A job interview is not an easy thing to face, especially as there are no retakes for the same. Unlike writing exams or creating your resume, you have got only one chance to clear the interview.
What and how you answer the questions can make or break your chance of getting selected. So, make sure you put in your best efforts to succeed in the interview.
"Be so good that they can’t ignore you”- Steve Martin
Here are some tips to prepare you for your perfect job interview with sample answers (as you read this article, try to picture yourself at the job interview and write your own answer to each specific question, following the sample answers example):
12 Job Interview Questions And Answers Sample Tips To Prepare You
1. What Are Your Strengths?
Use this opportunity to highlight your strengths and describe where you have used those strengths to create a positive change.
A lot of times people mention strengths but fail to back them up with relevant examples.
Sample Answer: I have always had good communication and writing skills and I have strengthened them while I worked as a content marketer for the last couple of years. I always ensure that I complete my tasks within deadlines and therefore am task efficient. The company I last worked with has always appreciated my work and initiatives taken by me.
2. What Are Your Weaknesses?
Be honest and mention how you have identified your weakness, but more importantly, you are working towards improving it.
Sample Answer: I overexert myself and try to engage in many activities at the same time due to which I am sometimes unable to provide the best quality to my work. In order to improve that aspect I have become more selective in taking up tasks so that I do not compromise on quality.
3. Why Are You Interested In Working With Us?
The interviewers want to know if you are really a good fit for the job and if you understand the role and requirements of the company.
Sample Answer: I got to know about the rapid growth of your company from a newspaper article and then learned more on social media. I have also gone through your recent projects and found them pretty interesting. I consider myself a very innovative person and would seriously love to work for an organization which is leading the future of the industry.
4. Tell Us About An Accomplishment You Are Most Proud Of?
These types of competency questions are quite common, so it can be a good idea to brainstorm about them beforehand.
Think of an instance where you were able to make a difference in a project or in people’s lives, which also showcases some key skills which the job is looking for.
Think of an instance where you were able to make a difference in a project or in people’s lives, which also showcases some key skills which the job is looking for.
Make sure to support your answer with a proper example.
Sample Answer: Within two weeks of joining my previous company, I represented our company in a seminar in which I made a presentation for a well-known brand for their digital strategy. I took it as a challenge and got ready with my ideas after working for hours by connecting with different people. I presented our company along with 8 more participant companies. Not only did I get appreciated but our company also won the contract. I consider this as one of my best accomplishments which makes me feel proud.
5. What Is Your Dream Job?
Always make sure that you describe your dream job keeping in mind the requirements of the job you are interviewing for. Also, the recruiter wants to confirm if you are a good fit for a job.
Sample Answer: As a Head of Digital Marketing, I have always been passionate about my work. Social media has always been my first love. I love the fact that we can reach out to people with different creative ideas. Being a digital head and helping my company grow rapidly would be my dream job.
6. Where Did You Get To Know About Our Company?
Make sure before every interview you try to find out as much information you can about the company. Also, make sure they feel you are an active seeker for this job.
Sample Answer: A company that does not give me place to grow and is stagnant was not where I wanted to be. Hence, I was looking for a change, so I decided to search for a job on LinkedIn and other platforms to find out about companies which are dynamic in digital spectrum. During my search I came across your company and filled my application for this job. It feels great to get an opportunity to be interviewed by your company.
7. Discuss Your Educational Background.
Discuss your academic qualifications. Mention your major subjects and interests in college and highlight some of your skills which could be of help to the company.
Sample Answer: I decided to pursue a bachelor’s in journalism and Mass Communication from one of the leading institutes where I learned photography, script writing, content publishing and many more. I also did a course in digital marketing where I learned SEO, Email marketing etc. I was fortunate to have a chance to gain practical knowledge of SEO, SMM and SME when I did an internship in digital marketing for 3 months during my last year of college.
8. Why Should We Hire You?
The interviewer wants you to convince him that you are a perfect fit for the job.
Convince the interviewer by focusing on your unique skills, qualities and accomplishments, which are also in sync with the job requirements.
Sample Answer: I consider myself a reliable person who can manage the projected timelines and work efficiently. I was always appreciated for my work and developing skills and learning qualities. I intend to deliver the expected output and wish to learn a lot from this job. Further I have had ample of leadership experience and I believe I can lead teams effectively and drive productivity. These would be assets for the jobs as we will be getting projects with tight Hence, I wish to apply for this job.
9. What Are Your Hobbies?
Your hobbies are something which can judge what kind of a person you are.
Also, be prepared to describe your hobby elaborately.
Talk about productive and positive hobbies.
Also, be prepared to describe your hobby elaborately.
Sample Answer: My hobbies are dancing, singing and travelling. In my free time, I love to practice dance and work on my vocals. I have also won many singing competitions. I also love to explore new places and I make it a point to go on trips once in every couple of months.
10. What Motivates You?
Honestly describe things that keep you motivated.
You can describe circumstances where you succeeded in achieving something and explain what the motivation behind it was.
Sample Answer: Creating a difference is what motivates me and that’s why i'm an active participant in NGOs, for example as a part of MAD, I helped organize an educational event which was able to touch the lives of 400 under privileged children. Seeing a smile on their face and knowing I created some value for them was a great experience. Similarly, I am on the lookout for projects which add value to me as well as my environment at work as well.
11. Tell Me About A Time Where You Disagreed With Your Boss.
It’s absolutely okay to disagree with your superiors so don’t be afraid of describing the incident but always mention the positive outcome that came out.
It will only prove you as a stronger candidate.
Sample Answer: I had created a digital solution for one of our clients which was hugely appreciated by them, but my boss did not approve my project. Since I was very confident about the solution, I stood my ground and convinced my boss about the same, I did this mainly by telling him how the clients were happy and how a redo would waste days of productive work.
12. Are You A Leader Or A Follower?
Whenever you answer these types of question make sure to highlight how you adapt yourself to situation at hand and then answer.
Sample Answer: I choose to be a follower when I think I am not suitable enough to handle a situation and I become a leader when I think my leadership can make people and the work more functional. I can’t define myself as a leader or a follower. I choose to be one according to the situation.
(If you want to know more about interview questions and tips to answer them visit 48 common interview questions and how to answer them for detailed guidelines to crack your interview successfully.)
We hope now you're prepared for your job interview and are prepared to answer the questions in the best possible way.
Share this article with your social connections and help them shine in their job interviews.
Continue to...
Be GREAT!
Follow us!