How to answer interview questions like an expert

Better answers to commonly asked questions in interviews

Tell me about yourself?

This is usually the first question any interviewer will ask you. Your response to this question should leave something for the employer to remember you by. Everyone is usually tempted to share their whole history when this question is asked. Relax, your history will be discussed later in the interview. Focus on aspects that elevate you above the other candidates. Try and keep your answer short and impactful and make sure you leave a lasting impression.

Example Answer.

Personally, I have always loved the saying “the sky is the limit”, and then one day someone remarked: “remember, there are footprints on the moon”. This got me thinking. I realised that we should never be bound by other’s limitations. From that day on, I became goal orientated and enjoyed the rewards life offers when striving to better oneself. I like a fast paced lifestyle and surround myself with positive ambitious people. My journey through life taught me valuable lessons that made me realize that you should focus on new experiences and always look towards bettering your best. Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice always makes improvement.

What are your strengths?

This is one of the questions that you are almost guaranteed in any job interview. When answering this question make sure that you discuss the attributes that will best qualify you for the specific position you are applying for (You should properly research the position beforehand, see more details here theprofessionalplatform.blogspot - Researching your prospective job). Make sure your answers set you apart from the other candidates and avoid expected responses like “I’m hard working” or “I have a friendly likeable personality”.

Example Answers.

My experience as a salesman has taught me valuable lessons over the past few years. I consider myself a polished salesman with a high regard for professionalism. I will build a platform of trust and respect between myself and your customers. I will keep an open flow of communication between the parties involved and this will create a transparent partnership. My success as a sales person is directly linked to this principle. I feel that I could add a lot of value to your organisation and that these skills will form the backbone of my duties and responsibilities should I be successful for this role.

I am well organized and can comfortably communicate in a structured well-presented manner. My experience as a marketer/administrator has taught me to always pay attention to detail. I have written for a variety of publications and I know how to shape my writing style to fit any task or audience. I feel that these skills will compliment your business portfolio and help ensure a simple but effective workflow that can be used across many platforms.

What are your weaknesses?

This is also an almost guaranteed question that will be asked in any interview. Although our nature is to avoid the negative aspects about ourselves, the truth of the matter is that we all have weaknesses. When your potential employer asks this question, he is not looking for your specific weaknesses but rather the acknowledgement that you do indeed have weaknesses. Your answer to this question should express just that. Make sure that you do not raise any red flags with your response.

Example Answers.

Wow this is a difficult one, I have to say that I have many weaknesses. Far too many to simply list them. As part of my personal development, I frequently assess myself and my work where I highlight my shortcomings and action towards turning my weaknesses into strengths. In the past I was not comfortable presenting in front of an audience but through experience, I have learned that proper preparation is the key to presenting comfortably and confidently. By identifying this weakness, I was able to turn this weakness into a strength. Every challenge that I am faced with makes me a more impactful personality though continuous self-assessment

I have many weaknesses. I frequently assess myself as part of my personal development. When I was first faced with a deadline I have to be honest, it stressed me out. I realised that stress causes you to rush projects and that affects the outcomes. When faced with a task that seems impossible, I have learned how to effectively break it down into bite sized pieces and how organize myself to ensure my deadlines are met. I will keep identifying the many weaknesses I have and will strive towards finding creative ways to overcome them in order to deliver the desired results.

Where do you see yourself in 3/5/10 years?

This is also a difficult question the answer because here your employer is looking for specific characteristics that will qualify you as a consistent, valued employee that is willing to stick around for the long run. You should start by emphasizing your interest in the job you are applying for. This shows that you are not looking at jumping ship any time soon, but to spend the necessary time needed for professional progression. Don’t be too ambitious and stay clear from mentioning any positions that might put the people interviewing you at risk. Nobody wants to hear that you are striving towards replacing them. Keep your answer company related, ambitious, but not too ambitious. There are less direct ways to highlight that you will be looking at a promotion.

Example Answers.

I believe that everybody should have goals. You need something to work towards and a reason to stay motivated. After assessing your company, it was easy to pick up that you value the elevation of your employees. This really excites me. I would like to see myself grow personally and professionally along with the company and to become a valued member of your team. I look forward to learning the ins and outs of your industry and positioning myself as someone who adds value. In the coming years I want to establish myself as an expert in my field and I want to strive towards helping others embrace your corporate identity.

I look forward to acquiring an in-depth understanding of your organisation. The new challenges and opportunities will give me a chance to add my knowledge and experience to your team. I would like to grow and expand my current skillsets and position myself as a mentor to others. I believe that with the right attitude and mind-set, I will be embraced by my fellow colleagues and together we can work towards the common goal of success.

Do you have any questions?

This is always a question you can expect at the end of an interview. Remember that your potential employer is not only qualifying you as a worthy candidate but you are also qualifying them. Here you can show off what you know about the organisation, its competition and ask any questions to clear up uncertainties. Your questions should show interest in the position and organisation without being too invasive. Make sure you still highlight positives when asking questions.

Example Questions.

After looking at the job spec received, I would like to find out what will be expected from me to truly be a valued employee?

I think that it is very clear that I would love to work for you. Looking at the market, I’m assuming my target should be around X for me to be profitable to your organisation. Taking that into account what else will be expected from me?

Your training programs looks very interesting. In terms of education and development what courses do you offer?

After my research I saw that you offer X that elevates you above your competition. I also found that your competition is doing X to disrupt your market. What are your plans to overcome this obstacle?

I have to say that currently you have a very impressive portfolio of products/services. Are you looking at expanding this portfolio to offer more for your clients?

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