Job Interview – A Complete Guide (Interview Questions, Answers, Tips,…

In this article, you will be clarified with all of the job interview-related information’s which includes interview questions, answers, preparations, job interview process, tips, etc. Please read all the following things that give vital knowledge about the job interview.

Behavioral Job Interview Questions and Answers

Behavioral interview questions are the proofs to display your capacity that you handled various situations during the place of job and screen your character tendencies, abilities, and skills. These questions show ways you will behave if an identical situation had been to progress, the logic being that your past achievement will display how would you behave in the future.

Behavioral interview questions are regularly questioned in job interviews to measure your problem-solving abilities. These questions can provide the interviewer with a perception of your personality, capabilities, and abilities. Because each question on behavioral interview calls for you to proportion a specific story that highlights your strengths and weakness, your answers give the interviewer a better sense to consider your candidacy to the further level.

In this text, we offer tips for getting ready and responding to questions by way of subject matter and also provide 20 sample behavioral interview questions and examples of answers that will help you shape your own answers.

The regular interview questions are easy to furnish answers. That regular job interviews your answer strategies based on concrete examples of talents and reports that relate to the job. But when answering behavioral interview questions, concentrate on offering instances of conditions that are exact, and professional. You should be able to tell a brief story in few minutes. By asking behavioral interview questions, interviewers need to analyze your notion and the strategies and capabilities you use to solve problems.

Here we furnished 20 common behavioral interview questions and tips for how to answer them categorized by way of various topics.

Your behavior would be measured by different circumstances during the interview. Your answers to behavioral interview questions are proof to ascertain your work performance in a different situations and, your answers should be convincing according to the situation as well.

Here’s the list of behavioral interview questions that are helping to analyze various situations. You would be required to apply the below personal attributes to examine the situation and respond accordingly.

Behavioral Job Interview Questions and answer

  • Subordination
  • Analytical
  • Flexibility
  • Social responsibility
  • Truthfulness
  • Integrity
  • Personal effectiveness
  • Task-oriented
  • Commitment level
  • Adaptability
  • Self-assessment
  • Planning
  • Teamwork
  • Career progression
  • Problem-solving
  • Scheduling
  • Goal setting
  • Interpersonal skills

20 Most Common Behavioral Job Interview Questions

1. Consider your suggestion is not accepted by your boss, how do you handle (a Behavioral Interview Question for mid-level professional)?

Purpose: This behavioral interview question is being asked to understand your behavior on subordination and the answers to portray your perception that you are always being aligned with your superior.

Don’t share any negative instances or bad mouth about your boss.

Answer: Being worked with my boss, I know, he is the best. He always appreciates and take-up good suggestions that benefit the organization. If a particular suggestion is not considered, there must be a valid reason. I will take it in a good spirit and keep sharing my suggestions for improvement.

2. What do you consider as a failure of your job?

Purpose: The interviewer asks this behavioral interview question is to measure your on analytical capabilities on each event of your career life. Share an instant that you could have done better and that might have benefited the organization better way.

Don’t attempt to answer something that caused loss to the organization.

Answer: With the best ability of our team, we completed a tough project (mention a project name) with an exact deadline. After completion, I have observed away, through which we could have reduced huge project costs and time saved. The suggestion has been implemented for future projects. But still, I feel like missing the opportunity.

3. What is your social responsibility a behavioral Interview Question for entry-level professionals?

This behavioral interview question is to know how well you are connected with the community and your answers should be displaying the positive perception as the general public.

Do not share any of your disagreement with politics or similar topics. Mind your answer which shouldn’t project you as a frequent day-off taker due to social causes.

Answer: As a citizen, I abide by the laws of the country and act accordingly. I extend my help to the community wherever possible. I associate myself with all the social activities organized by the company.

4. How did you manage to attend this interview during your working hours?

This interview question is being asked to assess your behavior on truthfulness. You can’t answer saying you informed as going for a job interview. You have to tell the truth.

Don’t pretend to be too smart saying as; “I don’t liar to my boss. I informed to my boss that I am going for the job interview”.

Answer: Though I am truthful to my boss, I can’t inform him as I am going for an interview. So, I took up permission for a few hours to attend this interview duly authorized by my boss.

5. How do you manage the likes and dislikes of your job?

Purpose: The purpose of this question is to evaluate your behavior on the personal effectiveness of your job. It’s your chance to showcase your professionalism. 

Do not share an instance such as a new process implementation that made the work tougher and all just follow the below sample answer

Answer: I believe every challenging situation is a way to improve. I never see things as likes or dislikes rather I see them as an opportunity to learn and grow.

