is in your future plans or if it’s just a pit-stop on the way to something else.
Use this time to show the employer again how your values fit within the culture and values of the company. Share with them honestly what you care about.
Don’t be afraid to promote yourself in the conversation. Think big. Let me know you’d love to earn your way up to an upper-level position in the company. This will show your passion and career goals.
Here’s an example: “In five years, I would love to be leading a team volunteers who care about this non-profit as much as I do. Through this opportunity, I believe I will gain all the tools I need to fulfill that role adequately.”
Can You Explain the Gap in Your Resume?
You may not need to answer this question, but if you’ve had any type of lapse in your resume timeline, they may ask. Don’t be afraid to be honest. Remember, you’re confident in your ability to answer.
Make sure you explain to the employer that though there’s a gap, that doesn’t mean you weren’t using those desired hard and soft skills. Perhaps you were looking for employment. Explain to them the skills you learned during that time. If you were incarcerated, share with them all of the skills you used during that time that will make you a great team member.
In case we haven’t mentioned it already, be honest with your answer.
Here’s an example: “During that time I was thoroughly seeking the right position. In the process, I was able to hone my skills in welding private projects. I’m happy to share some photos of those. I believe these skills will help me perform my job proficiently.”
Can You Tell Me About A Time You Overcame A Challenge?
This is the perfect opportunity for you to talk about the skills you used to overcome a particular challenge. It doesn’t have to necessarily be related to the job you’re applying for, but the way you handled the situation will show how you may handle upcoming challenges within the company.
For example: “When I was a server we had a customer who was extremely upset with his order, though it was no fault of our staff. He’d actually ordered the wrong item and thought he’d changed his mind, but forgot to tell us. Instead of telling him he was wrong, I simply brought him a dessert, which I paid for, to calm him down. Because of that, he was more than generous with his tipping.”
Interviews don’t have to be intimidating. Walk in with confidence and having practiced your answers to these popular questions and you’ll be more ahead of the game than many of your “competitors.”
If you need assistance with rocking your next job interview, contact one of our local job centers today, and if you need some help perfecting your elevator pitch, we’re here for that, too!