Top 10 Questions Asked in a Job Interview

Top 10 Questions Asked in a Job Interview

An interview is an official conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee. Most of us often fumble while answering in an interview which may reflect lack of preparation and, sometimes, lack of confidence which may not leave a good impression on you prospective employer.

Top 10 Questions Asked in a Job Interview

Why do you want this job?

This is one of the most predictable questions. Here the interviewer may be expecting an answer which indicates that you are serious about the job and you have not forwarded your resume just because there is an opening. You should convince him or her that you are the right person for the job.
Tell him or her that your skills and your qualifications are tailor made for the job and it is something you are passionate about. Also, it is advisable to research about the company and job profile a little in order to make you answer sound genuine.


What are your goals?

You can talk about your long term and short term goals. You could say, "My long term goal is to grow within the company and to attain leadership qualities. As far as my short term goals are concerned, I would like to serve the organisation to the best of my ability."


What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Try to answer by minimising your weaknesses and focusing more on your strengths. Talk about your personality, skills, experience and abilities. Illustrate your answers with real life examples.  Elaborate more on your leadership qualities and originality. Don't pretend to be perfect, talk about those weaknesses which you have improved upon.


Tell me about yourself?

This is one of the simplest questions asked in an interview. Tell him or her about yourself, your hobbies, achievements, educational qualifications etc.  Summarise your experiences and improvement made in the work performance. Be confident and convey your enthusiasm for the job.


What are your achievements?

Avoid personal achievements, chose work related examples which focus on your abilities and strengths relevant for the job.


Why should we hire you?

Talk about your skills and experience related to the job.  "I have all the abilities suitable for this job and I assure you that I would work for the welfare of the company and will put all my effort for the company's growth and self development."


Where do you see yourself in next five years?

Don't be unreal; be honest and realistic about your future goals. Talk in terms of achievements and responsibilities.


What are your salary expectations?

It is an advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Mention your previous salaries but make sure you sound realistic and honest. You can tell them your preference but avoid salary negotiations at the interview if you can. If you are keen to work with the organisation then salary won't be a big issue. The salary offered will depend on your skills, qualifications and experience.


What do you know about our organization?

Be prepared to answer this question. Research about the company, its policies, customers it deals with, the product and services it offers prior to the interview.


Any questions you have?

When your interviewer wraps up your interview, you may ask him about the work, company and the team you will work with. This shows your level of enthusiasm and seriousness towards the job.

Ways to Get Effective Body Language For Job Interviews

Ways to Get Effective Body Language For Job Interviews

Job interviews are not just about good resumes, knowledge and the words you speak. Your body language is equally important that not only tells a lot about you, but may also stand as an important factor between getting hired or not. So, Some tips are below for you.

Interview Time

1. Make a pleasing entrance :-

An interview starts even before you get into the interview room. You never know who could be in the parking lot with you, looking at you from a window or standing next to you in the elevator. The key is to keep calm and you will appear calm. From entering the office building to waiting in the common hall to entering the interviewer's cabin, your body should tell anyone who might be watching that you're confident and prepared.


2. The handshake :-

Job interviews mean handshakes. So not only maintain a formal distance with the interviewer while doing this, but also offer your hand with the palm slightly up so that your interviewer's hand covers yours. Since you are going to shake with your right hand, be prepared for it by arranging your belongings on your left side.
Remember, never cover the other person's hand with the hand you are not shaking with.


3. Sit properly :-

Sit upright but in a relaxed fashion leaning slightly forward at about a 10 to 15 degree angle towards the interviewer. This sends the message that you are interested and involved.


4. Maintain eye contact :-

Always maintain eye contact and be an active listener. Keep nodding lightly while the other person is speaking so as to give an impression that you are interested in what the other person is saying. Also, keeping eye contact forms a positive connection and tends to reduce the tension. This also expresses your self-confidence.


5. Be aware of your hands :-

The best thing to do with your hands is to rest them loosely clasped in your lap or on the table, if there is one. Fiddling with hair, face or neck sends the message of anxiety and uncertainty. Body language experts say that touching the nose, lips or ears gives a negative impression and can signal that the candidate is lying. Avoid keeping your hands folded or crossed. This signals that you are defensive and even portrays a threatening and negative attitude.


6. Show synchronisation :-

Synchronise yourself with the other person. Read his/her habits and follow his/her facial cues and impressions. This would enable you to know if the other person is or isn't agreeing to your comment. Then make impromptu modifications in your speech as the occasion demands.


7. Avoid drooping and looking downcast :-

Finally, avoid drooping and looking downcast, no matter how the interview session is going. Be forward, confident and direct when you speak or act.