7 Typical interview questions

I decided to write this article to help job seekers to better prepare for the interview. So here are some typical questions you may be asked at an interview. Of course there may be much more of them, but these are those I have experienced myself.

Can you tell me something about yourself?

Ok, here we are. This is opening question. By this question interviewer want to hear something from you. Don’t speak too much. 1-2 minutes will be enough. Here you need to speak about your current job and detail your education. It would be a good idea if you add something positive about yourself. In the end ask interviewer if they would like to get any detailed information on anything.

When I was first time asked this question I started to talk about something that was not necessary related to my current job; on the contrary I spoke about some things from my past, some goals, I told them how good I was etc. Do not follow my example. Never go back and stick to the real.

Why do you want to leave your current job?

The question is tricky. It aims to catch you in your answer. We all know that sometimes we can have issues at work – boss issues, heavy work load or co-workers, or maybe we need more salary but can’t get it there. That’s why we look for something new. In your answer you should speak that you are a good professional in your filed and that you are looking for new opportunities to develop. Never ever talk about problems or issues at your current or previous job.

Tell me about your current job?
Here interviewers are looking to find out about details of your current job. They want to understand if you are really the right candidate for the job you are applying, and if you are the right one. We all understand that this kind of question is kind of broad and answering this may take ages. To avoid this pick up some key points from your job and give examples. Make sure you provide relevant information to the job you apply for. Please remember that your examples must present you in the best positive manner.

What do you dislike about your job?
To tell the truth I hate the question. When I just started my career I didn’t understand why they ask me this. It was clear for me that if I look for another job it is completely obvious that there was something I disliked in my current job. But there sense in this question. They just want to be sure that their candidate is not like a complainer. They want somebody who can remain calm and positive at the same time managing one’s dislikes. When you answer this question you need to make positive points of your job and give explanations of how you managed your dislikes. When you talk about dislikes don’t complain; don’t say about any problems with your co-workers; on the contrary relate to ‘natural circumstances’ that arose and gave birth to these dislikes.

Why do you want to work for us?
They want to be sure that you will stick to their company and work for them. They want to know if you are really interested in the company and position, that this job is not kind of temporarily for you. A good idea to find a way out here would be do a market research of same companies. Next tell them you did this research and you are interested particularly in their company. This will for sure give you another good point. Be positive and creative. Spend some time to prepare for this question.

If they say you are over-qualified.

Ok, here we go. First you need to understand why they say this. If they said this there is something wrong with your resume. You did not spend enough time to match your resume to the employer’s needs and requirements. You put too much information in there. Remember that it is critically important for a hiring manager to understand of you are the right one; if this job is what you really look for. If they hire you they will train you, which may take up to half a year. You will be paid salary. But suddenly after one year you may want to leave company for better opportunities. It means that hiring manager did not do his job. Company spent money and time on your training in vain. To avoid this impression express interest for this job. You should also speak about your experience and education and how company may benefit from them. Be positive and enthusiastic.

Where do you want to be in five years time?
Again we see here that they want to see of you stay with the company or not. For example if you apply for coordinator job and your answer will be like you want to become a director you will probably fail this question. Be realistic and don’t make too many fantastic plans. You can tell them that you will be thinking of getting additional education to develop within company. You can also express some your goals, but be realistic.

Here are some of typical questions. There will be more later. I hope having read this article you better understand why certain questions are asked and how to answer them. Before you go to interview answer these questions to yourself with some more details as if you answer them at an interview. Get confidence and be ready.