Types of Questions in a job interview

Employers use job application forms to determine if a person is qualified for a specific position. However, the job interview is one of the best tools during the selection process to choose between the candidates.

Being such an important factor during the hiring process, it is normal for a person to feel a little nervous when thinking about it. But an excellent help is to prepare in advance to answer the different types of questions in a job interview; in this way you can project security and stand out among the candidates.

Frequently asked questions in job interviews

Although the questions vary according to the sector in which it is developed and the objectives of the company that evaluates the candidates, some are essential. Therefore, if you have to attend a job interview, you may be faced with questions such as:

· Tell us about yourself

With this question, recruiters seek to make a professional profile of the person whom they interview and determine if they can add any value to the organization.

· What is your motivation?

Like the previous one, this question can help the recruiter to determine if the values ​​of the interviewee are in accordance with those of the company.

· Why are you interested in this organization / company?

Many companies are looking for more than just a worker, they want a collaborator that helps in the growth of the company. The answer to this question allows the recruiter to see if the candidate is interested, both in the position and in the company in general.

For this it is important that before conducting the interview, you prepare very well, inquire about the origins and what does the company do? which are his strong points and which one it is the role that he contributes to the country's economy.

Describe your strengths

A person who knows what he can contribute is of great value in a company; for that reason, this is one of the most common questions during interviews. The answer is decisive to know if a candidate has the skills needed for a position of work.

An example of strengths can be:

• I consider myself a leader capable of motivating a team of people to achieve goals and objectives.
• I am a professional with a high capacity for positivism
• I like to get daily knowledge
• I am interested in working with a good team of professionals

· Do you have any weaknesses?

Although it may seem like a leading question, it is of great value to the interviewer; this answer allows to detect the honesty level of the candidate and helps to know if he is willing to improve certain negative aspects.

Some examples of weakness can be:

1. “Previously it was impossible for me to comply with deliveries of daily reports, I have worked developing my planning skills and I have had great results that have helped me improve this point" …

· Why did you leave the previous job?

This type of question does not seek to put the interviewee to shame, instead, it seeks to complement the information in the job application. By understanding the situation that generated the change, the interviewer can know how appropriate the candidate is for the company.

· Is there anything that doesn't appeal to you about this job opportunity?

On the one hand, this question can measure the honesty of a candidate and, on the other hand, it lets you know if he has done any research on it. But, in addition, you can determine if you are interested in improving what you consider negative.

· What makes you the right person for this position?

The answer to this question lets a recruiter know if the candidate has thought carefully about the job or applied out of emotion.

· What challenges have you faced in similar positions? How have you overcome them?

Once again, the interviewer seeks to know the candidate's experience and determine how valuable it is for the organization. A response with a positive approach speaks of a worker willing to solve problems.

· What salary expectations do you have?

First of all, the answer to this question helps to know if the salary offered by the company will be satisfactory for the candidate. But it also determines whether your expectations are within the range generally offered for the type of position you are applying for.

How to respond in a job interview

As mentioned above, the best answer is the most honest, but this does not mean that the candidate should not prepare. Give well thought out answers during the interview you can make an applicant stand out from others. Important points to take into account are:

• Prepare a profile describing your studies and the skills you have acquired in some jobs. For example: "I have a degree in Administration and my greatest skill is ...". In this way, the interviewer can begin to get an idea of ​​what you can offer.
• Showing passion for what you do can be a plus during the interview. Therefore, it is good to think in advance about the aspects that you like about your work and that make you enjoy it. This will allow you to give an adequate answer to questions related to your motivations.
• Knowing as much as possible about the expectations of the position offered by the company and the working conditions they present is also very important. That way you will know how to answer questions like "Why did you choose to apply to this company?" In addition, you will know if there is something with which you totally agree and you will be able to give your opinion in a respectful way.
• Knowing you is essential; think about how you have acted in the past when faced with a challenge or under pressure. Then think about how to tell your ways of solving these types of situations or some aspect that you want to improve. This will let potential employers know that you have been preparing for the position.
• Count honestly because you are not continuing in your new job. If you have been disenrolled or decided to withdraw, briefly explain the reasons without making it sound like a complaint.
• Even if you like your job a lot, you know that salary is one of the most important aspects. Think about the approximate amount you would like to receive and investigate what the estimate is for the position you are applying for. In this way you can give an answer that adjusts to the demands of the job and to reality.

Recommendations to attend a job interview

• Although not all companies require it, attending the interview in a formal suit will help you stand out.
• You can practice your responses in front of the mirror to see if your gestures match your words.
• Getting plenty of rest before attending the interview will help keep your nerves in check.
• If possible, learn the names of your interviewers and their titles to respectfully address each of them when responding.

We hope this post is very helpful and successful.

Sources and references