Ace Your Interview by Practicing These Interview Questions

Searching for a job is challenging. In these difficult pandemic times, even receiving an interview call can feel miraculous. Therefore, thorough preparation is crucial. Updating your CV with new skills and knowledge and considering a professional CV writer can give you a competitive edge. Interviews typically consist of three stages.

1. Stage 1: Preparation and Research

2. Stage 2: Interview Questions and Answers

3. Stage 3: Follow-up and Decision or Closure

If you are fortunate enough to be shortlisted for an interview, you'll go through stage 1 to prepare. You can learn more about stage 1 here.

Your interview could be a phone call, an online session via Zoom, Teams, or Webex, or a face-to-face meeting.

Imagine you're seated across from the interviewer. After initial introductions, you may face some of the following questions. Here's insight into what interviewers might be seeking and how to respond to common interview questions.

1. How Did You Find This Role?

Reason to Ask

The interviewer wants to know why you applied and how you ended up in front of them. If you discovered the job through a unique source, such as a personal connection, it's valuable information for them.

How to Answer It

Mention where you found the job (e.g., job portal, LinkedIn, networking contact) and what motivated you to apply.

For instance, “I heard about an opening in [department] through a friend of a friend, [Name], and since I admire your work and have followed you for some time, I felt it would be a great opportunity for me.” (Ensure you've researched the interviewer). If your contact is within the company, confirm with them before mentioning their name.

2. Can You Tell Me About Yourself.

Reason to Ask

This question helps the interviewer connect your background to the position. Sometimes, the interviewer might not be the direct hiring manager but rather an agency recruiter or HR personnel with limited knowledge of your field. They may not fully understand why your resume fits the role.

How to Answer It

The interviewer is essentially asking: “Tell me about yourself as it relates to the role.”

Focus on experiences, qualifications, or skills that are most relevant. Describe your current role, past experiences, and conclude with what you aim to achieve in the future, keeping the position's growth in mind.

3. What Do You Know About Our Company?

Reason to Ask

The interviewer wants to see if you've done your research. A suitable candidate will be passionate about the company, its background, achievements, and team.

How to Answer It

Avoid merely reciting website details. Highlight key points that resonate with you, such as their mission, products, or company culture. Explain why you admire these aspects and provide an example of how they relate to you.

For example: “I’ve been following your career advice articles for years, and I admire your mission of helping people build careers. Having spent years in roles I didn't enjoy before finding my passion in sales, I believe it would be rewarding to help others find their dream career.”

4. Why Are You Looking for a Change from Your Previous Job?

Reason to Ask

The interviewer wants to understand if your reasons for leaving align with the role you're applying for. They're not necessarily looking for flaws in your current or previous company.

Be honest, even if you were terminated. Being laid off or fired isn't something to be ashamed of, nor is it always your fault. Acknowledging your mistakes can demonstrate your ability to learn and grow. The interviewer will appreciate your honesty.

How to Answer It

There's no need to delve into details if you were let go. The interviewer is more interested in what you learned from the experience. Say, “I was let go for [reason]” and explain how this has strengthened you as an employee.

If you're leaving for other reasons, such as lack of growth or wanting a new challenge, avoid criticizing your past employer. Instead, focus on what you hope to achieve in your next role.

5. Describe What You Do in Your Current Role.

Reason to Ask

The interviewer wants to understand your skills and expertise. They also want to see if you can effectively communicate your value proposition. Essentially, they are asking, “If you can't describe your contributions, why should I hire you?”

How to Answer It

Focus on the broader impact of your job. How do your responsibilities contribute to team or company goals? How does your work improve efficiency or effectiveness? What skills have you developed, and how do they benefit the company?

6. What Are You Looking for in Your Next Job?

Reason to Ask

This question sets expectations regarding what you aim to achieve in the role and what you want to contribute. Ideally, your goals should align with the role.

Your response also indicates if you'd be a good long-term hire. For example, if you're seeking growth opportunities but the role offers limited mobility, it's better to address this now to avoid a mismatch.

How to Answer It

If you're seeking a new job, it's likely because something is missing in your current position. Be honest about this without criticizing your current employer.