6. How do you motivate yourself when the job seems monotonous at your work?

The interviewer wants to test whether you are a task-oriented professional. Your response is to ascertain how passionate you are about your job.

Do not answer about a particular person or task that is an inspiration at your work.

Answer: My inspiration is my work. Despite the daily targets fixed already by the management, every day I set my target bit higher than already fixed. I would be fully focused to finish them with high quality, quantity, and before the stipulated time. This mindset always inspires me at work more.

7. How do you manage if the task needs you to stay long hours of work?

The purpose of these interview questions is to test your behavior on your commitment level to the job and your answers should be precise to them.

Do not answers like you are stick to be with office timing not stay extra hours.

Answer: I am a person who wants to complete the task done by me. The time and when each task is assigned to me I commit myself to finish them before the deadline. If required, I don’t mind staying long hours too.

8. Did you ever initiate anything for organizational advancement?

The interviewer wants to assess your attachment to the company. Give details of an initiative or suggestion that benefited the company.

Do not share something that wasn’t your initiative. You will be caught if you are asked to give a detailed explanation or by a verification.

Answer: During my service with XYZ company and I was assigned with (project name). All of a sudden, few team members were sick and not able to present for a few days. Along with my project manager, I spoke to the rest of the team to continue the work irrespective of time. With our hard work and dedication eventually, we completed the project successfully with lesser manpower.

9. You seem to be worked with few organizations, what you miss from one organization to another

A Behavioral Interview Question for leadership and managerial positions. And convincing answers are expected

You are being scanned for your behavior of adaptability. The interviewer sees whether you could sustain with their work environment or not.

Do not boast or disrespect any of your previous employment.

Answer: Since I see more opportunities in learning, I don’t mind considering what I miss. And, I am fortunate that every place I work was amazing and the people I miss around the workplace but still I maintain a good relationship on various occasions.

10. Are you satisfied with the profession you are now?

This interview question is being asked to measure your self-assessment behavior.

Avoid vague answers such as I love my job. Give a little more details of why you are satisfied with your job.

Answer: The time when I started my career, I chose to become (mention your profession). I found it not just a profession but my passion. I deeply love what I am doing and am satisfied.

11. Share your experience on multi-tasking?

The idea behind this question is to appraise your behavior of a sense of planning.

Do not simply say that you naturally have the skills to perform multiple tasks.

Answer:  In my current position as (position name) which required me to handle multiple tasks at the same time such as productivity, reports generation, customer coordination, communication, and so on. All these tasks are equally important.

So, based on requirements and my experience, I prioritize each task and complete them without fail. Many a time I felt them as interesting rather than challenging.

12. If a situation creates a discrepancy with the colleague, how would you handle it?

This kind of question to comprehend your capability on teamwork. Your answer should be fit enough to be a team player.

Do not answer as a straightforward reply as violating internal rules.

Answer: I am a team player who easily could collaborate with people and get things done. If at all discrepancy occurs, as a professional I would try to pacify the other stakeholder or politely escalate the issue to the next level.

13. Would you be okay, if you are assigned in different projects (which are not the scope of your work) if required?

This interview question intends to enquire about your behavior on collaboration which is aligned to companies’ mission. The employer expects you to say yes answer.

Do not say answer as I am not ok to work with different tasks which are not your scope of work.

Answer: I love to contribute myself wherever company’s my assistance. At the same time, mostly, I work on priorities which are my scope of work, and then push myself to assist others with tasks.

14. Have you ever observed unfair practices in your previous organization (a Behavioral Interview Question for Senior-level professional) ?

This is to enquire about your behavior of affinity as an employee allied to the company’s decision.

Do not share any of the company policies that you are unhappy with.

Answer: I don’t think that any company observe unfair practices. Rather, they implement new practices or policies to smoother the operations or business development.

15. How do you get things done from your team?

Purpose: The purpose of this behavioral interview question is to measure your interpersonal skills.

Answer: It’s all about how do I collaborate with my team from day one. I am a person who wants to have a positive connection with my team. This ability naturally makes me get things done by people.

16. Sometimes we are likely to learn things from junior level cadres, how do you see it?

Purpose: The purpose of this question is to test your kindness with lower grades and willingness to take care of them with self-respect.

Answer: In my present organization, often, I would be given a beginner or intern for a training purpose. I observe, each time I train someone I learn something new from them. And, I acknowledge and appreciate their interest as well.

17. How do you say the day is successful?

Purpose: This question is to measure your behavior on goal-setting abilities.

Answer: Certainly, I would say the day is a success when I completed my set tasks, learn new things, and happy working with the team.

