Common Interview Questions

One of the essential interview skills lies in the art of formulating good interview questions to gain maximum information from the candidate being interviewed. It is always boring to here and also ask the same old common interview questions, however some of these questions are the most effective when it comes to finding out important information about certain candidates.

Common Interview Question # 1 Tell us something about yourself

Well this question is a great opportunity for people who know what to say at the right time. Since the answer is quite subjective, the candidate can assess what the company is looking for and put forth some of his work experience and achievements that are totally in line with the profile that they company is looking out for. As for the interviewers, they can judge the person’s presence of mind, his ability to communicate important information in a short and succinct information and of course his skills and experience. This question can be a great icebreaker and start off the interview.

Common Interview Question # 2 Why did you/Why do you want to quit your previous job?

This question is a tricky one for the candidate in case the candidate was fired from the previous job. The answer has to be true yet subtle. In case you have a genuine reason to look for a new job, for example, want a better pay, looking for a more comfortable location, then say so. As for the interviewer this questions is gives insight into the candidate’s past experience and his overall attitude towards work.

Common Interview Question # 3 What are the qualifications which make you an ideal candidate for this opportunity?

Well, this is the time for a candidate to rack his brains and come up with a precise answer, supplemented with some great examples that demonstrate how he/she can be a value addition to the company. This is the time for the candidates to be honest about their qualifications and explain how you are well suited for the profile in concern. As for the interviewers, this is the time to match the things written in the candidate’s resume and the qualities that are required for the job profile. This is a question that can make or break an interview.

Common Interview Question # 4 What do you know about our organization and why do you want to work with us?

Every candidate is expected to do his homework before the interview. This question has to be answered with specific references to the data that you have studied about the company’s profile, the latest achievements and so on. You will score yourself some brownie points if you are able to mention numbers and statistics. As for the interviewer, this question helps to understand how much research and efforts the candidate has put in for the interview and how genuinely he/she is interested in the opportunity.

Common Interview Question # 5 What was your remuneration in the previous company and how much are you expecting?

Well, if you are the candidate, here is your chance to raise the bar. One thing that I have learnt is never under-estimate your self. Also, tell them that it is negotiable. As for the interviewers, here is your chance to know how much the candidate can ask for and whether he/she really seems worth the amount.

In addition to this there can be a number of common interview questions like, where do you see yourself five years down the lane, or what are your strengths and weaknesses, however it is always better to rephrase these questions in an interesting manner or think of new questions that do not sound too clichéd and dull. Common interview questions are common and popular during interview sessions since they provide a great insight into a candidate’s profile. Using some of these tried and tested questions can be a great idea for any job interview.