Nailing interview questions shows you’re a confident and capable applicant. Taking the following
steps to prepare for an interview can help you feel more confident during the process and help
you make a strong impression.
1. Describe yourself concerning the role and company
Hiring managers typically ask you to tell them about yourself at the beginning of an interview to
initiate the conversation. Utilize this time to summarize your relevant background experience
and highlight your key skills, qualifications, and work history. Consider how your past
experiences and qualifications specifically tie into the job description and desired skills of the
position you’re applying to.
2. Express genuine interest and thorough research
Interviewers often ask why you’re interested to see how knowledgeable you are about the
position and the company. It’s important to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the
expectations of the role and an awareness of the products, services, and culture of the
company. Consider which aspects of the company and role specifically appeal to you and
incorporate these details in your answer.
3. Speak about a challenge you successfully overcame
This behavioral question provides hiring managers with insight into how they respond to
challenges and other setbacks. Consider using the STAR method for this question. STAR
stands for:
- Situation: Provide context and an overview of the situation
- Task: Include details about the task and your specific responsibilities
- Action: Talk about the specific steps you took to address the issue
- Results: End on a positive note that demonstrates your proactive action toward
successfully overcoming the challenge
You can also mention what you’ve gained or learned from the experience. Remember to speak
to the job description and specific qualifications the employer is seeking.
4. Choose strengths that are in line with the job responsibilities
Hiring managers ask about your strengths to determine if they align with the responsibilities of
the job and the company’s needs. Use the job description to guide your response and focus on
the skills and qualities that directly correspond with the qualifications the company is seeking.
The skills and qualities you choose to discuss can be both skills- and character-based
5. Select a weakness unrelated to the desired skill set
Hiring managers often ask this question to assess your level of self-awareness, your willingness
to be honest about shortcomings, and your motivation to address areas for growth. Identify a
true weakness you’ve overcome or are actively working on addressing. Here are some things to
consider when preparing your answer:
- Steps you’ve taken to address your weaknesses
- What you’ve done to minimize the impact of these weaknesses, especially in a
professional setting - Ways you’ve used your weaknesses as motivation to grow professionally
