Knowledge Centre ^TM

As challenging as job interviews may seem, they are for the most part based on a formula. They are made up of and evaluated based on a core of the most frequent interview questions. A candidate must be prepared to answer these questions in order to perform effectively. Apart from studying your resume, it is vital to study these questions. Understand these frequently asked questions and the way the answer them in order to be equipped for a job interview.

Question 1: Tell me about yourself

Answer this inevitable question with a crisp set of 5 points-Name, current status, current/previous job profile, the kind of person you are and conclude with why you want this job. Instead of weaving an elaborate story about yourself, keep the answer concise covering the aforementioned points.

Question 2: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

This question is asked in order to understand your future plans and ambitions. It also helps the interviewer gauge whether you see yourself staying with the organization for the long term. Thus, you must cover the following while answering:

• Your plans for each year

• Professional aims and goals

• Your interest in the job at hand

• Potential growth opportunities available with the profile

Question 3: Why do you want to work for us?

With this question, the interviewer is giving you a chance to talk about the company. Thus, while answering it incorporate the mission and vision of the organization, aligning them with your personal mission and vision. Focus on the kind of projects the organization works on and explain how they resonate with your own goals.

Question 4: Describe a conflict you have faced and how you dealt with it.

Keeping in the mind the requirements of the job, answer this question with an incident that will reflect these skills. The interviewer is looking to see how well you respond under pressure and in turn solve a problem. Focus more on how you resolved the conflict rather than the conflict itself.

Question 5: What is an achievement you are proud of?

Choose one or two achievements that will speak positively of you, without sounding arrogant. Aim to talk about achievements that are not widely applicable. Choose an achievement that is more personal and portrays your personality in the best light possible. Along with this, quantifying an achievement is a great way to impress the interviewer.

Question 6: What do you consider to be your biggest failure?

This question should be looked at as an opportunity to show the interviewer your capabilities to grow through difficult times. Choose an incident from which you can draw positives and show what you learnt from it. Explain how you were accountable for the incident instead of shifting the blame. Further, talk about how you were able to tackle the issue and learnt from it.

Question 7: How do you deal with pressure at work?

This question gives you a chance to show how you deal with stressful situations. Talk about instances at your current or previous job where you kept your cool and managed to work well even under pressure. This can include instances such as managing time when working on numerous projects simultaneously.

Question 8: What motivates you?

The answer to this question will vary from person to person. The interviewer is looking to see what you value and your answer should resonate exactly that. Give an honest answer showcasing your ethics and values.

Question 9: What would your colleagues say about you?

This should be answered keeping 4 or 5 positive attributes in mind. Make sure these attributes align with the requirements of the job profile. The interviewer is aiming to gauge if you are a good fit for company culture.

Question 10: Do you prefer working in a team or by yourself?

This question needs to be answered carefully, as you need to emphasize on the benefits of both. Even if you have a preference, explain that you are comfortable working in both the cases.