18. Consider you joined here and what you will focus on for the first 30 days?

Purpose: Test your ability to scheduling things. You are expected to give an approximate agenda for the next 30 days. The agenda should be comprised of knowledge transfer, a clear understanding of the business, and your role.

Sample: As a new joiner, my priorities for the next 30 days would be on gaining full knowledge about the company’s business, customers, my roles and responsibilities, and internal policies. Subsequently, I would be focusing to contribute to improvisation.

19. What are the professional competencies you developed recently?

Purpose: The Interviewer wants to know about your behavior on your career progression. Give certain courses or pieces of training you recently completed and add up some other relevant courses you plan to take up in the future.

Answer: I have recently certified with (course and institute name). Also, presently pursuing an online crash course.

20. Describe a time you made a mistake and how did you handle?

Purpose: The behavioral interview question is to check your integrity and problem-solving abilities. Give an appropriate example of how a mistake did occur, how you figured it out and fixed it.

Answer:  Two years ago, due to urgency, a wrong productivity report I sent it to a client. I have a habit of rechecking all reports once every two days. This wrong report caught in my eyes and immediately escalated to all concerned parties and did all further proceedings to hold it. Fortunately, no awful impacts were taken place as it has been addressed promptly.

More behavioral interview questions

Flexibility

When have you ever seen your tenacity or resilience definitely pay off in a professional setting? What become the final consequences?

When have you ever found yourself in a competitive state of affairs professionally? How did you manage it?

Tell me approximately a specific work-related setback you have got confronted with. How did you cope with it?

Collaboration

What have you ever found to be the hard part of being a member of a crew? How did you control this?

Tell me a time whilst you had settled a dispute among organization individuals. How did you go about figuring out the troubles? What changed into the end result?

What has become the maximum vital mistake you have got made when delegating a job as a part of a group project?

Tell me about a time, as you had to work on a group that did now not get alongside. What happened? What position did you’re taking? What became the end result?

Describe a scenario in that you needed to arrive at a compromise or assist others to compromise. What has become your function? What steps did you take? What emerges as the end result?

Tell me a time while you labored with a colleague who grows to be not doing their percent of the work. How did you address it?

Describe a state of affairs where others you’ve got been working with on a task disagreed together with your mind. What did you do?

Conciliation

What modified into the maximum annoying professional negotiation you have got involved? How did you cope with it?

Describe a time even as you convinced a resistant customer to make use of your services.

What is your greatest sales-related success? What steps were presented about the very last final results?

Tell me about your preceding success in building a consumer base from a start. What steps did you are taking?

Time Management

When has a project or event you organized but not held in accordance to the plan? What took place? Why? How did you sense?

Tell me about a mission that you planned. How did you arrange and timetable the duties? Tell me about your action plan.

How do you prioritize projects and duties while scheduling time? Give me a few examples.

Describe a scenario that required you to do a spread of factors at the same time. How did you cope with it? What became the end result?

Management

What had been the best barriers you’ve confronted in constructing/developing a crew?

What has been your greatest management fulfillment in a professional environment? Talk through the process you took to attain it.

What is the hardest group which you have ever needed to lead? What had been the limitations? How did you operate the situation?

Describe a control position of yours out of doors of labor. Why did you commit some time to it? How did you sense about it?

Tell me about a group project even as you had to take the fee of the undertaking? What did you do? What ends up the end result?

Social

Describe a situation where you had warfare with every other man or woman and the way you dealt with it. What grows to be the very last effects? How did you experience it?

Tell me a time while you needed to work on a crew with someone you possibly did not get alongside the facet. What befell?

What, in your opinion, are the important thing substances in guiding and preserving successful business enterprise relationships? Give me examples of methods you have were given to make those be just right for you.

Describe your recent disliked preference you made. How changed into it obtained? How did you contend with it?

Describe a situation in which you discovered yourself self-handling someone who didn’t such as you. How did you deal with it?

Give an example of whilst you need to artwork with someone who became tough to get along with. How/why became this character tough? How did you control it? How did the relationship develop?

Morality

Give a particular instance of coverage you conformed to with which you did no longer agree. Why?

Tell me about a commercial enterprise state of affairs even as you felt honesty was irrelevant. Why? What did you do?

Tell me a time when you professional a loss for doing what is right. How did you react?

Discuss a time whilst your integrity became challenged. How did you cope with it?

Resourcefulness

What has been the quality idea you’ve got provide you with during your career?

Tell me about a time while your initiative induced a trade to stand up.

