Introduction

Whatever questions your interviewers throw at you, they are basically asking 'Why Should We Employ You?' Truth of the matter is, whatever your response, you need to come across as competent, positive, enthusiastic, relevant and confident! 

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These are five key attributes to do well at the interview!

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The questions below are common in many interviews. Some are asked deliberately in the negative (I feel) to ascertain your professionalism and if you are a good fit for the position and the organisation.

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1) Tell me something about yourself?

This is your elevator pitch. Give a quick summary of your most sellable attributes and relevance to the position. Keep it under a minute. Mention your education (especially for fresh graduates), a recent relevant project, and any significant achievements. 

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Your goal is to spark their interest and prompt follow-up questions.

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2) What are your weaknesses?

This isn’t a time for confessions, nor should you claim to have none. The interviewer wants to see if you are self-aware and how you manage your weaknesses. Choose a weakness that can be a strength in certain contexts, and explain how you've adapted to overcome it. 

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For example, discuss adjusting your behavior to suit team dynamics and achieve positive outcomes.

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3) What are the challenges you  face typically at your workplace? 

Discussing challenges shows how you manage them and adapt. Explain your understanding of these challenges and your approach to handling them. If you’re a fresh graduate, relate to academic or co-curricular challenges.

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4) Do you have any questions? 

Asking questions shows your interest in the job and the company, but they need to be thoughtful. Avoid questions that make you seem unprepared, self-interested, or lacking confidence. Instead, ask questions that demonstrate your knowledge and eagerness to contribute. For example:

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See the different responses below (and the possible impression on the speaker in brackets):

1. What are the daily functions of the job? (ignorant) You should be aware of the main job functions. It's probably in the advertisement.
2. How much are you willing to pay? (ignorant, self-interested) Avoid this until they have offered you the job. You should also know the industry standard and be confident that you deserve usually a little above your scale.
3. Do you have any training for your new staff? (not confident) You've probably been trained in some capacity for the job functions so you need to give some context which sells you for the position.
4. What do you like most about working in this company? (too direct) Avoid as you probably would not have established that close a relationship with the interviewer yet and it also puts the interviewer in a spot if he is not willing to share.

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You can ask your questions in a way which sells you for the position. See more developed responses below and how they reflect more positively on the interviewee.

I understand from the advert that the job will require me to do this, this, this and that (specify).

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 I am familiar with these tasks. As I am someone who thrives in a challenging environment, I would like to know if I may be given more responsibilities once I settle down so that I can stretch myself professionally? (aware of job functions and willing to contribute and grow)

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My training and experience puts me in good stead to handle the current functions of the job. However, the market is extremely competitive. Over the next three to five years, as requirements evolve, what are your organisation's plans to keep staff well-trained for the changing economy? (confident, aware, proactive and looking at corporate needs)

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Conclusion

All the best at your next interview. Remember the five key attributes to do well! You need to come across as competent, positive, enthusiastic, relevant, and confident. That will show them 'Why THEY should employ you!'

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Now that you're ready for your interview, apply for jobs at FastJobs to ace your next interview. Start here!