Interview General Questions

General Interview Tips

1. Stay calm & composed at all times
   a. An interview is an “Interchange of Views”…nothing to get nervous about. Think of it as a coffee shop chat with a stranger.
2. Don’t focus on the result; focus on your behavior
   a. How you come across is more important. You don’t always have to get answers right. It’s your attitude that will win the day for you.
   b. Show the interviewer that you always stay positive, optimistic, and eager to learn (quick learner).
   c. For questions you have no clue about, don’t guess or lie. Say, I’ve never heard about it but will surely find out after this call.
   d. Sound excited and give relatively detailed answers. Short responses could come across as “Not really interested”.
   i. Example: “Would you be happy to join us?” – Don’t just say “Yes, I would.” — Say why you would…like: “Yes, I would because it gives me the opportunity to grow and to learn. The culture and environment seems productive”
3. Never Interrupt the question – wait for the question to be completed. Give it 2 secs and start your response
4. Voice modulation – Clear, medium-paced tone. Don’t speak like you’re speaking to yourself or to someone who knows you for years.
5. Practicing with a friends-friend (stranger), really helps – mock interviews.
6. If video calls – look at the camera at ALL times. Never waiver. Sit upright (don’t slouch or appear jittery). Stay cool
7. Give examples to substantiate your answers – more examples the better you will sound in terms of subject confidence
8. Keep at least 2 – 3 questions ready for the interviewer too.
9. “Introduce yourself please?” – You need to sell yourself well on this question. Tell them what they want to hear. No smart answers, please. Come across as humble yet confident.
10. Why should I hire you?
    i. I am a smart guy or I am the best for the job = Bad answers
    ii. I may not be the smartest person around but I learn and apply myself quickly. I listen and I am open to suggestions. = Good answer

The most commonly asked questions during the interview

The list of the questions below are the most commonly asked questions by the interviewers.
The interviewee should be prepared to answer them, especially “tell me about yourself”
question. The interviewee is expected to ask the interviewer some questions as well.

Some questions the interviewer (the company) asks
1) Tell me about yourself?
2) How did you hear about us?
3) Why do you want to work for this company?
4) Why do you want this job?
5) Why should I hire you?
6) What are your greatest strengths?
7) What do you consider to be your weakness?
8) What are your goals?
9) Why did you leave your job?
10) What can you do for me that others cannot?
11) What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?
12) What salary you are seeking?
13) What are your biggest weaknesses?
14) What are your biggest strengths?
15) Where do you see yourself in five years?
16) Out of all candidates, why we should hire you?
17) Why do you want this job?
18) Describe your dream job.
19) Tell me about the last time a customer or a co-worker got angry with you? How did you handle the situation?
20) Why do you want to leave your current job?

21) What kind of work environment do you like the most?
21) Tell me about the toughest decision you had to make in the past 6 months.
22) Tell me about a time when you disagreed about a decision. What did you do?
23) Tell me how others will describe you?
24) What can we expect from you in your first three months?
25) What do you like to do outside of work?
26) What was your salary in your last job?
27) What questions do you for me?

Some questions that the interviewee can ask during the interview
1) What do you expect me to accomplish in the next 90 days?
2) Who was doing the position I am interviewing for? Why did he/she leave?
3) How long have you been with the company?
4) What are the company’s top priority goals this year?
5) What did you do before this position?
6) Has your role changed since you started working here?
7) What is your favorite part about working here?
8) What is the next step in the hiring process?
9) What are the primary responsibilities of this position?
10) What would my day-to-day routine look like if I am hired?
11) How long does the recruitment process take?
12) Are there opportunities for professional development with the company?
13) Is there anything about my background and resume that makes the question of whether I am a good fit for this position?