Tell me about a venture you initiated. What did you do? Why? What becomes the outcome? Were you happy with the result?

Describe a state of affairs in which you recognized a capability hassle as a possibility. What did you do? What changed into the end result? What, if something, do you wish you had accomplished in a distinctive way?

Describe a venture or idea (not continually your own) that changed into applied by means of and huge because of your efforts. What modified your position? What becomes the outcome?

Target Oriented

How have you ever gone about setting short-term aims and long-term goals for yourself or your crew? What steps did you take along the manner to preserve yourself accountable?

Tell me about an expert intention that you set which you did not achieve. How did it make your experience it?

Give me an instance of a crucial professional purpose that you set yourself and inform me the way you reached it. What barriers did you encounter? How did you triumph over the limits?

Decision Making

Give me an instance of a commercial enterprise selection you made which you in the end regretted. What came about?

What is the maximum difficult selection you’ve ever needed to make at work? How did you arrive at your choice? What changed into the end result?

Give me an instance of a time when you had to be brief in coming to a selection. What obstacles did you face?

Tell me about a time while you needed to make a choice without all of the records you wished. How did you deal with it?

Creativity

When have you ever brought a progressive thought into your group? How was it received?

Give me an example of even as someone gave you thought that end up strange or unusual. What did you do?

Tell me approximately a trouble that you’ve solved in a completely unique or uncommon way. What modified into the final effects? Were you happy or glad about it?

When emerging as the remaining time you thought “outside the field” and the way did you do it? Why?

Communiqué

Tell me a time in that you had to use your written verbal exchange abilities so one can get a crucial factor during.

What barriers or problems have you ever faced in speak your ideas to a manager?

Give me an instance of a time whilst you have been able to correctly communicate with every other character even when that man or woman may not have in my view preferred you (or vice versa).

Have you ever had to “sell” an idea to your colleagues? How did you do it?

When have you ever had to gift to a collection of people with little or no education? What obstacles did you face? How did you deal with them?

Tell me the latest hit experience in making a speech or presentation?

Customer Focus

Give an instance of a time you went well out of your way to ensure a customer obtained the quality viable provider from you and the business enterprise. What became their response?

Tell me about a time you’ve got “inherited” a purchaser. What steps did you are taking to installation rapport with them? What did you do to advantage them accept as real with?

When have you had to address an irate purchaser? What did you do? How did the scenario grow to be?

Attention To Detail

Tell me about a time which you were pressured by way of a customer’s request. What steps did you are taking to make clear matters?

Give me an example of a time you found a mistake that has been omitted with the useful resource of a colleague. What did you do? What have become the final results?

What technique do you operate to check which you have the proper details from a consumer?

Logical

What steps do you observe to examine trouble before you make a decision? Why?

Tell me a state of affairs in that you needed to solve a tough hassle. What did you do? What changed into the very last results? What do you desire you had finished otherwise?

Tell me about a time at the same time as you had to analyze facts and make a recommendation. What sort of idea did you go through? Was the recommendation popular? If not, why?

Describe the task or scenario that nicely demonstrates your analytical abilities. What became your function?

Adaptability

How have become your transition from job to job? Did you face any unique issues? How did you take care of them?

Tell me about a time while you had to alter a colleague’s running style so as to complete a mission or obtain your goals.

Tell me approximately a situation in that you have needed to alter to changes over which you had no control. How did you operate it?

Stress Handling

What have you completed inside the beyond to prevent a situation from becoming too stressful for you or your colleagues to deal with?

What has been the most traumatic state of affairs you have got ever observed yourself in at work? How did you work it?

FAQ – Behavioral interview questions and answers

How do you prepare for a behavioral interview?

Understand the company’s needs and prepare accordingly for the behavioral interview questions. Take record of previous interviews shared on various sites. Prepare for the interview questions and answers mentioned here.

What kind of questions are asked in a behavioral interview?

The kinds of questions you can expect in the behavioral interviews are to evaluate your commitment, leadership, loyalty, team spirit, work ethics, etc.

What do you do if you can’t answer a behavioral interview question?

If you cant answer a behavioral interview question, it’s better to be open and answer saying “not sure, I am sorry” or I have no idea”. It is always recommended for being transparent rather than fabricating false answers.

What is a structured behavioral interview?

Structured behavioral interviews are directly related to job competencies. For example, if a person attends an interview for a software engineer position, He or she would ask questions related to typical behavioral interview questions like how they would engage their work and how they would collaborate with the team, and so on. Through which the interviewer find job-related behaviors of a candidate

How do they conduct a behavioral interview?

