Taylor Tarantino
Interviews can be extremely nerve-wracking. Let’s dissect the situation: a stranger, who has the power to hire you and shape your career as well as the ability to determine your financial stability, asks you what seems like a thousand questions about your goals, work habits, work ethic, and employment history. Not scary at all, right?
A quote by Benjamin Franklin states, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” To avoid feelings of fear and distress before an interview, do yourself a favor and PREPARE. The most effective, scientific approach to eliminating fear is to expose yourself to what scares you, so what better way to prepare for an interview than to practice all questions an interviewer may ask? This article lists 20 of the most common interview questions you are bound to be asked by a potential future employer.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What were your responsibilities in your last job?
- Were there challenges and problems that you faced? How did you handle them?
- What is your greatest strength/weakness?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- Describe a specific situation or project that was difficult and how you overcame it.
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are you looking for in a new position?
- How would you describe the way you work in a team environment? Independently?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What are you passionate about?
- Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
- What motivates you?
- Tell me about a time you failed or made a mistake.
- What would you have changed or done differently at your previous job?
- What do you like to do outside of work?
- What is your desired salary?
- Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
- Do you have any questions for me?
If you want to rid the anticipation and stress before an interview, study these questions and have answers prepared. You do not need to memorize your responses, but having a solid idea of how to reply to these questions will ensure success. Along with these questions, you’ll also want to research the company before applying. Entering an interview with a clear understanding of the company’s culture and background shows you care about where you work and uphold a standard for yourself. Future employers want to see confidence, poise, and how you handle pressure. Study these questions, and you’ll be sure to make the best impression possible.
