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Mastering Common Interview Questions

The document provides advice for successfully answering common interview questions. It includes examples of answering questions about oneself, one's experience, strengths, university background, and weaknesses. The advice emphasizes using specific examples to support claims, focusing on academic rather than personal reasons for university choice, and addressing weaknesses by noting steps taken to improve. It also notes the importance of avoiding negative language and instead focusing answers positively by discussing desires to develop skills further.

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Ria Sepriani
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
294 views3 pages

Mastering Common Interview Questions

The document provides advice for successfully answering common interview questions. It includes examples of answering questions about oneself, one's experience, strengths, university background, and weaknesses. The advice emphasizes using specific examples to support claims, focusing on academic rather than personal reasons for university choice, and addressing weaknesses by noting steps taken to improve. It also notes the importance of avoiding negative language and instead focusing answers positively by discussing desires to develop skills further.

Uploaded by

Ria Sepriani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Successful Interviews

In all interviews you will be required to talk about yourself. The interviewers
want to find out whether you’re the type of person who would be able to do the job and
also whether your personality would fit in with the rest of the company. Whatever job
you’re applying for, there are some questions that you will nearly always get asked.
Preparing for these questions will help you to use them to demonstrate effectively why
you are the best candidate for the position. Here are some of the most common questions
in the job interview:
1. Can you tell us something about your self?
2. What did you learn during your time at university?
3. What do you see as your strengths?
4. What university did you attend and why did you choose it?
5. What are your weaknesses?

Sample interviews
Question 1 & 2
Interviewer : Can you tell us something about yourself?
Alejandro : Well, I’m motivated and I put a lot of effort into everything I do,
whether I’m studying at university, at work, or even when I’m
playing sport. During my last year at university I was captain of the
basketball team. I had to organize matches and motivate the
players. As captain it was essential that I was able to communicate
effectively and get along with everybody in the team…and for the
first time in years our team managed to reach the regional final. We
didn’t win, unfortunately, but leading the team to the final was a
big achievement for me.
Interviewer : What did you learn during your time at university?
Alejandro : Oh, lots of things. My Economics degree was very practical, and
there were many elements of the degree that could be applied to the
business world. I had a number of challenging assignments, which
often had to be completed within a short period of time. This helped
me to develop my prioritizing skills and ability to work tight to
tight deadlines.

Questions 3
Interviewer : What do you see as your strengths?
Lidia : I am organized and apply a systematic approach to my work. I
believe in good time management. This enables me to get work
done in time. I’m also able to prioritize my work and work under
pressure if deadlines are moved forward. For example, in my last
job there were quieter periods and periods of high activity when
there was a lot of pressure to complete tasks on time. I implemented
a new system for managing the workload in our team and planning 1
ahead. This way we were able to share the work more effectively
and always ensure that we had the capacity to deal with increased
pressure and any unexpected problems.
Question 4-6
Interviewer : What university did you attend and why did you choose it?
Lidia : I did a lot of research into universities, both abroad and in Spain. In
the end I decided to go to the University of Barcelona as it was
clear that its Economics department had an excellent reputation.
I’m also interested in doing an international MBA at the Instituto de
Empresa in Madrid in the future.
Interviewer : What are your weaknesses?
Lidia : Well, my French is a bit rusty, so I have recently started evening
classes to improve it. I used to be a bit disorganized at university
but I’ve started using to-do lists, which has enabled me to prioritize
tasks more efficiently.
Interviewer : What do you like doing in your spare time?
Lidia : I enjoy playing volleyball and was captain of the team during my
last year at university. I still play regularly for a local club and love
going away with the team for matches against other clubs. I’m also
a keen traveler. During the summer last year I spent a month in
Africa working with volunteers at a national reserve. I’m currently
planning an expedition to Thailand.

Advice:
For question: “What do you see as your strengths?
- Use examples from your experience to support your claims.
- Don’t use tentative language such as ‘I feel’ or ‘I think I’m quite good at…’

For question: “ What university did you attend, and why did you choose it?
- Don’t say that you chose it because it was the closest one to home.
- Focus on the educational/academic/professional reasons for your choice.

For question: “What are your weaknesses?”


- Don’t say that you have none.
- Mention what steps you have taken to tackle this problem.
- Use softening and emphasis
e.g.
Well, in the past I sometimes used to procrastinate a little. There were times
when I used to put things off until the last minute, when completing an essay for
university for example. But I realized that perhaps this wasn’t the most effective
way of working and so I started setting a strict schedule for all my projects well
in advance and set myself personal deadlines. Using a schedule has really helped
me and I’m much better organized now and able to take on more projects at the
same time.

1
Note: There are some techniques to answer the question about weaknesses.

1. Talk about something that is no longer a weakness. Mention how you


overcame the weakness and that you have solved similar problems more
recently.

