At times, the most basic interview questions can be the toughest to answer. Many candidates go into an interview thinking they can quickly respond to these types of questions, only to find themselves fumbling for a coherent response once the heat is on.
Following are some common questions you might be asked during your next job interview and tips to avoid becoming tongue-tied:
Q: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
A: The ideal answer should be brief yet include enough information about your relevant skills and experience that the hiring manager understands how you could benefit the company.
Q: Why do you want to work for our company?
A: Your response should demonstrate that you have researched the organization prior to the interview and believe the job is a good match for your skills.
Q: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
A: The first part of this question is fairly easy to answer, but describing your weaknesses is a different story. A sound approach is to name an actual weakness but follow it up with steps you are taking to overcome the flaw.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: With this question, prospective employers are hoping to get a sense of your drive and ambition. While avoiding sounding inflexible, demonstrate your goals for professional growth and career advancement.
Q: Do you have any questions?
A: Asking one or two targeted questions of the hiring manager – about the position's growth potential or the company's long-term objectives, for instance – demonstrates your interest in the position and may shed additional light on the intricacies of the job.