Top 10 interview questions:

Having a job interview can be very stressful. I can only imagine because I’ve never been to one. Yep! The sad reality of being a graduate in South Africa. Below are a few questions that are more likely to be asked in an interview and how you can go about answering them. Formulate your own answers relevant to the position you are applying for. To get more interview tips, follow Himanshu Kumar on LinkedIn as some of these questions were formulated by him.

Common Interview Questions:

1.       Tell me about yourself?

This a very tricky question because in most cases we struggle to describe ourselves to others. Sell yourself in the best way possible. Give an answer that aligns with the position you are applying for. There is no need to talk about your upbringing. Keep it short and simple and include your name, what you’re currently doing, and your recent achievements.

2.         What are your strengths?

For this answer, you will have to look more into your skills that align with the position that you are applying for. To keep it short and simple mention 3-4 skills. Also, give an example of how or where you used those skills.

3.       What are your weaknesses?

Balance negative with positive. Do not talk about your flaws, rather mention something that you’re struggling with and talk about how you’re working on improving that specific aspect.

4.       The “Silent Treatment.”

Your answer to this question will show managers how you would handle conflict in the workplace.

5.       How did you hear about this position?

There is absolutely no need to lie. If you saw it on their website then say it and if you heard about it from someone who is an employee at the company then give them credit.

6.       Why do you want to work at our company?

Keyword: Passion. Your excitement for the position and the idea of working for that company should be evident in your answer. Speak about what motivated you to apply and where you heard about the company.

7.       Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Here the managers want to see if you’re ambitious or not and whether you see a future with their company.

8.       Describe your ideal company, location, and job.

Are you at the right place? Ask yourself this question before answering. Make sure your answer aligns with the brand of the company.

9.       What is the most challenging task that you’ve ever done?

The answer to this question will help managers determine whether you’re fit for the job.

10   What are you currently busy with?

This is a question that you would have most probably answered in your introduction. It refers to the job you’re currently doing and what it entails.

Behavioral Interview Questions:

These are questions that you would have already answered but do go through them and make sure that the questions are different from what you previously said.

When using these questions try to formulate your own answers. This will help you remember everything during the interview process and it will be a lot easier than having to remember someone else’s answers. Also, do more research a day before the interview just to make sure you have the hang of everything. Those nerves and anxiety better not come out to play during the interview.