Interviewing can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can increase your chances of success and land your dream job.
One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to practice answering common interview questions.
 List of the 10 most common interview questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What are your salary expectations?
- Why should we hire you?
- What is your greatest achievement?
- Give an example of a time when you overcame a challenge.
- Describe your work experience.
- What do you know about our company?
These questions are designed to assess your skills, experience, motivation, and fit for the company and the role. It is important to practice your answers to these questions in advance so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.
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How To Answer These Questions.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is your chance to make a good first impression and highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Focus on your career goals and why you are interested in the role and the company.
Example:
I am a software engineer with 5 years of experience in developing web applications. I am passionate about building innovative and user-friendly products. I am also a team player and I am always willing to go the extra mile.
2. Why do you want this job?
Here, you need to show the interviewer that you have done your research and that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company. Be specific about what appeals to you about the role and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Example:
I am interested in this job because I am excited about the opportunity to work on challenging and innovative projects. I am also drawn to the company’s mission and its commitment to creating a positive work environment.
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Be honest and self-aware in your answer. Focus on your strengths that are relevant to the job and explain how you are working to improve your weaknesses.
Example:
My strengths include my problem-solving skills, my ability to work independently and as part of a team, and my attention to detail. One of my weaknesses is that I can sometimes be too perfectionistic, but I am working on this by setting realistic deadlines and asking for help when I need it.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question is designed to assess your career goals and ambition. Be specific and realistic in your answer, and explain how the role fits into your overall career plan.
Example:
In five years, I see myself as a senior software engineer leading a team of developers. I am also interested in pursuing a management role in the future.
5. What are your salary expectations?
Do your research to determine a fair salary range for the role and your experience level. Be prepared to negotiate, but don’t lowball yourself.
Example:
My salary expectations are in the range of $70,000 to $80,000 per year.
6. Why should we hire you?
This is your chance to sell yourself to the interviewer and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Be specific and highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
Example:
I am the best candidate for this job because I have the skills and experience that you are looking for. I am also a hard worker and I am always willing to go the extra mile. I am also a team player and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your company.
7. What is your greatest achievement?
Choose an achievement that is relevant to the job and that demonstrates your skills and abilities. Be specific and explain how you achieved it.
Example:
My greatest achievement was developing a new software application that saved the company $1 million per year. I was able to achieve this by working closely with a team of engineers and by using my problem-solving and analytical skills.
8. Give an example of a time when you overcame a challenge.
This question is designed to assess your problem-solving and resilience skills. Choose an example that demonstrates your ability to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Example:
Once, I was working on a project and I ran into a major technical challenge. I was able to overcome this challenge by doing some research and by coming up with a creative solution. I was also able to learn from this experience and improve my skills.
9. Describe your work experience.
Focus on your most relevant work experience and highlight your skills and accomplishments. Be specific and provide examples.
Example:
In my previous role, I was responsible for developing and maintaining web applications. I also worked closely with a team of engineers to improve the company’s software development process.
10. What do you know about our company?
This question is designed to assess your interest in the company and your knowledge of the industry. Do your research before the interview and be prepared to discuss what you know about the company’s mission, products or services, and culture.
Example:
I know that your company is a leader in the software industry. You are known for your innovative products and your commitment to customer service and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to your company.