Let’s face it, we’ve all faced situations where we’ve found ourselves stuck on one or more questions during job interviews. You may have also come across a few questions that were repeated in every interview that you appeared for. At first glance, these questions might seem casual or ice-breakers. In fact, they are tools to provide the interviewer crucial insights about the candidate. These questions can also give candidates a few brownie points on answering them in a creative way, as well as set up the pace and course of the interview moving forward.
Read on to find out what the recruiter committee really wants to know when they ask you these 5 questions:
Q1: Tell us about yourself.
This is the first question asked by any interviewer right at the beginning of the interview. Through this question, the interviewer wants to know how self-aware you are. Do not repeat entirely from what you have already mentioned in your resume. It is also an opportunity to showcase your strengths and weaknesses, as well as to add anything you might have missed out in your CV.
Q2: Why do you want to work for our company?
A little specific, this question requires gaining knowledge about the company that you wish to join. Recruiters may want to know what aspects attracted you and if your goals resonate with the company’s vision and belief-system. Here, alongside talking about the positive aspects of the company, you must talk about all that you can offer to the company. Include what you will be able to bring to the company and the ways in which you can contribute towards their success.
Q3: What would you do if not selected?
This next question can be labeled as a ‘trick question’. On the surface, it may seem that your chances to be hired are less, since the interviewer has asked you this question. But what the interviewer really wants to know is whether you are able to deal with failures and complications in a healthy manner. The best possible response for this particular question involves being extremely professional as well as respectful. The important thing to mention while answering is that you are willing to use the experience in the future to improve yourself.
Q4: Why do you want to switch?
When this question pops up, recruiters want to explore your personal and professional values and what matters to you. They want to know the reasons behind you wanting to leave your previous employer, as well as find out whether you will be dedicated towards the company and your role, if selected. While answering this question, you might want to avoid any negative opinions of your previous employer and be genuine. For instance, if you’ve gained enough experience in your current position and wish to move one step ahead towards your career path, explaining your career goals to them would be the ideal thing to do.
Q5: Why do you think you are the best choice for this position?
This question is an opportunity for you to highlight your best character traits and let the recruiting committee know why you deserve to be placed in the position you are applying for. What separates you from the crowd, as well as how much you are able to place your capabilities in accordance to your peers. This might be the perfect time to highlight your accomplishments and reveal your relevant skill-set for the position. The key is to ensure that you stay humble throughout, while also being confident and convincing enough.
Q6: Do you have any questions for us?
Towards the end, this question is put up for quite a few reasons. One of the reasons is that the interviewer wants to find out whether you would be able to properly manage the responsibilities given to you. This is the opportunity to clear up your doubts about your job-role, or to ask for an honest feedback from the interviewer. However, it is preferred that you avoid questions related to perks offered, leave structure and holiday benefits, as they will informed to you eventually.
The above questions are more about an interviewer judging a candidate’s personality and to see their compatibility in the organization. These play an important role in a candidate’s eligibility, along with technical know-how and management skills.
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