General Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

Interview is always a time to prove that you are who your CV/resume says you are. It is used to gauge your capability to be sure that you can perform on the job you are being interviewed for. 

Interview is often done through questioning and a bit of conversation. While there are many questions that could be asked in an interview, there are a few that you can’t miss in an interview, and it is important that you know how to answer them properly.

“Tell me about yourself.”

• This is a common opening question in interviews. It is an opportunity for you to give a brief overview of your background, education, and relevant work experience.

“Why do you want to work for our company?”

• This question allows you to show your knowledge and interest in the company and the position you are applying for. Be specific about what you like about the company and how you can contribute to its success.

“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

• When discussing your strengths, give specific examples of how you have demonstrated them in the past. For your weaknesses, be honest and focus on an area you are actively working to improve.

“Why should we hire you?”

• This is your opportunity to sell yourself and highlight your qualifications and experience that make you the best candidate for the job.

“What are your salary expectations?”

• Research the typical salary range for the position you are applying for and be prepared to discuss it. Be willing to negotiate and be open to discussing benefits as well.

“What are your long-term career goals?”

• This question allows you to show your ambition and motivation. Be specific about what you want to achieve and how the position you are applying for fits into your overall career plan.

“Do you have any questions for us?”

• This is your chance to show your interest in the company and the position. Ask about the company’s plans for growth, how the position will contribute to the company’s success and other questions that show your interest.

“Can you give an example of a difficult situation you’ve faced and how you handled it?”

• This question is asking for a specific example of a problem you’ve encountered and how you overcame it. Try to give an example that is relevant to the job you’re applying for and highlight the skills you used to solve it.

“Can you tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult team member? How did you handle it?”

• This question is testing your ability to work well with others, particularly in difficult situations. Give an example of a time when you had to work with a difficult team member and how you dealt with the situation. Emphasize on your communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.

“What are your thoughts on [current industry/company-related topic]?”

• This question is asking for your opinion on a current industry or company-related topic. Be sure to research the topic before the interview and be able to express your thoughts in a thoughtful and informed manner.

“Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a new work environment or technology?”

• This question is asking about your ability to adapt and learn new things. Give an example of a time when you had to adjust to a new work environment or technology and how you handled it. Highlight your flexibility, willingness to learn, and problem-solving skills.

“What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?”

• This question allows the interviewer to get a sense of your personality and interests outside of work. Be honest and pick hobbies and interests that align with the company’s values or that can help you excel at the job.

Please note that while these are typical responses, they are not the only acceptable responses. They are just a guide to help you create yours and ace the interview.