As we all know, a face-to-face interview can either kill your chances of getting the job or will make them want to hire you on the spot. So making sure you’re prepared to answer these top interview questions can help ensure you’ll land the job you’re wanting.
“Why do you want to leave your current job?”
This is usually a hard question to answer. The one thing to always remember though is to be positive in this situation. Everyone knows you are most likely wanting to leave your current position for multiple reasons. And some reasons you may not want to share.
But no matter the reason, good or bad, make sure you’re honest with why you want to leave. Maybe it’s because you want more opportunity for leadership growth, a more flexible work life, something new and different, or need more income to do the things you want. Just be sure to not bad-mouth your current employer!
If you’re spinning what you want and need in a positive light, and not focusing on what your current job isn’t giving you, you’ll come across as a person who is easy to work with. Employers are looking for someone who looks on the bright side of things, even when it’s hard to. And everyone wants to work with a person like that.
“Why do you want this job?”
This question relates to the first one… But it’s a very important one in the interview process. If you just want the job because you want to make more money, that’s not necessarily going to give you a winning interview. EVERYONE wants more money.
Answering this question though, in a way that helps the company know who you are and why you want to share your talents with them will help them start to believe you’re a great fit. It’s all about explaining how you have the skills they need for the job. For example, if it’s a social media specialist position you’re applying for, a good answer would be as follows:
“I’d love to help your team fill this job position because I am passionate about social media and my experience in it is extensive. I have training in video editing, writing, filming, and many other skills that are key to being successful in this position. I think I would be a great addition to your team due to my knowledge on these topics, and I would love to grow with you and your company.”
Short, sweet, and to the point will always get you the best response when answering these types of interview questions. Just make sure you’re being yourself and telling them everything you have to offer and why you’re a good fit for their company.
“Out of all the other candidates, why should we hire you?”
This is where you get to really make your case! Tell them about how great you are. Let them know about your leadership style, how you handle stressful situations, what makes you a good problem solver. Explain how you’re experience and attitude makes for the perfect fit and you’ll answer this question with flying colors. Just remember there is a fine line between talking yourself up and bragging.
“What questions do you have for me?”
This question is and will ALWAYS be asked in interviews. Make sure you do your homework. Having questions shows you are adamant about landing this position and that you care. Who do you think a company is going to want to hire? The “oh, no I don’t have any questions” person or the “oh yes, I just have a couple, what is your companies policy on…” person? You see my point.
Being able to offer questions they may not have heard before just helps them get to know you more and gives you an opportunity to interview them. Not every job that you have the skills for will be the right one for you. This is because you may not like their company culture, their benefits, or things like that. And you need to figure that out BEFORE you accept an offer is very important. That’s what this interview question will help you do so you avoid taking an opportunity you really weren’t suited for.
Give yourself the opportunity to be picky and make sure you’re the right fit for the position you’re interviewing for.