Behavioral interviews are conducted based on the company’s internal interview process.  Some companies have separate behavioral interview rounds whereas other company’s conduct along with their general interview. The big companies like Google, Apple, TCS, Infosys coupled where the behavioral interview questions with an online assessment itself but also ask behavioral interview questions during onsite or in-person interviews too.

Behavioral Question

Frequently Asked Job Interview Questions

Knowing the importance of frequently asked interview questions is vital for a job candidate. You must have to choose a proper career path to obtain your career objective. Choosing the right employer and profession is important to attain your career goal. It’s been proved that nothing wrong with switching over different jobs to get your target job. To reach the desired status requires expertise in your professional skills and the ability to win the competition in job interviews. The complete set of interview questions cited herewith will be highly helpful for your target job interview at various levels.

Fresher and Entry-Level Jobs

It’s been very long years of the educational journey, you have successfully acquired your professional educational credentials. Now, it is time to start your employment career. You would have dreamed of getting a job based on your passion. Subsequently, you applied for jobs and waiting for the interview call. You are confident enough on the technical part but have no idea about the basic job interview questions that are asked frequently in an interview.
Here’s the list of common interview questions that are frequently asked for fresher’s and entry-level job aspirants.

  1. Tell me about yourself?
  2. What do you consider as your strengths?
  3. What do you consider as your weakness?
  4. As a person, what are your hobbies and interests?
  5. Share your knowledge about our organization?
  6. Give us some reasons, why should we hire you?
  7. Why do you want to start your career with our company?
  8. What do you want to achieve in five years in your career?
  9. What is your passionate profession?
  10. What were your great leanings in your school or college life?
  11. What is the difference between group and team?
  12. Have you ever led a team?
  13. How do take responsibility and achieve them?
  14. Do you like to travel or relocate?
  15. Do you have any questions for us?
  16. Tell me something about your favorite teacher?
  17. What are your favorite books and why?
  18. Who is your role model and why?
  19. Name the best movies of your choice, and why everyone must watch it?
  20. Tell us some interesting current affairs?
  21. What is the difference between passion and ambition?

Common Interview questions

After gathering a few years of work experience from a fresh graduate level, now, you have been self-observing as to explore further with your career in terms of gaining knowledge, new people collaboration, and monetary benefits. You perceive the present employment is not affordable to provide what you seek. You decided to look for better employment.
You can’t be expected the next interview when you were a fresher. This time, scrutinizing would be higher as the interviewer looking at an experienced professional who could deliver better results.
The following are the most common interview questions asked frequently for the mid-level experienced.

  1. Explain your past experience in more detail?
  2. What specific abilities did you acquire from your last assignment?
  3. Share your last organizations’ management approach.
  4. What is the significant thing you developed at your last employment?
  5. describe, why you are the best fit for this job
  6. What is the reason for quitting your current job?
  7. Your profiles seem to have a frequent job change, why?
  8. How does your boss refer to you?
  9. You don’t seem to have handled team-leading capacity. How do you justify, we are not wrong if offered?
  10. Tell us how did your abilities monitor by your boss?

Managerial Level

If you are already in a manager grade or looking forward to becoming a manager you must aware that you are the most important person in an organization. A manager is responsible for all matters related to productivity and answerable to management. Also, he is the representative of his team on behalf of management.
Similar to a role, a passing job interview will also be crucial for this position. The following questions will help those who look for a manager or team leader job opportunity.

  1. What would be your action plan for the team that doesn’t meet the target?
  2. Describe your management style?
  3. How do you rate yourself as a successful manager?
  4. What is your action to handle with the stressed team member and get the work done?
  5. How do you solve disagreement among teammates?
  6. Give us an example when you became an inspiration to your team?
  7. Your approach to motivate people?
  8. Share us a situation, when you had to take a tough decision?
  9. What is your management weakness that you want to overcome?
  10. Your approach on task delegation to an appropriate team?
  11. When you will say the person can be fired?
  12. How do you describe a perfect manager?
  13. What management can expect from a manager?
  14. How do you measure the welfare of your team?
  15. How did you handle a situation that your boss is 100% wrong with his decision?
  16. Being a manager/ team leader what do you consider the most challenging part of your job?
  17. What will you do to update your management skills?
  18. How do you increase the performance of your team?
  19. Describe the best team?

Leadership role

It’s been several years of experience, with your knowledge and skill your expertise in your profession and reached the top level. It’s been a known fact that the opportunities are lesser but the competition is higher for senior managerial positions. Despite having a high position and knowledge, yet again, you are in a position to confront job interviews. With your experience and a little level of preparation, job interviews are not a big concern.

