Discover the Simplest Responses to the Most Difficult Interview Questions Asked by Hiring Managers
“So… tell me about yourself,”
For some of us (like me), the idea of describing oneself in a professional setting is as daunting as learning that your car registration is about to expire. The present-past-future approach routine will guarantee you’re a better smooth-talker than Ryan Gosling, even though it’s a basic question that frequently feels like it needs a complex solution.
Now, we here at Mint Talent have spoken to muliple candidates that have gone through the process that you are about to embark on, interviewing for new roles at differing levels of seniority and the result was this is not the only question that has stumped them.
So, we have compiled a list of the commonly asked questions by interviewers, and how to effectively answer these to ensure that you land that role!
1. “So… tell me about yourself”
● Allow the interviewer to see what your day-to-day looks like, including aspects of your role that are not immediately apparent from your CV. Even when we have just met someone, we feel comfortable talking about what we do for a living.
● Discuss any previous professional roles, making mention of skills and career highlights, regardless of whether you had a promotion, career break, or a chance you couldn’t pass up. You will be able to show the interviewer who you are, what drives you, and what you have enjoyed.
● Discuss any areas of interest you are interested in exploring and what you think might be your next step, including how the advertised role will fill that void. The goal of this part of your answer should be to demonstrate your desire to step outside your comfort zone, to upskill, to take on a challenge, and to grow professionally.
2. What is your greatest flaw as a professional?
Never, under any circumstances, should you respond with “Weakness? I don’t have any weaknesses. Everybody is fallible. Denying yours only demonstrates a lack of self-awareness.
Instead, put a positive spin on your shortcomings. And no, that’s not the same as saying something like, “I’m just TOO detail-oriented,” to cover up a weakness.
“Frame your flaws positively” refers to the following:
Pick a weakness that isn’t particularly pertinent to the job you’re going for, but don’t lie about it. If you’re seeking a job as a creative writer, you can’t argue that your weakness is that you’re a lousy writer, can you? Describe the actions you are taking to better yourself.
Your capacity to convert a negative into a positive is the key to providing an effective response to this question.
3. In five years, where do you see yourself?
When the interviewer asks you this question, they aren’t expecting you to know exactly where you want to be in five years. Nobody is going to keep an eye on you. In fact, you might not even work for the same company.
So it doesn’t matter if your long-term goal prediction is correct. All that matters is that you give a good answer that gets you the job, which you can do by emphasizing certain traits that the interviewer wants to see, as well as traits that demonstrate to the employer that you’re a good fit for their position and company.
4. Why are you looking to leave your current role?
By concentrating on your desired destination, you can avoid raising any red flags with your employer. If your current position does not allow you to lead a team, mention your enthusiasm for people management. Mention any volunteer coaching or mentoring you have done. Use this as an opportunity to explain how the posted position will allow you to pursue your professional goals.
5. Why are you the ideal candidate for the position?
There are numerous ways to answer this question. The first approach is to describe how your personality or personal characteristics make you an ideal candidate. Take the time before the interview to carefully match your qualifications to those listed in the job posting to accomplish this. Prepare to explain why you’re a good fit for the job.
Congratulations! With these pointers, you can hopefully be on your way to a flat white and chocolate chip muffin after the interview AND a master’s degree in answering tricky interview questions.
But since you’re here (for an Interview), there’s one important fact you already know: you need to ask some questions after your interview if you want a chance at the job.
So what is important? Never limit your interview to only asking and responding to questions. Asking the correct questions is important. The finest interview questions to be asked from the Interviewer will not only provide you with the information you require but will also present you in a positive light. In order to increase your chances of landing a job, we’ll prepare some excellent follow-up questions for you to ask an interviewer at the conclusion of the interview or even during it.
1. If you had to pick a team member who represented the company values (outside of senior management) who would you pick? Indicate them.
This question covers the corporate culture, team dynamics, department dynamics, and the kind of people you work with. You want to learn more about how employees get along, how they view one another, and what the company stands for. You are enabling the interviewer to paint a more human picture of the organization by posing these questions. It provides insight into the company’s culture and how well it aligns with your values and personality.
It is important to note that studies have shown that individuals who fit well into the business culture have a variety of benefits. People with a good match reported higher job satisfaction, higher job productivity, and were more likely to stay for a longer period of time, according to a thorough study by Kristof-Brown. This is why inquiries of this kind can be so beneficial for developing thoughtful decisions.
Additional or related inquiries might be:
● Which team members—outside of senior management—have the greatest impact on the corporate culture?
● What character traits would make this team work best together?
2. What does the ideal candidate look like for the position?
This questions allows for the reverse situation of number 5 – It allows the hiring manager to not only think about, but also articulate in specific detail (more than what is put on the job posting) who they are really looking for to fill the role. The aim of this question is for a picture of the perfect (albeit faceless) employee to form in the mind of the interviewer. Now, when each of these idealistic expectations come forth, it is a perfect chance for you to (1) make a mental note of them, (2) mention how you meet these expectations, providing examples of past situations that align with them.
The overall objective is to, through matching expectations, ensure that your face is painted onto the picture in the hiring manager’s mind.
3. Does the business currently have a procedure in place for continuing education or professional development?
You can see how the business is currently investing in its employees’ careers through this. Given how quickly the Digital Media and Ad Tech sectors are developing, it is helpful to be aware of chances for professional development at all stages of your career. This query displays your desire to advance within the organization. You can determine which talents are required to advance within the organization and the larger industry by furthering this debate.
Similar inquiries might be:
● What are the internal skills barriers to this company’s expansion?
● What would be the following steps for advancement in this position?
4. Do you have any concerns about how I might fit in this capacity in light of this interview?
This question will give you the chance to allay any misconceptions or worries the interviewer may have right there and then.
A similar query might be:
● What tips would you provide me if I were selected for this position to help me be successful?
● Do you have any inquiries about my suitability for this position that you would like to ask me?
Remember, an interview is a two-way street. Not only is the employer evaluating you, but you are also deciding whether you want to work for the company. Accept the interviewer’s invitation to ask questions as an opportunity to demonstrate your interest and learn information that will assist you in making an informed decision.
Here are 6 Most Common Questions to Expect in an Interview.
Good luck with your interviews!