2. Talk about a knowledge-based weakness, which is easily overcome. Mention


why this weakness isn’t a serious problem and what steps you are actively
taking to solve the problem.

e.g.
Hmmm. My weaknesses? Let me think. Well, in answer to your question you
mentioned that the staff here use Apple Macintosh computers. I am not very
familiar with Apple Macs and I’m used to using Windows. However, I managed
to learn how to use a number of programs very quickly on my own and I’m sure
I’d get used to using Apple Macs very quickly. I really enjoy using computers and
new gadgets, and I’m always keen to learn how to use new technology.

Note:

In an interview you will almost certainly face challenging questions which


attempt to assess your suitability for the job. It is vital to avoid getting caught in the trap
of saying negative things.

e.g. “Why did you leave your last job?”

Negative expression Positive expression


I hated my last job, I couldn’t stand the Although I really liked my job, and the
boss. He used to drive me crazy!...I handed people I was working with, I didn’t feel I
in my notice and left as soon as I could. was being stretched enough. I’m looking
for a position in which I can develop my
professional skills further.

“What is it about your job that you dislike?”


Negative expression Positive expression
I am bored with my job. It’s too easy. I’m seeking fresh challenges.
I can’t stand dealing with customers. I feel I’m best suited to working behind the
scenes.
The place where I work is too small. I’m looking for an opportunity to
contribute these skills to a larger
organization such as yours.

Negative expression Positive expression


I don’t have many professional skills. I’m seeking the possibility to develop 1
further professionally.
I only know the theory I’m keen to develop my practical skills.

Common questions

Powered by AI

Effectively addressing the question about weaknesses involves speaking about a previous weakness and explaining how you have overcome it. It is beneficial to choose a knowledge-based weakness that you are actively working to improve, thus showing growth and initiative . For example, you might mention lacking familiarity with certain technology used in the role but highlight your quick learning ability and steps taken to become proficient . This approach not only demonstrates honesty but also showcases problem-solving and personal development skills.

Candidates should provide concrete examples that demonstrate their strengths in action. For instance, Lidia mentioned implementing a new system for managing workloads during high-pressure periods, showcasing her organizational skills and ability to work under pressure . Additionally, avoiding tentative language like 'I feel' reinforces confidence in one's abilities . By providing specific instances, candidates can convincingly substantiate their claims about their strengths.

Candidates effectively convey personal achievements and learning experiences by seamlessly integrating them into their responses. Alejandro exemplifies this by discussing his role as a basketball team captain, where leadership contributed to reaching regional finals, balancing his accomplishments with communicated learning in communication and team motivation. Similarly, his academic experiences in applying economics to real-world scenarios highlight acquired skills alongside academic success . This approach provides a comprehensive narrative that showcases both experience and capability.

Candidates should focus on the academic and professional merits of the university rather than its proximity to home. They should highlight the reputation of specific departments or unique educational opportunities offered by the institution. For instance, Lidia chose the University of Barcelona for its reputable Economics department, which aligns with her career goals . This approach demonstrates thoughtfulness and ambition in their educational choices.

A candidate's choice of university reflects their professional aspirations by demonstrating alignment between educational background and career goals. By choosing a university known for its strong program in a field relevant to the desired career, candidates signal intentional planning and commitment to their aspirations. Lidia's selection of the University of Barcelona for its esteemed Economics department suggests a dedication to establishing a foundation beneficial for future professional development, indicating foresight and ambition .

Effective techniques involve reframing negative aspects positively. For instance, instead of mentioning boredom or difficulties with a boss, candidates might express a desire for greater challenges to develop professional skills . This approach focuses on personal growth and career development aspirations rather than dwelling on negative experiences, thereby maintaining a constructive tone.

Mentioning technological adaptation skills when discussing weaknesses can positively impact an interview by showcasing a candidate's ability to quickly learn new tools and systems. This trait is especially valuable in dynamic work environments where technology rapidly evolves. For instance, acknowledging unfamiliarity with Apple Macs but highlighting a willingness and ability to learn demonstrates flexibility and a proactive learning attitude, which are attractive qualities to employers .

Preparation helps candidates use interview questions as opportunities to promote themselves effectively as the best candidates for a position. Knowing common questions, such as speaking about oneself or detailing strengths and weaknesses, allows candidates to craft responses that highlight relevant skills and achievements. This preparation increases confidence and helps present a cohesive narrative that aligns with job requirements .

Candidates can discuss extracurricular activities by linking them to skills relevant to the job. For example, Lidia speaks about her role as a volleyball team captain, which developed her leadership and teamwork abilities . Similarly, sharing experiences of travel and volunteer work can highlight adaptability, cultural awareness, and project management skills, presenting a well-rounded image aligned with job requirements.

Insights into personal development are evident when candidates frame weaknesses as areas they are actively working to improve, highlighting their commitment to growth. For instance, stating that French language skills needed improvement and discussing steps taken to enhance those skills show dedication to self-improvement . Moreover, it demonstrates reflective learning, as candidates show awareness of personal limitations and proactive efforts to overcome them, illustrating maturity and adaptability.

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