These questions are appropriate for those in senior manager / top management/executive-level positions.

  1. How do you create rapport with the new environment and new people to collaborate with your management strategies?
  2. Your experience in challenging the status quo?
  3. What are the three best moments of your career that you consider as an achievement?
  4. What are the traits should a good manager needs to succeed?
  5. What will your employees learn from you?
  6. How do you deal with underperforming employees to make them as reliable assets?
  7. How many times did you fail with the same project before success?
  8. What are the most prideful assignments of your career?
  9. How do you influence and persuade others?
  10. How do you bring new business to the organization?
  11. What are your strategies for customer satisfaction?
  12. Your suggestion for an organization to turn into a market leader?
  13. List down your prioritize for an organization – customer, product, people? And why?
  14. Share your knowledge on managing planning, budgeting and contracts?
  15. What are the big changes you can bring to this organization? How and how soon?
  16. Share your experience on cost saving in your previous assignments?
  17. What was the highest profit margin you achieved in your career?
  18. How do you analyze the market trend and competitiveness?
  19. How do you apply the technology as a driving tool?
  20. How would you describe your leadership style?
  21. What values are the most important to you as a leader?
  22. How do you motivate you and others during the crisis?
  23. How do you turn negative people in to positive?
  24. How do you make decisions?
  25. What are the characteristics a leader should have?
  26. How do you handle failure?
  27. How do you solve problems?
  28. How do you pull innovations and creativity from your team?
  29. Describe your people management skills?
  30. Describe the reasons for organizational failures?
  31. What do you expect from your managers?
  32. Describe your one year plan if joined here in this organization?
  33. What is your leadership mantra?
  34. What are the great leanings of your experience?
  35. How do you handle the pressure situation?
  36. How would you set goals for yourself?

Behavioral

As an experienced candidate, you have passed through various interview rounds and also completed basic interview questions like “tell me about yourself, your strengths and weakness, technical questions, and so on”.

Now, the interviewer wants to test your behavioral abilities. For which, you will be questioned by various situations. Through which, you will be scanned, how did you handle critical scenarios at your previous work? You are given the chance to prove that you were an optimum and will be the best forever.

These interview questions are most frequently asked to observe your capacity to understand how you handled various situations. Your answers are evidence of your behavior.

  1. Describe a bad boss?
  2. How do you handle a situation when your suggestion is not considered?
  3. How do you assertively get the work done from your peers?
  4. What you hate most about this country?
  5. Your biggest regret in your professional life?
  6. Was your work ever criticized? What did you do?
  7. Describe something you learned from your subordinates? What you did further?
  8. How do you say the day is successful?
  9. What is your social responsibility?
  10. How did you manage to attend this interview during your working hours?
  11. Explain about the three major projects you accomplished in your past employment?
  12. What are your most likes and dislikes of your last job?
  13. Tell us the challenging assignment of your last job?
  14. What inspires you at your work?
  15. Sometimes the project requires to stay long hours of work, how do you manage?
  16. How do you plan your work in a systematical approach?
  17. Would you perform well with the team or individually?
  18. How do you organize your day?
  19. Are you able to “work from home” if in case of a situation?
  20. Share some of your initiatives that benefited the overall company?
  21. If you are interviewing a person for this position what you would look for?
  22. What are you missing from your past organization?
  23. Consider you joined here and what you will focus on for the first 30 days?
  24. Give us an example, a difficult situation you handled and how did you manage?
  25. Describe an ideal workplace?
  26. How do you describe the term “job satisfaction”?
  27. What are your career development plans?
  28. How do you handle multiple tasks at a same time?
  29. When did you fail to meet deadline?
  30. What are the professional competencies you developed recently?
  31. What are your criteria for a potential employer?
  32. Tell me what you felt as unfair practices in your past employment?
  33. What will you do, if you disagree with your team members?
  34. Sometimes you will be assigned in different projects which may not be your scope of work, are you OK with that?

Salary Related

One of the main purposes of your job interview is to add up your financial status. Most employers want the best candidate with a cheap budget. You will be questioned differently to trim down your remuneration. Don’t befall as a victim. Know your value and be stick with what you want.

Knowing the industry standard will help you in this regard. Refer to www.indeed.com (or) www.glassdoor.com to get updated with industry-standard salaries.
Here’s the list of questions that may help you to prepare for a better answer.

  1. What is your expected salary?
  2. Can you explain your salary history?
  3. What if we give you the salary more than your expectations?
  4. What if, we offer the same salary you are drawing?
  5. Don’t you think, your expected salary is higher than the industry standard?
  6. How far the salary is negotiable?
  7. We have a budget restriction to this position, would you be ok with that?
  8. Would you agree the other benefits as part of your salary?
  9. Can you explain your present salary components split-up?

