With more and more of the population getting vaccinated, many employees are returning to the workplace. Companies are hiring again, which means its time to prepare for your next interview.
Here at Job Journey, our readers tell us they want help answering the toughest interview questions. That’s why we created the Answering the Interview Question eBook. Here are a few highlights to help with your interviews this year.
- Tell Me About Yourself
When an interviewer asks about this, they don’t usually want to hear about your favorite color or what TV show you’re binging at the moment. Instead, you want to keep things professional. Your answer should include any training or education you have that’s relevant to the job, past accomplishments in your career, etc.
However, being professional doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself. Try to tie your hobbies into your answers. For example, you can mention that you love to read and just read a book relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Why Should I Hire You?
Yeah, you’re probably thinking “because I need a paycheck,” but that doesn’t make for the best interview answer. This question isn’t about why YOU need the job, but rather why THE COMPANY would be wrong to pass up the chance to hire a stellar worker like you.
Show your interviewer that you’ve done your research by explaining how you match the company culture. Then let them know you have demonstrable success in positions like this and you offer this company a proven level of excellence you’ve demonstrated in previous jobs. And finally, explain how your soft skills will allow you to thrive in this position. Qualities like having good communication skills, being a team player, and having a strong work ethic can really push your credentials over the top.
- How Would Your Co-Workers Describe You in Three Words?
This question can blindside you if you aren’t prepared. Since it’s a fairly popular question, it’s important to ask your co-workers what they think of you beforehand. Interviewers want to know how you might fit into their team, and the easiest way to figure out what people think is to go straight to the source.
Once you have your co-workers’ responses, you can make a list of your own strengths. Employers ask this question not only to get an idea of what others think of you, but also to see what you think your strengths are. Your final answer should be a combination of the two.
This is just a quick summary of the info we have in the Answering the Interview Question eBook. Check the link out for answers to other popular questions, like “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years,” and “What are Your Top 3 Strengths and Weaknesses?”
Anything else you want to ask about interviews? Let us know in the comments section below!
