Eight questions you must prepare for before your next job interview

Job interviews can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. Whether you are a charismatic individual who performs well in interviews or someone who would be nervous throughout the whole ordeal, a little preparation would not go amiss for you. We have a few suggestions about answering common interview questions that will empower you to walk into your next interview with confidence and ease:

"Tell me about yourself."

This is the most common interview opening question out there. While the question is seemingly simple, giving a satisfactory answer would be quite the task for you. How can you condense several years of experience into a few sentences? You must understand that the interviewer does not want to hear your entire life story. They want to know about your background which makes you a great candidate for the position. Consider your answer as your elevator pitch and focus on the most relevant experience and qualifications you possess.

"What do you know about our company?"

This is what the interviewer asks when they want to know whether you have done your homework. Now is a good time for you to exhibit your research skills. Study the company website before you attend the interview. Pay attention to the employer’s vision and mission. Read up on any news regarding the company. Are they organizing a big industry event in just a few days? Have they come up with a unique innovation?

"What are your strengths?"

This is the employer giving you a chance to toot your own horn. When talking about your strengths, focus on the skills that matter for the job. Is it a remote job that would benefit from your time management skills or exceptional communication skills? Or is it an important project management role that requires a lot of problem-solving skills?

"What are your weaknesses?"

This question almost always comes up during an interview. The interviewer is trying to gauge whether you are self-aware, through this question. Therefore, don’t try to make it into a show-off by saying something like “I’m a terrible perfectionist.” Instead, give a genuine answer. Try to choose a skill that would not affect your performance in the new role. Mention how you are working toward fixing it when you give your answer.

"What motivates you?"

This question allows the employer to see whether you will be passionate about the job and its role. You must be genuine when you answer this question. Do you love helping clients solve their issues? That is a great motivation behind an excellent customer service agent. Do you have an innate desire to heal? That is something you must highlight during your healthcare interview.

"Describe a time when you faced a difficult challenge."

This is a type of behavioral question that can identify how you behave in different situations and react to certain stimuli. This is also a great chance for you to showcase your problem-solving skills. Select a challenging situation from your past work experience. Identify the exact problem you faced and show the interviewer the steps you took to resolve the issue.

"Why are you interested in this job?"

When you answer this question, you must show your enthusiasm for the job. Have you always wanted to be a wildlife rehabilitator as a child? Then talk about your passion and show the steps that you took to qualify for the job of your dreams. Do you love marketing and interacting with people? Talk about how your passion got you into working as a digital marketer.

"Do you have any questions for us?"

You must always have a list of questions prepared for the interviewer to ask once the interview is over. These questions must emphasize your interest in the role and the industry. Ask the interviewer about a challenge the company is facing recently. Or ask them about the importance of your role in the organization.