This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Job interviews can be daunting, but with the right preparation, you can ace them. Researching the company and practicing your responses to common interview questions is key to making a good impression.
According to Business Insider, 'almost anyone that has been gainfully employed throughout their lifetime has practiced the 'best' way to answer questions during a job interview.'
Here are three interview questions that can make or break your job prospects:
1. Tell Me About Yourself ¶
Twitter's Chief Marketing Officer Leslie Berland uses a single question to assess interviewees: 'Tell me everything I should know about you.' This question goes beyond gauging your skills and helps the interviewer understand what's important to you in life.
2. Why Do You Want This Job? ¶
This seemingly simple question can be a deal-breaker for some candidates. William Taylor, a career development manager, recalls a candidate who responded by saying they had checked Google and found that the company was better than their current employer. This response showed a lack of preparation and an arrogant attitude that can easily lead to rejection.
3. Do You Have Any Questions? ¶
When given the chance to ask questions, it's essential to ask thoughtful and relevant questions about the organization. Julia Rock, head of Rock Career Development, advises against asking questions that can be easily found on the company's website, as it may give the impression that you don't care. Instead, ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and the role, such as:
- What's the most important characteristic required for success in this role?
- How would you describe the team that I'd be working with in this job?
- Is this a new position? If so, what additional value do you expect someone in this role to deliver?
