The most frequently asked questions at a job interview

For many of us, a job interview is stressful. So why not prepare for it a bit? The following questions usually help HR professionals find out who they have the honour of meeting. Here are just a few questions, which help HR managers get a better sense of who the candidate is, how they see the world, what their life-long philosophy is or what their future career plans are. 

Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong answer to either of these questions. Just make sure your answers are authentic, based on your own ideas. It doesn’t pay off to lie at interviews because the company may then for example rely on the experience that you don’t have. The motto is: Act natural.

Be prepared for the following questions:  

• What did you find out about our company? It’s always a good idea to find out as much information as possible about the employer. What the company’s mission statement is, what it does and where it’s heading. Simply said, make sure you know who you will potentially be working for.

• What’s the most important thing for you about this position? Is it the salary, the flexible work time, the office or the job description? It’s a good idea to think about it, so that this question doesn’t catch you off guard.

• What do you think this position is all about? What do you think you’ll be doing? What do you think your regular work day will look like?  

• If you could choose any position, regardless of why you’re sitting here today, what would it be? What’s your dream job and why? What’s your vision?

• What’s your definition of success? What do you consider to be a win? When do you leave work happy?  

• What do you think a company should provide for its employees? What benefits? Compensation for travel expenses? Meal tickets? A private office? What’s more important for you at work?

• What would have to happen at work to make you submit your notice? Think of a situation that would make you reconsider working for the company. A change in the working conditions? What kind of a change? A lower remuneration? A mean boss? Or just an argument with a colleague?

• What’s the most important aspect for you in terms of your relationship with your subordinate? Mutual respect, fair cooperation or whether or not you like each other?

• What kind of a manager or leader are you (what leadership style do you prefer)? This is the type of question that HR managers usually ask someone, who is applying for a managerial position. How do you feel about being a leader? Do you get stressed out about managing a team? 

• What are you most proud of in your work life? Don’t be afraid to brag. What have you done well at work? Try to think of a specific situation.

• What would you never want to experience at work ever again? Tell us about a bad experience at work. Your future employer is hereby trying to prevent similar situations.  

• What are your strengths and weaknesses? Are you hardworking, determined, responsible, persistent or do you get distracted easily, do you find it difficult to concentrate, are you sloppy or do you tend to sleep in? 

• What do you like doing outside of work? What do you do when you leave the office? What activities do you find fulfilling in your personal life? What are your hobbies? What do you do in your spare time? Do you like hiking, motorcycles or knitting?

• Why did you leave your last (previous) jobs? Your future employer wants you to stay for as long as possible. Therefore, he is trying to prevent such things from happening.

Will your interview be online? Let us help you prepare!

There are obviously many other questions that the HR manager may or may not ask. Most importantly, don’t panic and answer wisely. Don’t forget that the HR manager is also only human, who is only trying to find out whether or not you’re a perfect fit for the company.