Common Job Interview Questions in English

It is really important to prepare for job interviews before you arrive; especially, if the job interview is not in your native language.  Below, you can find a few tips to prepare for a job interview; and below that, you will find examples of common interview questions, which can help you further prepare.

BEFORE THE JOB INTERVIEW:

-- Research the company.  You want to know as much as you can about the company ahead of time to be able to answer questions about the organisation itself, and their accomplishments.

--  Practice your English, especially the vocabulary related to the position that you are hoping to obtain.

--  Think about your best personal and professional qualities.  You will talk about your strengths and weaknesses, so make sure you know what those strengths and weaknesses are -- be specific.

--  Arrive early!  Dress to Impress!

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Don't give them your ENTIRE life story -- but make sure you hit on the most interesting and relevant points about yourself.  It's good to discuss where you are from, your educational background, and perhaps, 2-3 personal/professional accomplishments.

2. How did you hear about the position?

This one is pretty straightforward...

3.  What do you know about the company?

Here's where your preparation comes into play.  Tell them some of the major facts you know about the organisation and what you find interesting or exciting about the company.

4. Why do you want this job?

Here is your chance to tell the interviewer why the job is a good fit for you.  It is also when you can further express why you love the company or other motivations that lead you to the interview.

5. Why should we hire you?

Craft your answer to cover 3 things: that you can do the work and deliver great results; that you'll fit in really well with the team; and why you would be better than any of the other candidates.

6. What are your greatest professional strengths?

Again, pretty straightforward...they will be looking for work-related strengths, so avoid talking about more personal strengths here.

7. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

With this question, the interviewer is trying to identify your level of self-awareness and honesty.  So, don't offer up something like: "I can't meet a deadline to save my life!" and also avoid "Nothing, I am perfect!" -- You want to strike a balance by offering information about a weakness and then following that up with plans to improve.  For example: "I am not very strong at public speaking, but I have recently volunteered to run meetings to become more comfortable when addressing a crowd".

8. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you have faced at work, and how you dealt with it?

Pick an example where you can really reiterate your strengths!

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Think about where you would want to be in the position (or in an even higher position) with the company in 5 years.  It is okay to say you don't really know what the future holds, but that you see this position as an important step in making that decision.

10. Do you have any questions?

ALWAYS SAY YES!  Even if you don't have any questions -- make one up!  Your curiosity about the position, and the fact that you even prepared questions ahead of time will set you apart from other candidates who simply end the interview with "NO."

(Some information and Interview questions were adapted from www.themuse.com)