Smart Answers to 10 Standard Interview Questions

There is an unlimited number of questions that a recruiter or hiring manager can ask you during an interview. Standard answers to common interview questions tend to make you one of the average candidates. On the other hand, unique answers will make you unforgettable, and this is a great advantage for any job seeker.

Preparing for a job interview is a way to show the potential employer that you care about the job opportunity. Be prepare, this will help you ace the interview.

Here are the the questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.

• Don't repeat what is in your resume because it was red before.
• Share what might be important about you in case of a hiring decision.
• You can explain why you are different from the competition.

Wrong answer:
- You say that you are over-qualified, under-qualified, anxious about the interview or uncertain about your future or career.
- You share private information or secrets about you.
- You insert jokes (people may react strangely).

Good answer:
Give the reason why you are qualified and why you have applied for the job.

2. What are your plans for the future?

• The recruiter or hiring manager will only check whether your requirements fit the company culture and whether you can fulfill the tasks.

Wrong answers:
- You talk about plans for the future that are not work-related, such as building a house, travelling to another continent, etc.
- You use exaggerations, such as being the most passionate or hard-working person in the business, etc.

Good answer:
- Show the interviewer that you are the best choice for them.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

• It’s an old school hiring question, not used on a large scale like before. Still, be aware that it may occur with different wording.
• The prospect employer wants to find out if you have the right attitude and mindset for the job.

Wrong answer:
- You dream out loud about running the company.
- You give vague or funny answers.

Good answer:
- Talk about your potential progress inside the company.
- Describe how you will develop your skills and where your career goals could take you.

4. Why should we hire you?

• This question is an opportunity for you to share why you are different from your competition.
• you should check the company's website and online reviews.

Wrong answer:
- You show desperation.
- You talk about the financial aspects of the job.
- Bad talk about other applicants.

Good answer:
- Demonstrate that you meet the key criteria for the open role and more.
- Sell yourself and show how the potential employer can benefit from hiring you.

5. Why are you interested in this job opening?

• The opening should match your career plans and keep you in the company as long as possible.
• The new job should be the next step in your career, and that's what you need to explain to recruiters.

Wrong answer:
- You talk about the financial aspects of the job.

Good answer:
- Think about your long-term priorities when it comes to working.
- Show enthusiasm for the open job.
- Show that you share the same values as the company.
- Compare the potential role with your current one, BUT try not to talk negatively about your current/former employer.

6. Why do you have a gap in your resume?

• Resume gaps usually raise a red flag if there is no explanation available.

Wrong answer:
- You took the time to meditate on your future.
- You haven't found a job in 3 years.

Good answer:
- You returned to study and improved your skills.
- You took the time to take care of a family member who needed your full attention.
- You have worked as a freelancer (contract work).

7. Why do you want to quit your current job?

• It’s a tricky question, Do not express negative thoughts about your current/former employer.
• Recruiters are just looking for a reason not to worry about when you are likely to work for them.

Wrong answer:
- You say you are not paid enough.
- You say you hate your job.
- You say you hate your boss.

Good answer:
- You want to advance in your career.
- You look for professional growth.
- You need/want to relocate.
- You want to improve your work-life balance.

8. Do you have any questions?

• The recruiters want to see how interested you are in the role and organization.
• You are always expected to have questions about aspects that were not mentioned in the interview.

Wrong answer:
- You have no questions.
- You ask stupid questions (e.g. regarding the menu served during the lunch break etc.).

Good answer:
- You ask about the role.
- You ask about the management and team structure.
- You ask about the company culture.

9. What are your salary expectations?

• The potential employer just wants to know if you exceed his salary range for the role.
• A good idea is to explore what most employers in your location and industry pay.

Wrong answer:
- You are giving an unrealistic number that no employer in your location and industry would afford.
- You are waiting for the employer to tell you about the salary range.
- You are not sure how much you want to earn.

Good answer:
- Give a salary range instead of a specific number.
- Evaluate the total compensation package offered by the potential employer.

10. Why do you want to work for our company?

• Recruiters want to find out whether you have researched the company and whether you are interested in the position.
• This answer requires research about the potential employer.

Wrong answer:
- You have heard that it is nice here.
- Your neighbor works here and earns quite a lot.
- You repeat the information from the company's homepage.
- You would be a great help for all of the company’s projects.

Good answer:
- Talk about the challenges that the role can offer you.
- Explain how the potential employer will benefit from your skills and knowledge.

There is no perfect answer to interview questions. This is just a good opportunity to show people who you are and what value you can bring to their organization.