10 Common Job Interview Questions

Interview questions appear simple, but we must answer all of them with intelligence and the presence of the mind. Study these top questions researched by Techfynder that are commonly asked in an interview to jobseekers. Customise your answers and present the best to your recruiter. 

1. Tell me about yourself: 

This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it's crucial. Here's the deal: Don't give your complete employment (or personal) history.  Instead, give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Start with the 2-3 specific accomplishments or experiences that you most want the interviewer to know about, then wrap up talking about how that prior experience has positioned you for this specific role.

Example: “I am a highly motivated individual with a strong background in team leadership and customer service. At my previous job, I was responsible for managing a team of customer service representatives and ensuring that our customers had a positive experience. I am confident that I can bring my skills and experience to this role and contribute to the company’s success.”

2. What are your strengths?

This question allows you to put your best foot forward and sell yourself to the interviewer. Be sure to answer honestly and include your strengths and weaknesses. Your strengths are equally proportioned with the contribution you will make to the company. Please note strengths are subjective in nature and vary from person to person.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to stay calm under pressure. I have worked in customer service for many years and have learned how to handle difficult situations. I am also very organized and have strong attention to detail. My weaknesses include my impatience and my tendency to be a perfectionist.”

3. What are your weaknesses?

This is a difficult question to answer, but it is important, to be honest. You don’t want to seem like you are trying to hide something or are unwilling to improve. Be vulnerable to accept the weaknesses you have. It helps the recruiter to understand to see if you have the ability to be transparent. At the same time, how do you overcome weaknesses to progress in your work life?  

Example: “I sometimes have a hard time saying ‘no’ to people. I want to be able to help everyone and sometimes I take on too much. I am working on being more assertive and setting better boundaries.”

4. Why do you want this job?

This question allows you to present yourself to the interviewer. Be sure to give an honest answer. You are applying to this company for a reason. Justify how applying here will fulfil your reason. Make it clear why you want this job. Earning a livelihood is an outcome, but choosing this company how will it reflect your career and personal growth. Mention why in the first place, you felt like applying. Also, you can talk about your skills that can help the company in its current stage of growth. 

Example: “I am attracted to this job because it is a challenging role in a growing company. I want to be a part of a team that is making a difference in the world. I also believe that I can contribute to the success of the company with my skills and experience."

5. Why should we hire you?

Tell the interviewer how it will profit them, keeping in mind your on-ground experience. With experience, you've learned after years of trial and error. The result of trial and error is precious. Also, mention that you are a team player keen to work together. Solving Problems is your forte. So, you understand a product thoroughly to help a company in critical problem-solving. 

Example: “I believe that I am the best candidate for this job because of my experience in customer service and my ability to stay calm under pressure. I am also very organized and have strong attention to detail. I am confident that I can bring my skills and experience to this role and contribute to the company’s success.”

6. What are your salary requirements?

Don't hesitate to answer this. As you present your work, you must present what you expect from this role. Justify the reason, why they should pay you in that range. All employees work on the motivation of how much they are paid in a company. Especially when you are skilful and can benefit the company with growth. You don’t want to seem like you are trying to hide something or that you are not willing to negotiate.

Example: “I am open to discussing my salary requirements. I would like to receive a competitive salary that is commensurate with my skills and experience.”

7. What is your greatest achievement?

Showcase your achievements that are relatable to your current role. Your showcased achievements must be of some value to the role you are applying for. The greatest achievement can also be quality in nature. Like you have earned a skill just by voluntarily participating in a project. People gaining leadership skills or nurturing qualities in you that can benefit a company can also be considered achievements. 

Example: “My greatest achievement is my ability to stay calm under pressure. I have worked in customer service for many years and have learned how to handle difficult situations. I am also very organized and have strong attention to detail. I am confident that I can bring my skills and experience to this role and contribute to the company’s success.”

8. What is your greatest failure?

This question is very similar to what your weaknesses are. But the purpose of this question is different. It is challenging as it is checking your 'admit' skills. How you present yourself and accept your plus points? Will you also admit if you've failed somewhere? This is a skill because if you can admit it, you can improve in those areas too. In an interview, your psychology is understood through the asked questions. If you cannot admit your mistakes or failures, it will showcase arrogance and less self-awareness. 

Example: “My greatest failure is my impatience. I sometimes have a hard time waiting for things to happen. I am working on being more patient and learning to enjoy the process.”

9. What are your career aspirations?

You have partially answered this in 'why you want this job. Fully as an answer, you can tell them how you dream to grow in this current field. First, explain why you think you can grow, especially in the company you are interviewing for. Balancing your work and home, and efficiently being in good health can also be an answer. People in years lose interest in their careers as they lose health. Maintaining health is a good sign to be a long-term employee and will result in consistency in your contribution. 

Example: “I am looking for a challenging role in a growing company. I want to be a part of a team that is making a difference in the world. I also believe that I can contribute to the success of the company with my skills and experience.”

10. Where do you see yourself in five years?  

A person can discuss 5 years duration only when if he/she is visionary about what they do. The company loves to hire and plan for visionary people who contribute for a long time. Your ambition is precious, it also tells you about how aware you are of your role. Visualise and prepare how you want to present your 5 years to your recruiter. It will increase the chances of selection. 

Example: “I see myself in a leadership role in the company. I want to be able to contribute to the success of the company and help it grow. I also believe that I can contribute to the success of the team with my skills and experience.”