Top 10 Questions Asked in an Interview and How to Answer Them

Job interviews are almost always stressful, even when you are no novice and have gone through the experience half a dozen times. While some of the questions are common to almost all interviews, some may yet stump you before a room full of people. So it is best to go prepared. Here are the top ten questions asked in an interview and how to answer them.

Why do you want to work with us?

This is usually the opening question in a job interview and the main purpose is to check whether the interviewee has done his/her homework regarding the company or institution with whom he/she has applied for a job. Rather than eulogizing about the company and its reputation, it would help much more if you can come up with some real facts and figures on the company’s growth, besides making a favorable observation on its employee-friendly policies. Finally don’t forget to show how you can contribute to the company’s continuing record of positive performance and expansion. It's generally a good idea to go through the website of the company that has sent you an interview call. As most people don't bother to do this, it'll make you look better than your competition.

TimesJobs.com has many useful articles about giving interviews at major companies.

Why did you choose this profession?

This question means to gauge the depth of your commitment to the profession and indeed to the position you have applied for. It would be a good idea to ask yourself the same and understand your true motivation before you appear for the interview. If you are in this for the money, the perhaps you could prepare your answer around the compensation offered in your line of work like in commission-based positions and how it motivates you to be the top salesperson for your company. Alternatively if the prospect of a rapid promotion is what attracts you to this profession, you could say that you thrive on responsibilities or working with a team brings out the best in you. Again if job satisfaction is paramount, say so but make sure that it also means that you are good at what you do.

Why are there gaps in your resume?

This is a much trickier one and will involve explaining why you were out of a job at some point in your professional life. The best thing is to be honest but at the same time, let the interviewer know that you were busy and active – either by adding onto your work skills or catching up with professional developments. So regardless of whether you were out of work by choice or otherwise, you should be able to come off as committed to your profession and not merely taking a break.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Interviewees often make the mistake of using this question to sing their own praises. But remember that your interviewer is especially trained to pick out lies and exaggerations. So it is best to paint an honest picture regarding both your strengths and weakness and yet present them in a way that does credit to your skills and efforts. For instance instead of coming up with a smug remark how your perfectionism is your greatest weakness, be truthful about your habit of triple-checking every detail but add that you have now come up with a more balanced system which makes sure that you get a job done right the first time round. Speaking about your strengths is perhaps easier but resist the temptation to get carried away and instead focus on those aspects which are required in the prospective position or will be valuable to the company.
Are you willing to work long hours?

Be careful how you answer this one since you may either come off as a slacker or unwittingly commit yourself to extra responsibilities for which you probably won’t be compensated. Rather do some background checking in advance. Meet a couple of employees working in the same position as that you have applied for and ask what hours do they put in generally. You will have a fair idea of how long you are expected to work and can then prepare your answer accordingly. Remember that working long hours is not necessarily a positive thing – it may imply that you take longer than usual to get a job done. So it may be safest not to mention a particular number but to say that you are willing to put in as much time as is required to complete a job.  Most companies have a  40-hour week schedule for their employees but some can go up to 50- or even 60-hour weeks. In any case the schedule will vary according to the position and its responsibilities as well as the nature of the profession. You can use the same guidelines in answering questions on your expected compensation package. Here too, let your interviewer know that you are aware of the salary range usually offered in this position but refrain from quoting an exact figure. Better still, thrash out the responsibilities and perks involved before you decline or accept a salary offer.

Are you a team player or do you prefer to work independently?

The best answer here would be one which says ‘both’. Give instances from your past work history where you have successfully completed team projects but at the same time point out what your responsibility as a member of the team entailed - like researching client’s sales data - and how well you accomplished them. Finally tilt the answer to the requirement of the position you are applying for and have your interviewer know that you can work in whatever manner,  independently or in a team, that you job calls for.

What do you expect from your supervisor?

To answer this you could point out the essentials of a productive working relationship between a supervisor and a subordinate. These may include being able to go up to your manager in case you have an issue or idea and being comfortable enough to express yourself. At the same time you would expect a supervisor to be open enough to provide a genuine feedback to your performance and lastly to offer a work environment where personal connections with employees are encouraged so as to better know them as individuals.

Where do you see yourself in five/ten years from now?

This question is intended to test how ambitious you are. However make sure that come up with a practical answer and are not carried away with a desire to impress. Reveal your professional ambitions but link them to the company’s future prospects as well. If you are applying for a job like that of a college teacher where chances of a rapid promotion are less common, point out how you would like to expand your field of responsibilities like being in charge of the students dramatics club or the debating society.

Questions on the specific skills

Questions on the specific skills required in your job as well as the position you have applied for comprised of a significant aspect of an interview. This will naturally depend on the nature of your profession for instance a software engineer may be asked about program codes while a doctor will be questioned on recent advances on a particular kind of treatment. At the same time be prepared for queries that test your professional ethics, priorities, creativity, analytical ability and communication skills.

Is there anything I can answer for you?

As your interview comes to a close, you may be invited to come up with a question or two of your own. Having them ready will not only show that you came prepared but that you are eager to know whether this job and company are best suited for you. Things which you can ask your interviewer to clarify could range from an account of a typical workweek in this position and the responsibilities entailed  to knowing who the incumbent is expected to report to and what is the management style of the company.

These are only ten of the most common questions faced by interviewer when applying for a job. More will depend on the exact nature of his/her profession and position as well as the priorities of the company hiring. However once you are familiar with the above questions and their answers, you are more or less prepared to face any interview. So good luck and get cracking.