Top 4 most popular common interview questions

The hidden depth to these common interview questions, what the interviewers  look for to find out about you?

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is the most often asked question in job interviews. You need to have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise. Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back and work up to the present. Researches indicate that this is by far the most common interview question you will ever come across.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons. Emphasis should be on your new career prospects and your ambition to succeed.

3. What experience do you have in this field?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

4. What are your organisational skills like?

It’s no good just using abstract terms to talk about how organised or efficient you are. Prepare some examples from your past experience to immediately back up your claims. Emphasise what unique talents you’ll be bringing to the company.

Don’t go too far though - pretending you’re some kind of superhero will make you hard to relate to. Show humility - talk about an area you’ve struggled at, and the way you overcame the problem.

Prepare 15 questions to ask at the end – five about the role, five about the company, and five about the interviewer.

You’ll find most of your prepared questions will be answered during the course of the interview, and they’re crucial for showing your interest in the role.

At the end you might feel its possible to ask if they have any reservations about you – this will give you the perfect opportunity to give an immediate riposte to their concerns and provide you with a clean finish to the interview.

A clean positive finish to any of these common interview questions interview is essential.