Understanding the kinds of questions you’ll likely be asked during a job interview can increase your chances of landing the perfect job. However, to answer them correctly we need to understand what the hiring managers are really asking. Understanding the underlying motives behind these questions and tailoring your responses accordingly can help you stand out as a candidate who not only possesses the required skills but also aligns well with the company’s culture and expectations.
Here are the most common types of masked questions and tips on how to interpret and answer them:
1. Tell me about yourself.
Employers ask this question to better understand your skills and accomplishments. Your answer should be concise and direct but most importantly it should answer the question why you are a good fit for the position.
How to answer: Include information about your background, your key achievements, personal characteristics, and related work experience.
2. Why do you want to work at this company?
Interviewers ask this question to see if you took the time to research the company,but most importantly they are considering whether you will be a good fit and align well with the company’s culture.
How to answer: In your answer, mention specific aspects of the company including the history, products, services, and projects, in your response make sure to state how the company aligns with your values and career goals.
3. Why should we hire you?
Hiring managers often ask this question to make sure you understand the role and responsibilities for the position you are applying for.
How to answer: In your response, highlight relevant skills you possess, including a few responsibilities from your previous jobs that align to the current position.The key is here to make the connection between your skills, your past responsibilities, and the duties for the position you are applying for.
4. What are your greatest strengths?
Similar to the question why should we hire you? hiring managers ask this question to get clarity on who the most qualified candidate is. While it may feel uncomfortable to speak highly of yourself, this is your time to shine.
How to answer:Remember, not all strengths are created equal.In your response choose the strengths that are most relevant but most importantly that align to the position and the responsibilities to which you are applying for.
5. What are your greatest weaknesses?
Hiring managers often ask this question to eliminate candidates who will require extensive training. While you are not expected to know everything when starting a new position, some weaknesses may be detrimental in your learning curve towards accomplishing your duties.
How to answer: Choosing the correct weakness is key. NEVERchoose a weakness/trait that influences your ability to perform your duties. The Key is to choose a weakness that’s had a positive impact in your professional growth.
6. Can you tell me about a difficult work situation and how you overcame it?
Hiring managers often used this question to assess your problem-solving skills and how well you perform under pressure.
How to answer: Consider using our method, Event, Action Result (EAR) when discussing a difficult work situation. The key is to show them, not tell them.
7. Do you have any questions?
An interview should not be a one-way conversation.An interview is a conversation not an interrogation. This part of the interview process is as important, if not more important as it allows you to explore topics that have not been addressed and it shows the interviewer that you are serious about the position.
How to answer: Consider asking two position related questions andonequestion addressing the next step in the hiring process and your point of contact.