Job interviews can be nerve-wracking. It's a make-or-break moment for candidates to show potential employers why they're the best person for the job.
But sometimes, even if they are highly qualified for the role, they miss out on the job opportunity due to poor presentation and answers during the interview.
From "tell us about yourself" to "why should we hire you," we gathered tips and insights on how to answer the most common job interview questions from professional networking website LinkedIn and career coach Pat Mallari:
'Tell us about yourself'
This question, according to LinkedIn, gives employers a preview of your core skills and personality. Mallari advises discussing information that cannot be found in your resume in answering this question.
"Make sure to include something personal instead of keeping it to professional information," she said.
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'What are your greatest strengths?'
Employers often use this question to see a candidate's self-awareness and honesty in aligning capabilities with the role at hand according to LinkedIn. Including anecdotes and feedback from peers and managers is one good way to answer this question, said Mallari.
"Hinge your answer on what you've reflected upon yourself over the past few years...Make sure to give examples also why you feel these are your strengths," Mallari said.
'What do you consider are your weaknesses?'
This question is used by employers to see whether a candidate's weaknesses can get in the way of performing the role, and to see the commitment to learning and growing according to LinkedIn.
When faced with this question, Mallari said candidates could reframe weaknesses to opportunities for development.
"Ask yourself, 'which areas of your life do you still want to grow more on?'. This will also give an insight to the interviewer whether they can help you grow in these areas," she said.
'Why do you want this job?'
Employers want to know what pushed a candidate to apply for the job.
"They don’t want candidates who are indifferent to where they work. Instead, they want someone who offers very specific reasons for why they want this job," LinkedIn said.
Mallari advises discussing reasons beyond money and benefits since these are basics that the company must provide. Rather, it's ideal for candidates to discuss their personal reasons for applying for the role.
'Why should we hire you?'
Employers use this question to test how persuasive and confident a candidate can be.
"Share your personal values with basis. What is important for you and how have you manifested them in your past experiences?" Mallari said.
'What’s your current salary and what is your expected salary?'
Employers want to know whether a candidate's salary expectations is aligned with the company's budget. If the question is asked early on in the interview, LinkedIn said it could be likely that the company is really asking "can we afford you?"
While salaries are often awkward topics, Mallari advises candidates to be honest in answering.
"Be honest that this is an important consideration for you. It is good also to do research among your peers in the industry on the salary grade of your position and role," she said.
'What can you bring to the company?'
Employers want to know if a candidate can make a factual and compelling case for the job role.
In answering this question, Mallari advises highlighting experiences, learnings, and attitude.
"It's better if you can share proof of what you have brought to your previous companies," she said.
'Where do you see yourself five years from now?'
According to LinkedIn, employers prefer answers that discuss what a candidate hopes to accomplish instead of specific titles or roles to see how determined a candidate is about their career.
Mallari suggests answering this question starting with what a candidate hopes to continue doing and what else do they want to achieve.
"This way, you answer it in a glass-half-full point of view instead of appearing to be just moving on to the next all the time," she said.
'What is your ideal company to work for?'
In answering this question, Mallari advises candidates to be honest about their non-negotiables.
More than salaries and benefits, candidates should also share views on company culture, management, and leadership, she said.
'Do you have any questions for us?'
This question, according to LinkedIn, is used by employers to see how curious and interested a candidate is about the role they are applying for.
Mallari advises candidates to do prepare questions and ask respectfully.
"This will help them see you as someone who's truly interested in them as you're discovering whether they are also the best employer for you at the moment," she said.
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