10 Interview Questions You Should Get Right

Global Employability


There are some simple guidelines to follow when an interview is coming up to prepare for how you will behave at the interview. That being said, interviewers don’t reinvent the wheel every time they want to hire someone and many of the questions, they ask are similar. And hence, it doesn’t hurt to do some extra preparation by studying questions that interviewers frequently ask and that mean the most to them. Let us look at ten interview questions you should get right along with some examples.


“Tell Me About Yourself”


A very common open-ended question, “tell me about yourself” gives the interviewer ample information no matter what direction the answer takes. This question is a test to understand your relevant skill sets and interests that align with that of the job. Furthermore, it can also be used as a tool to assess whether the personality of the interviewee is a good fit for the workplace culture. The key to mastering this question is coming up with focused answers delivered in a slightly formal yet pleasant tone.

Example: I have been working in the design space for the last four years. I’m very interested in visual design which is why I applied for that role in your company, however, I am well versed in many different design processes. I am an excellent interaction designer as well.


“Why Should We hire You?”


The answer to this question highlights various experiences and portrays them in a future-facing direction. The key is to turn your past into context for your work in the company in question.

Example: I have worked as a CA in one of the top firms in India for the past three years. I am very well versed in finance and am sure I can make a big difference in your turnover if you hire me as a financial analyst.


“What Remuneration Are You Seeking?”


This is a tricky question to answer. Depending on where you’re applying, the negotiation might even happen right there at the table. Therefore, it is good to be prepared well in advance with a wide range of salaries for similar positions and also the least acceptable outcome for you.

Example: I am given to believe that people in this position are usually paid around the xxx-xxx range. We can work out the details when we finalize things.


“Why Are You Leaving Your Job?”


A very important tip for anyone who answers this question in an interview: don’t badmouth your previous boss or employer. This can come off as whiny, entitled, and picky. It is better instead to focus on what the current job you’re applying to will offer.
Example: I worked in back end and data architecture but have always been interested in design. This is why I took some time to finish some courses in the same. I am applying to your company as a full-stack designer.


“What Did You Like Least About Your Last Job?”


Quite often this question is a subtle trap question to assess your level of negativity and understand your attitude towards work better. If you’re asked this question, the best way to go about it is, to be honest and add a positive spin to it. Instead of pushing your last workplace down hold the new one up.

Example: Much of it was very formulaic, I wanted more creative license, that’s why I applied to your company, the work it is doing is just so innovative and amazing.


“How Do You Handle Working with People You Can't Get Along With?”


This question is just simply a restated version of “What is your temperament and will you be able to act as an adult and cooperate with a team regardless if you don’t like its members?”. The key is to play it cool but also be honest about your pet peeves. This way, you will seem relatable yet unhazardous to a cooperative environment.

Example: I generally get quite annoyed when people take my food in the office fridge. That’s why I like to take multiple things to eat. Just in case one gets eaten, then I’m not left out to dry ha-ha.


“Tell Me One Thing About Yourself You Wouldn’t want Me to Know”


Most times when a question like this comes up, there are many inappropriate things that pop into mind. None of which should be said out loud. Instead, what the interviewer is looking for is something in your past that has changed you for the better. This can highlight the spirit of overcoming things and changing for the better. The key is to be honest about one such thing from your past.

Example: Truth be told, I had developed a bit of a gambling habit and had gone into debt for a time but now I have managed to slowly regain control of my life and cut myself off from gambling. I haven’t gambled in over three years now.


“What Would Be Your Ideal Working Environment?”


Very simply put: do your research. It is important to do some basic research to understand the work environment of the company you’re applying to and then simply stating it with slight variations when asked the question.

Example: I am a big fan of transparent communication and building a community. As long as those two are incentivised in some way, I think it will be a fairly ideal work environment.


“What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can’t?”


This is the perfect question to emphasize your special qualities or any things that may make you seem like an asset to the company. It is important not to rattle on a long list but to keep it focussed on the tasks at hand.
Example: I am well versed in photography and graphic design. For an extremely small company like yours, I will be able to set up basic e-commerce distribution and a basic digital marketing setup to begin with. Moving forward we can hire a more prolific marketing team.


“Do You Have Any Questions for Me?”


Simply put, this question is honestly not a question but an opportunity to clear any shrouds of mystery that surround the job or the company you’re applying to. Always answer yes to the question and resolve all your doubts.

Example: Yes, I wanted to know what the clothing policy is at the company? As you can see my hair is quite long and I like to colour it quite often as well. Would that be a problem? What Are your views on non-formal attire?…



Date added
28.04.2022

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Global Employability

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