Interviewers are looking for more than just the "right" answer from a "nice-to-have" candidate. They're assessing your personality, aptitude, and experience (in that order) to see if you're the "must-have" candidate.
The takeaway? Be prepared to read between the lines and understand what the interviewer is really asking.
Here are seven of the most common interview questions, what hiring managers are truly looking for, and the best strategies to craft winning responses that help you stand out:
What Are The Most Common Interview Questions?
- "Tell me about yourself."
- "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"
- "What's your greatest weakness?"
- "What motivates you to perform?"
- "Tell me about a time that you failed."
- "Why do you want to work here?"
- "How many couches are there in America?"
How Should You Answer The Most Common Interview Questions?
All of the most common interview questions require a thorough answer because they are behavioral interview questions. To answer these types of interview questions, use the "Experience + Learn = Grow" model.
Let's take a closer look at how to answer the most common interview questions below...
1. "Tell Me About Yourself."
What the hiring manager is really asking...
"What problems do you like to solve? How do your education, work history, and professional aspirations relate to this position?"
How to respond: First, ask the interviewer if they want a full resume walk-through or a quick overview to avoid rambling. Then, give a concise response that includes: (1) the problem or pain point you love to solve, (2) how you solve it—your personal methodology or process, and (3) what you want to do next with your skill set to add even more value to the company. Select key work and education information that shows the hiring manager why you are a perfect fit for the job and the company.
For example, a recent grad might say something like, "I went to X University, where I majored in Y and completed an internship at Z Company. During my internship, I did this and that (name achievements that match the job description), which really solidified my passion for this line of work. I love solving ABC problems for employers, and I hope to further develop my DEF skills while doing so at this company."
2. "Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?"
BigstockWhat the hiring manager is really asking...
"Does this position fit into your long-term career goals? Do you even have long-term career goals?"
How to respond: Do not say you don't know (even if you don't), and do not focus on your personal life (it's nice that you want to get married, but it's not relevant).
Show the employer you've thought about your career path and that your professional goals align with the job. Explain how this role supports your growth and development over time. Be specific. Mention the skills you hope to master, the responsibilities you're excited to take on, or the impact you want to make.
3. "What's Your Greatest Weakness?"
BigstockWhat the hiring manager is really asking...
"Are you self-aware? Do you know where you could stand to improve, and are you proactive about getting better?"
How to respond: A good way to answer this is with real-life feedback that you received in the past. For instance, maybe a former boss told you that you needed to work on your presentation skills.
Note that fact, then tell the employer how you've been proactively improving. Avoid any deal breakers ("I don't like working with other people") or cliché answers ("I'm a perfectionist and I work too hard").
4. "What Motivates You To Perform?"
BigstockWhat the hiring manager is really asking...
"Are you a hard worker? Am I going to have to force you to produce quality work?"
How to respond: Ideal employees are intrinsically motivated, so tell the hiring manager that you find motivation when working toward a goal, contributing to a team effort, or developing your skills. Provide a specific example that supports your response.
Finally, even if it's true, do not tell an employer that you're motivated by bragging rights, material things, or the fear of being disciplined.
5. "Tell Me About A Time That You Failed."
BigstockWhat the hiring manager is really asking...
"How do you respond to failure? Do you learn from your mistakes? Are you resilient?"
How to respond: Similar to the "greatest weakness" question, you need to demonstrate how you've turned a negative experience into a learning experience.
To do this, acknowledge one of your failures, take responsibility for it, and explain how you improved as a result. Don't say you've never failed (delusional much?), don't play the blame game, and don't bring up something that's a deal-breaker ("I failed a drug test once...").
6. "Why Do You Want To Work Here?"
BigstockWhat the hiring manager is really asking...
"Are you genuinely interested in the job? Are you a good fit for the company?"
How to respond: Your goal for this response is to demonstrate why you and the company are a great match in terms of philosophy and skill. Discuss what you've learned about the company, noting how you align with its mission, company culture, and reputation.
Next, highlight how you would benefit professionally from the job and how the company would benefit professionally from you.
7. "How Many Couches Are There In America?"
BigstockWhat the hiring manager is really asking...
"Can you think on your feet? Can you handle pressure? Can you think critically?"
How to respond: When faced with a seemingly absurd question like this one, it's important you're not caught off guard.
Resist the urge to tell the interviewer the question is stupid and irrelevant, and instead walk them through your problem-solving thought process. For this particular question, you would talk about how many people are in the U.S., where couches are found (homes, hotels, furniture stores), etc.
As with other parts of the job application process, it's a good idea to solicit feedback from family, friends, and former colleagues. Try out your answers to each of these questions with at least two people, then revise based on their feedback. A mock interview is the best way to practice your answers and boost your confidence before the real interview.
The importance of preparation before an interview cannot be stressed enough. The more you practice, the more confident you'll be. If you successfully answer the most common interview questions, you'll be sure to stand out to employers as a great candidate for the position.
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