You already got them to call you, it’s time to talk about you! An opportunity to stay with the job opens up and the first question is whether you are prepared to answer these 25 key questions in a job interview.
Have you ever walked out of an interview thinking you didn’t give 100%? Feeling that you failed to convince the recruiter and sell yourself? You are not the only one! The job interview is part of the process when you are looking for a job, and there are two fundamental tips to master it:
- prepare yourself
- Practice
Below we have compiled the most common interview questions and how you can answer them.
25 key questions in a job interview
The icebreakers
They seem casual, but they are focused on getting more information than you think. Find out why.
1. Tell me about yourself
The recruiter doesn’t want to know your life story, they are giving you the chance to talk openly about your ‘professional self’. Avoid sharing personal information, focus on your work profile , your strengths and show enthusiasm.
2. Why are you interested in the position?
Take the opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the job! It also highlights the qualities that make you ideal for him.
3. What do you know about our company?
Prepare ahead of time and research the company: mission, history, values, earnings, business units, and social media.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
Respond freely. The recruiter wants to know more about you. Hobbies like reading, playing sports, volunteering … are valuable for certain companies.
5. What is your goal in life?
It is a way to glimpse your priorities and ambition. It also assesses values and personality.
The awkward
They will go deep into your professional life with the intention of detecting red lights. Anticipate your answer so that you are not taken by surprise!
6. Why did you leave your previous job? Why do you want to change jobs?
Leave out negative comments about your past work experience , focus on your desire to grow and how this position surpasses the one you have or had before.
7. Why haven’t you lasted in your previous jobs? Why did you last so little in your previous job?
The recruiter wants to identify your work history and assess your stability. Remember not to blame your former boss or company. Explain why you are confident that you can establish a lasting relationship with this new company.
8. Why did you get fired?
Be honest and explain what you learned from that experience.
9. What can you tell me about your previous boss?
It’s a big mistake to complain to the interviewer about how poorly you were treated at your former company or how incompetent your boss was . Better focus on what you learned and the challenges you expect from a new job.
10. Do you have debts?
For some positions, your financial history is relevant, this can add points for considering you a reliable person who meets your commitments.
the difficult ones
They provide the recruiter with key information about your professional profile, which is why they are key questions in a job interview. Think carefully before answering!
11. There is a gap in your work experience, what did you do during that time?
Highlight productive activities such as: volunteer work , taking a course, finishing your studies.
12. Tell me about a time in your working life when you made a mistake, how did you solve it?
We all make mistakes at work, but there are those who have the ability to approach their mistake intelligently and seek a solution. Show that you are that person.
13. How do you handle pressure?
It focuses on evaluating your emotional intelligence , it talks about practical actions: taking some time alone to think, asking for help, organizing your key tasks, etc.
14. What would happen if after 5 years working with us you did not get a promotion? Would it be frustrating for you?
Employees have less and less seniority in their jobs, companies are looking for people to stay. Talk about security in your ability to add value to the company and your interest in development and learning beyond promotions.
15. What are your salary expectations?
Before taking a risk with a figure, do your research! Talk about the highest figure obtained according to your experience, clarify that it is negotiable and talk about other benefits of your interest such as benefits, growth, bonuses, etc.
The captious
They are intended to go beyond your professional speech and assess your personality.
16. What is your biggest weakness or flaw?
Beyond judging you, the interviewer seeks to know your degree of honesty and self-awareness. Talk about a weak point that you are working on improving.
17. How would you describe your ideal job?
The interviewer will want to find out if the company, the position and you are a ‘match’. Instead of answering ‘rock star’ focus on your true long-term goals.
18. If you won the lottery today, would you come to work tomorrow? Does only money move you? How much do you respect your commitments?
That lottery could be another company’s proposal, and the interviewer will want to gauge your loyalty.
19. How do you see yourself in 5, 10 years? Does the position match your future expectations?
Be honest. It is also valid to say that you are not sure yet, but that this position will be decisive for your career.
20. What has been the biggest mistake in your life? You learned? Do you learn from your mistakes? Did your experiences help you mature?
Talk about a failure that you have turned into a success.
the challengers
They seek to reveal how you deal with different situations or obstacles.
21. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you have faced at work and how you resolved it. Are you prepared to solve problems?
It is the real question here and the recruiter wants to know if you are professional and can handle a difficult situation.
22. Mention a specific situation in your working life in which you have shown your leadership
The recruiter will want examples that demonstrate that you have the key competencies that you mentioned on your CV or that are relevant to the job opening, for example: integrity, creativity, proactivity, problem solving, etc.
23. What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
For key positions, decision making is a highly relevant competency. The interviewer will want to know if you are capable of taking risks and looking for new solutions or if you prefer the safe path.
24. Why should we hire you?
The interviewer is challenging you to sell yourself. Talk about why you can get the job done, achieve goals, and fit in with the company.
25. Do you have any questions?
This is one of the key questions in a job interview that cannot be missed. 99% of recruiters will ask you “do you have any questions?”. Saying no is wrong. Asking questions shows your interest in the position and can also give you valuable information about the company.
The forbidden
On some occasions there will be those that are not key questions in a job interview and address topics other than work. Employment discrimination is a sensitive topic, and an interviewer can expose a non-inclusive hiring culture by asking these questions:
- What religion do you practice?
- You are pregnant?
- What is your sexual orientation?
- Do you plan to have children?
- Do you suffer from any serious illness?
How do you answer these key questions in a job interview?
Leave us a comment and tell us about your experience!