Step 9 of 21: Job Interview Tips to Help You Prepare and Confidently Answer Common Questions

In Step 9 of the "Mastering Your Job Search" series, we delve into the crucial aspect of interview preparation by focusing on practicing responses to the most common interview questions. These top 5 questions include: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here? Why are you looking for a new job? Tell me about a time you made a mistake? and for remote jobs, Why do you want to work remotely?

While the specific questions you'll encounter may vary, preparing for these common ones can put you in the right mindset and build your confidence for any interview. To get started, develop a list of questions, including the common ones and those specific to the job you're applying for. Examine the job posting and take note of the tasks, functions, and key qualifications.

As you practice your answers, remember to provide concrete examples and share stories of successful experiences that align with the job description. Focus on being positive and avoiding negativity, especially when addressing behavioral questions or discussing weaknesses. Show enthusiasm for growth and the future.

Additionally, research the company thoroughly to demonstrate your understanding of their values and culture. Having well-prepared questions for the interviewer will further impress them and showcase your genuine interest in the role. Watch the video to fine-tune your interview skills and explore additional tips for interview preparation in the linked resources.

Important Links:
• How to Answer Tough Interview Questions with Sample Answers: https://bit.ly/43SDXiy
• How to Answer Common Phone Interview Questions: https://bit.ly/47fC0jq
• FlexJobs Webinar: Answering Common Interview Questions: https://youtu.be/faHxtRxUwD0

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Transcript

Welcome to step 9! As you continue to prepare for interviews, it’s a great idea to plan some potential answers for some of the most common interview questions. The top 5 most common questions you may be asked are: What are your strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to work here? Why are you looking for a new job? Tell me about a time you made a mistake? and for remote jobs, Why do you want to work remotely?

While there is no guarantee that you will be asked these particular questions, considering what you might say in response to these common questions can help get you in the right mindset as you prepare to interview for new roles. Of course, one of the best ways to prepare is to practice your answers in advance, and as you do, you will find your confidence build and your answers refine and become stronger.

Before your interview, you will want to take time to develop a list of questions that you will practice. First, begin your list with some of these common questions we’ve talked about. Then it’s time to carefully examine the job posting for the role that you are interviewing for. Within that posting, make note of the tasks and functions that are listed as part of the position. Also, jot down the key qualifications that the hiring manager will be looking for as they interview you. 

Now it’s time to practice your answers. One by one, look through the questions and consider how you may respond. As you do, keep these important points in mind:

1. An interviewer will likely draw from their job description and ask you to share with them how you feel you are qualified to perform certain functions of the job. The best way to answer these questions is to “show” them by offering examples and telling stories of time that you’ve done those very tasks or similar tasks successfully. This helps them to imagine you in their environment and build confidence that will perform well in this new role.
2. When answering behavioral questions or questions related to strengths and weaknesses, times you made a mistake, or why you are choosing to leave your current employer, be sure to avoid negativity and keep it positive! Help them understand why you’re transitioning or what you might consider a weakness, but then quickly move to sharing about what you’ve learned, how you are growing, and your excitement for the future.

Finally, do your homework to learn about the company. Do your research in advance so that you will feel confident to talk about them and how you would be a great fit. Additionally, this can help you to be prepared for that important step of having questions ready for them within the interview. Being able to communicate with understanding about who they are and having a few questions ready to ask them regarding the position and the process will help them to build assurance that you are a great candidate!

Check out the resources included today for some common interview questions, as well as additional tips for interview preparation!