Common Interview Questions and How to Tackle Them?

Common Interview Questions

Many of us are apprehensive about appearing for an interview for the simple reason that it feels like you are being put to test. The uncertainty of being asked questions and being interrogated is a frightening experience for the best of us.
Though you cannot be prepared for every trick question, there are some commonly asked interview questions which can help you to be prepared for the d day -

• What are your strength and weaknesses? : This is not necessarily a difficult question if you know how to tackle it for your benefit. Your strength should be in tune with the skills that the vacant position requires. Your weakness should be something that actually looks like your strength - eg : " I tend to get too involved and engrossed in what I am doing and often forget to relax".

• Why do you want to work for us? : Answer this question genuinely and mention the main reasons for you wanting to work with them - growth potential, successful Company, etc.

• Your Reasons for wanting this job? : Prepare yourself well for this question and mention how you want to exploit the opportunities that this job will offer, helping you to build a satisfying professional future. 

• Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? : Think about your professional goals in advance so that you can answer this question objectively.

• Why would you be good at this job? : If you know all there is to know about the vacant position, you can match your skills with the requirements of the job and mention how you can do justice to the job responsibilities.

• Why should we choose you over the other prospective candidates? : Considering the fact that the other candidates are just as well educated and experienced as you, to answer this question you must mention some positive traits of yours which can help you to do a better job than the others - like your ability to handle pressures and deadlines, your team spirit etc.

Some other common questions include :

• What are your salary expectations?
• Tell us about a situation where you helped your team members to meet a crucial deadline?
• Have you failed a deadline?
• Why did you leave your last job? etc.

When ever you are not sure of a question or do not understand it fully, ask for a clarification and take your time before answering every question. Interviewers will appreciate your ability to listen carefully, think effectively and answer properly.