WHEN getting ready for an interview, it would be wise for you to know some standard questions that are often asked by interviewers. By preparing the answers for these questions, you will avoid getting stuck during the interview.
Let’s look at some standard questions and how to prepare for them.
What is your expectation of this job?
The interviewers would like to know how much you understand the job scope and what you expect from the position.
Hence, you must show your understanding regarding the job responsibilities and have realistic expectations. For instance, you may state, “As a customer service staff member, I hope to grow and develop my skills so that I am able to provide the best service to the customers.”
The interviewers are not looking for perfect answers. All they want to know is whether your expectations match what the job can offer. If your expectations are too far-fetched, they will be less likely to shortlist you.
How much do you know about the company?
This is a basic question that any interviewee should be prepared for. One can easily gather this information from the company website.
Getting to know the company and its products or services is not merely for the sake of preparing for the interview. You should know what kind of company you intend to work for. Knowing the background of the company can surely help you to decide whether the company is in line with your ambitions or interests.
If you are able to elaborate more about the company’s products or services, mission, vision or future direction, the interviewers would be impressed with your knowledge. This also shows that you have great interest in the company.
Why do you wish to join this company?
When faced with this type of question, candidates should respond positively showing their willingness to grow with the company. In their response, they must state the strengths of the company and what draws them to this company.
The interviewees may state that they are interested in the industry which the company is in. They can further share that they wish to grow in this industry and that they find this company is able to provide the platform for them to grow.
It is imperative for interviewees to highlight positive things about the company and express their desire to join the company. Responses such as wanting to learn more things or pick up certain skills will be received favourably.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Interviewers are generally interested to know the candidates better and whether they are suitable for the job. Hence, the interviewees must give responses that are relevant to the job requirements.
For instance, if the job requires you to be meticulous, and you state that you are not the careful type, you can almost bid goodbye to the job.
Everyone definitely has many flaws and strengths. Mention the strengths that are required by the job and avoid mentioning the flaws that might dampen your chances of getting the job.
The flaws should be something that are harmless or can be viewed in a favourable light such as “If I can’t get any work done, I will keep thinking about how to get the problem solved” or “I am very particular about accuracy in the work I deliver”.
Bear in mind that there are some weaknesses that are generally not accepted by interviewers so the interviewees are never to mention them under any circumstances. Some of these fatal weaknesses are being irresponsible, having poor time management, dishonesty and being unethical.
What do you like about this job?
When presented with this question, you should state the positive things about the job – the challenges, the skills that you can pick up and the environment that can help you to grow.
Do not give nonchalant type of answers such as “I don’t really mind about the job” or “For me, it is just a job”. No one would give the position to someone who is not passionate about the job.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.