Introduction
Different types of interviews may be arranged depending on the positions that a company or agency is seeking for. These interviews are intended to assess various aspects of your professional ability, behavior, and personality.
Here are some of the most typical interview formats, along with an explanation of what candidates should expect from their interviews and tips for preparation. interviews conducted in person, virtually, online, or by behavior.
How to prepare for an interview
Although this may seem apparent, you’d be amazed at how many applicants overlook the simple things like checking that their computer is in good operating order—fully charged battery, tested microphone and webcam, strong internal connection, quiet workspace, etc. As with the in-person interview, proper attire and stance are crucial.
You must bring your most recent resume to every job interview.
The ability to create a sort of “cheat sheet” without anyone seeing it is one of the benefits of using video. This is indeed his presentation plan, complete with the key points he wants to make. The new graduate may be able to keep track of his thoughts with the help of this document. He can include his professional experiences and academic background on the one side, and his motivation and effective teamwork on the other, which are meant to demonstrate to the recruiter his soft skills.
Questions commonly asked in an interview
In employment interviews, the following questions are especially common. Naturally, not all of these apply to every job (for instance, you won’t be asked where you see yourself in five years if you’re applying for a job as a waiter in addition to your studies). However, in theory, you should anticipate the application questions if you want to work as a manager or employee in a range of sectors and roles.You can learn the meaning behind the query and what constitutes a suitable response here.
“Tell us a little bit about yourself.”
A common technique to begin an interview is with an open-ended question, which causes many candidates to perspire. It provides you with the chance to introduce yourself and explain why you are the best candidate for the position from the outset.
In your response, briefly discuss your qualifications for joining the team. You can talk about your qualifications, personality, or professional phases.
You may also include a justification for your application to the job.
Try to stay on topic and don’t write too much.
Example answer:
“With delight! I have a strong enthusiasm for graphic design, and I worked as an apprentice in print and web media design after high school. I worked for a marketing agency for three years after that, gaining professional experience. During my previous role, I increasingly concentrated on the field of user experience design and pursued further training in this area outside of work. I have a unique passion for the psychological methods used in this profession, and my ultimate goal is to become an expert in UX design for applications. I was drawn to your job posting because of this.Your company plan excites me much, and I’m really curious about your goods. For this reason, I believe I would be a great fit in your organization as a UX designer. Additionally, I think I could offer a lot of fresh perspectives to the table because I’m passionate about emerging design trends and the firm helped me learn about industry best practices, which is undoubtedly helpful for creative designs.”
2. “What makes you want to work for this company?”
Your prospective employer wants to learn more about your motivation by asking you this question. Do you really want to work for this organization, or are you just seeking for a position that you can leave as soon as possible?
- Show with your answer that you have researched the position and the company in detail.
- Pick up on aspects of the job description that appealed to you.
- Ideally, you should also include your qualifications and make it clear why you are exactly the right person for the job.
Example answer:
“I was immediately drawn to your company’s sales representative position because of how well your emphasis on creative sales techniques aligns with my background and interests. I had extensive training in this area at my previous employment, and I’d be happy to put it to use now and learn even more. My application was also influenced by your standing as a pioneer in the renewable energy sector. I am personally persuaded by the eco-friendly items in your inventory, and I think this job is the ideal way to merge my love of sustainability and sales.”
3. “What are your strengths?”
A classic interview question designed to test your suitability for the job.
- Only mention personal strengths that are relevant to the position.
- Support your strengths with concrete examples from previous jobs.
For example, “My ability to communicate complex technical solutions in an understandable way is my greatest strength.” For instance, I managed several teams with various technical specialties for my most recent project and successfully communicated the technical specifications so that everyone could collaborate.”
4. “What areas do you struggle with?”
HR managers want to know how you handle your flaws more than anything else when they inquire about them. “What are you not so good at?” and “What do you often get criticized for?” are two other possible phrasings.
- Only mention weaknesses that are relevant in a professional context.
- One to three weaknesses are enough.
- Show what you are doing or planning to do to compensate for the weakness.
Example response: “I sometimes have a tendency to become overly focused on the minutiae, which can cause me to lose sight of the bigger picture. However, I’ve been trying to better organize my schedule. To make sure I don’t get bogged down in the specifics and instead maintain focus on the big picture, I, for instance, clearly define milestones before starting a project.”
5. “In five years, where do you see yourself professionally?”
If you, like many other applicants, find this interview question challenging, then so are you. Your history: The interviewer is interested in knowing your motivations and if you have any career aspirations.
Your answer should convey that you have clear goals and ideas – and that you do not plan to leave the company quickly.
Include the objectives in your response if they are stated in the job description.
Caution: Avoid coming across as someone who wants to oust their superior from their position as boss.
As an illustration,
“I’d like to work with you for a long time. That indicates to me that I want to grow professionally over the next few years and assume greater responsibility. It appears from your job posting that a new department will be established in the near future. Should the chance present itself, I have no trouble envisioning myself in a managerial role down the road.”
6. “What were the highlights of your career?”
It’s time to shine: Provide a report on past projects that you are really proud of. As an alternative, you might, of course, also discuss your academic achievements or difficult circumstances that you have overcome in the past.
Restrict yourself to your career accomplishments.
As an illustration,
“Overseeing an architectural project for an apartment building where I effectively incorporated sustainable construction was one of my biggest accomplishments. The project’s ecological design won an award, and many families were able to live in a livable residential complex.”
7. “Why ought we to pick you?”
Consider what makes you stand out from the competition. These could be abilities, work history, or character qualities.
Provide a confident, but not haughty, response.
Give instances to back up your claims.
As an illustration,
“I should be your choice since I can persuade buyers of your products and not only understand their demands, but I’m also innovative and interested in the latest trends in sales. I provided some suggestions for product presentation and sales promotions at my previous job, which greatly increased sales. In the future, I would be delighted to contribute these abilities to your business.”
How do you end an interview
Throughout the interview, don’t hesitate to take notes, especially to note down questions to ask your recruiter at the end of your discussion. Asking relevant questions to your interviewer helps to demonstrate your involvement and interest in the position offered.
Some examples of questions to ask a recruiter:
- What are the prospects for the development of your company?
- What does a typical day look like in this role?
- Are there any prospects for advancement in this position?
- Would it be possible to meet the person who currently holds this position?
- Do you offer training?
- What performance tools do you use?
- What do you like most about this company?
- How did you get to this position?
- What is your greatest achievement within the company?
- Is there any travel required for this position?
- What is the working atmosphere like within your team?
- Who will be my manager?
Conclusion
Following up on your application is essential once you bid your recruiter farewell. Never be afraid to write to them or send a thank-you email on your conversation. You can also restate the main points of your discussion.
This strategy, nevertheless, may have drawbacks because your interviewer will be able to assess your written communication abilities in terms of syntax, punctuation, and spelling.
So give yourself some time to read it again.
The purpose of the questions is now clear to you. They are a way to learn as much as you can about yourself in a short amount of time from someone you want to work successfully and long-term. It is more about your personality than it is about perfection. Thus, present yourself. Try to approach the brainteasers as a game or athletic activity, and make full use of your imagination and inventiveness.