You could say: “I'm at a stage in my career where I'm looking for more X.” Or, “I've honed X skill and am excited to pursue Y.”

7. Why Are You Interested in This Role?/What Attracted You to This Company?

Reason to Ask

The interviewer wants to know if you've researched the company and genuinely care about its mission and values. They don't want to hear, “I need a job and this one seemed cool.”

How to Answer It

Identify what drew you to the role or company beyond salary or perks—focus on that.

“Review the company’s website, press releases, or job description to highlight specific aspects that resonate with you. Then, relate these to your experience, career path, and goals.”

8. What Are Your Salary Requirements?

Reason to Ask

While this may seem presumptuous, interviewers often ask this during phone interviews to quickly eliminate candidates outside their budget.

Recruiters usually have a set budget for each position and prefer to address salary expectations early to avoid later complications.

How to Answer It

This isn't a trick question, and quoting a high figure won't necessarily disqualify you. However, research is essential to provide a realistic number or range that reflects your value.

“Research market rates for your area and determine where you fit based on your experience and education. Be prepared to say, ‘Based on experience and market data, my ideal salary would be in the range of X to Y.’”

When discussing salary, timing is crucial. During an initial phone screen, you might keep your answer vague, such as “I'm focused on finding the right fit and am open to salary negotiations.” If pressed for specifics, provide your range (hence the importance of preparation). Avoid initiating salary discussions unless the interviewer does, as this positions you better for future negotiations.

9. What Type of Manager Do You Work Best With?

Reason to Ask

This question assesses compatibility. The manager-employee relationship is key to success, and the interviewer wants to ensure you'd work well with your potential boss. Everyone prefers a manager they can connect with.

“If the manager is hands-on and you prefer autonomy, it might not be a good match.”

This question won't necessarily decide your candidacy but provides additional information for the decision-makers.

How to Answer It

“Answer honestly without trying to guess what they want to hear.” Offer examples of past managers or styles you appreciated. Avoid negative comments about previous bosses.

10. Why Are You the Best Candidate for the Job?

Reason to Ask

Many candidates may be qualified on paper. Interviewers use this question to identify those who stand out.

How to Answer It

This question is an opportunity to highlight what makes you unique beyond your application. Emphasize what sets you apart, whether it's past experience, a specific passion or skill, alignment with company culture, or your determination to solve a problem. This approach also applies to the question, “Why should we hire you?”

11. Are You Willing to Relocate?

Reason to Ask

This logistical question helps interviewers eliminate candidates who aren't a good fit due to location. While remote work or relocation support might be options, location is a factor when choosing between top candidates.

How to Answer It

Simply state whether you'd relocate for the role. If it's complicated, briefly explain your situation, emphasizing your enthusiasm for the job.

For example: “My kids just started school, so relocation isn't possible until the school year ends. I'm very interested in this role and would be open to remote work if feasible.”

12. When Can You Start?

Reason to Ask

Sometimes, hiring managers need to fill a position immediately. If there's no rush, they ask this to plan internally how long they're willing to wait for the right candidate.

How to Answer It

“If you're not currently employed, you can say, ‘I'm available to start whenever needed,’ which is a great response.” If you need to give notice at your current job, have a vacation planned, or face other constraints, say, “I would be available X days/weeks after receiving an offer” or “I can start anytime after [date].”

13. Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

Reason to Ask

This question allows you to address any questions or concerns. Remember, you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you!

Your questions also reveal your values and expertise, so ensure they're thoughtful and relevant to the role, company, and interviewer.

How to Answer It

Prepare two to three questions about the company's or role's goals, team dynamics, your future manager, or company culture. Note any questions that arise during the interview to show you're engaged and responsive.

As the call concludes, it's wise to inquire about the next steps if the interviewer hasn't mentioned them. Ask, “What is the next step in this process?” or “When can I expect to hear from you next?”

The best way to excel in these questions is to prepare thoroughly in advance. Research the company and interviewer, compile notes, and practice your responses to answer confidently.

Often, “you won't know the type of interview you're entering unless informed beforehand.” It could be a first-round screening or the only interview. Whether with a third-party recruiter or the hiring manager, aim to make a strong impression by following these phone interview tips and best practices.