10 Common Job Interview Questions and Answers (Job Interviews in English)

Summary

In this week's Confident English lesson, Annemarie offers essential strategies for answering common job interview questions effectively. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and adaptability rather than memorization, encouraging candidates to provide thoughtful, relevant responses. Key questions discussed include 'Tell me about yourself,' 'Why do you want this job?' and behavioral questions that require specific examples. Annemarie highlights the need to understand the company and its values, set clear career goals, and prepare questions for the interviewer. This lesson aims to build confidence in job seekers by equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in interviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prepare for common job interview questions, but focus on flexibility rather than memorization.
• 🤔 The first question is usually 'Tell me about yourself'; provide a big picture overview of your professional identity.
• 🏢 When asked 'Why do you want this job?', show your understanding of the company’s mission and your excitement about the role.
• 🔄 Avoid negativity when discussing previous employers; focus on the opportunities you're seeking.
• 💪 Highlight your strengths and how they align with the job requirements when asked 'What makes you the best choice?'.
• 📊 Use specific and quantifiable examples to answer behavioral questions effectively.
• 🔍 Research the company thoroughly to answer questions about what you know about them.
• 🎯 Interviewers ask about your goals to understand your planning and problem-solving skills.
• 🗣️ Always be ready to discuss your availability and salary expectations honestly.
• ❓ End the interview with thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement and interest in the role.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Annemarie's lesson?

The lesson focuses on how to answer common job interview questions in English, emphasizing preparation and flexibility.

Why do interviewers ask unexpected questions?

Interviewers ask unexpected questions to see how candidates perform under pressure and to gauge their adaptability.

What mistake do many people make when answering 'Tell me about yourself'?

Many people mistakenly summarize their entire resume instead of providing a brief overview of their professional self and relevant accomplishments.

How should candidates answer the question 'Why do you want this job?'?

Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the job's responsibilities, the company's mission, and express excitement about working for the company.

What is the recommended approach for answering questions about leaving a previous job?

Candidates should avoid speaking negatively about past employers and instead focus on future opportunities and career growth.

How can candidates effectively answer behavioral questions during an interview?

Candidates should use specific, quantifiable examples from their past experiences to illustrate how they've handled various situations.

What does the interviewer want to know when they ask, 'What do you know about our company?'?

The interviewer wants to determine if the candidate has done their homework and is familiar with the company’s products, services, and values.

What types of goals should candidates discuss when asked about their future aspirations?

Candidates should identify clear, achievable goals and provide examples of past experiences where they've set and accomplished similar goals.

What should candidates do when asked about their strengths?

Candidates should identify a specific strength and explain how it has contributed to their success in previous roles.

Why is it important for candidates to ask questions at the end of an interview?

Asking questions at the end of an interview shows interest and engagement and helps candidates gather important information about the role and company.