More Questions

Apart from the aforementioned, yet few more different types of common interview questions are mentioned below.
• Brainteaser Interview questions
• Communication Interview questions
• Technical Interview Questions
• Stress based interview questions
• Case-study interview questions
• Competency level interview questions

Salary related interview questions

Job Interview Tips

Introduction to Interview Tips: The job interview is probably the maximum important step that you would soak up in your job search journey. It is the best chance to prove that you are the top fit for the job you applied for. The way you perform during the interview to satisfy the hiring manager would lead you to begin the new organizational life and elevation in your professional career.

Job interviews are also one of the deciding factors to reach your occupational goal. Though you had an experience given several interviews, there is always to learn further to outshine the job interviews. Find here the step-by-step interview tips for job seekers.

Interview tips to ensure before the job interview

1. Be clear about why you need this job

You can’t outperform the interview unless you have a precise career goal. It shouldn’t be just because of earning a couple of additional bucks and jumping into a new job. It is all about the way you are getting ahead of your career path. So, indulging a job interview with an irrelevant industry or profession may lead to a downfall in your career. So, before giving an interview, self-analyze, why you need this job, how far you can travel, and so on.

2. Identify the basic interview questions

A basic interview tip – knowing the purpose of a job interview.

You might be a strong technical guy in your field of study but most of the job interview begins with the basic questions such as

  • Tell me yourself?
  • What are your greatest strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • Why do you want to join us?
  • What makes you unique?

When you pitch-perfect to these basic questions, the confidence level for both you and the interviewer are rising. Take a list of these common interview questions and be prepared.

3. Organizational research

An important tip – to know the employer before a job interview.

“What do know about our company?” is a typical interview question, the interviewer never forgets to ask.

Every employer wants to hire a candidate who is interested in their organization. So, before appearing in the job interview, it is ideal to know about the organization’s history, business, culture, etc. through the company website. Even more, details can get through company review sites like www.glassdoor.comwww.indeed.com. But, no bad mouth about the organization though you went through somewhere.

4. Identify the key job responsibilities of the position

A primary job interview tip – should be aware of job responsibility.

Though you have hands-on experience, you must have the ability to explain the important responsibilities of the position as per the company’s requirements. Also, you have must have the ability to explain the importance of the position to an organization, how it can drive business, and so on.

5. Interview dress code

A visual tip – your pleasing outlook is a plus during a job interview

According to researchers at Princeton University, it best takes someone 1/10th of a second to form a first impression about you based totally on what they see.

What they see is the way they measure your personality. But the good news is through this tactic you could influence the interviewer drag to your side by following three simple steps

  • Make sure you are dressed right (for example the color of the dress)
  • Wear the industry-oriented outfit (for example formals, semi-casual, business suit)
  • Ensure the appropriate accessories (for example Shoe, belt, etc.)

6.Prepare the questions to ask the interviewer 

Preparation tip – crack the job interview

Interviews aren’t all about them studying you. You’re bound to hear. But wait for the moment as when the interviewer asks, “do you have any questions”. Don’t end up in the discussion saying ‘no’ as a reply. The interviewer might be more interested in people who interact and ask their doubts. Some of the example questions follow right here for you

• What’s the next step in the interview/hiring system?

• What are the primary duties of the location?

• What could my everyday habitual seem like if I were given the task?

7. Plan your journey to the interview venue

One of the common mistakes frequently committed by job candidates, they don’t plan the journey early and tend to jump like they are going to meet a friend at a restaurant. Following thing, you must be aware of before getting started

  • The precise venue location
  • If you travel by self-drive check out the fuel, gas and vehicle condition
  • Check out the weather condition

8. Prepare the relevant interview documents

You may have the capacity to explain everything verbally but the documents are the physical evidence that you are telling the truth. Keep all documents ready that you can serve anytime to the interviewer is asked. The following are the essential documents that you must carry while you go for a job interview

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Experience credentials
  • Educational certificates
  • Achievement testimonials
  • Relevant training certificates
  • Proof of Address and ID

9. Re-confirm the interview schedule

Business organizations have a difference of hectic schedules. Among these, sometimes they force to reschedule the interview process. In some cases, reschedule communication doesn’t reach candidates.

It is always better to reconfirm the interview a day before it is scheduled. This simple precautionary measure will save a lot of time for you.

10. Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation may cause underperform your interview score. The body and brain function well when you get sufficient sleep. It doesn’t mean you have to sleep until you start the interview but keep your routine sleep to sharpen your memory.

Ideally, it is better to have eight hours of sleep before the interview day.

11. Practice the mock interview

The mock interview practice is one of the best interview tips to realize your interview skills. This is a smart way of self-development therefore to practice the mock interview by self or with the help of your friend or by a well-wisher.

You can also try some the online mock interview tools like

https://www.interviewbuddy.in/           https://interviewing.io

12. Check your social media presence

There is something called ‘social media audit’ done by employers these days. One of the recruitment criteria through which the interviewer shortlists your candidature and measures the characteristics of a person.

Go through all your social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and clear out all those unprofessional posts, tags, photos, and comments

13. Interview call – reply the courtesy email

This is one kind of interview tips to show your courtesy to the employer. When you received an interview call by email it is the most important factor that you reply via email for confirming your presence. Employers take this simple aspect into consideration as your commitment levels for a job you applied for and may priorities your candidature.

Use the following sample letter

Ms/Mr. Hiring Manager,

Thank you for inviting me to interview for a role as a customer support representative with XYZ Company. I am very happy to be considered for this position and excited to attend the interview with you on Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m. It is my understanding that the interview will take place at your office address (mention the address).

I look forward to meeting you in person to portray my abilities and adding myself as one of the assets of your organization.

Regards,

Your name

Contact No.

14. Practice the interview assessment tools

The recruitment trends show that most of the companies evade the traditional interview method but rely on pre-interview assessment tools to shortlist their potential candidate. This process is preferred, as it is more time-saving for talent acquisition professionals.

It is more advisable for job seekers to do practice on

  • Aptitude test
  • Personality test
  • Skill tests

There are various online assessment tools available to practice to better the interview. Hope the below websites may help you

15. Get updated on the current affairs

Though the knowledge on current affairs is out of scope, you might be asked your interest in these aspects and you are bound to answer. Be updated with your information on current affairs shows that you are fairly connected with the social forum.

Job Interview Tips – During Interview Day

16. Reach before time

Start early and reach the venue at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid unnecessary stress. Some employers are very keen on time management and tend to reject the candidature for this very reason. Reaching before time also benefits to observe things around such as people and office culture and that may give you a lead on what could be expected from you.

17. Eat moderate

You would be having a better understanding of the diet which suits better your health. Accordingly, eat only that regular and moderate quantity diet before the job interview. Don’t try something new or over spicy.

Make sure the quantity of food that you shouldn’t feel hungry for during the job interview. The recommended best food before the job interview is

  • fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Fruit juices
  • Nuts and dry fruits
  • Hot milk or coffee
  • Water

18. Stay calm during the interview

It is a general tactic of the interviewer to test your patience. They may put you in waiting and be observed beyond the scheduled time. Don’t lose your endurance and stay calm. But it is always correct to remind softly that you are waiting. Utilize this tiny gap to make a rapport with the front desk or anyone available around.

19. Observe the environment

Keep in mind that every new place is a learning spot. You get an opportunity to enter that organization, as It is not such an easy task for many. So, experience the place and observe all the stuff that you can. Note down all the positive aspects that you observe as you may get a chance to share these things with the interviewer.

20. Advantage of a smile during the interview

A smile has more opportunities to connect better with the interviewer. A confident smile makes the interviewer happier and encourages them to reciprocate.

A smile needs to be natural, timely, and proper. Smile also radiates your confidence and approachability.

21. Mute down your cell phone

A study says the employees who are more engaged with a mobile phone have less focus on their work and are less productive. The job interview is not only the place of sharing your technical skill and knowledge but also you are being scanned in many factors.

A small distraction during the interview may cause a high negative impact on you. It is highly recommended to keep your mobile phone silent and untouched during the job interview.

22. Why is listening important in an interview

Psychologically, it has been proven that an active listener is a good communicator. Listening is a basic interview etiquette that the interviewer highly expects.

The most organization operates businesses based on client’s requirements. So the organization wants its employees who better interact with clients specifically listens carefully to the client’s requirements. Either way, the listening skill is uncompromised.

23. Drive the Interview

Self-drive is another common criteria that the interviewer looks for from a potential candidate. For example, An interviewer gives a pause for a moment as no question is asked. It doesn’t mean, you are done with the interview. Wait for a few minutes then politely take initiative as you are more interested to proceed with the interview.

This type of scenario could be observed mostly in sales, customer service, and similar kinds of positions.

24. No trash talks

Make sure, you don’t share a negative impression at any moment during the interview.

Courteously avoid the below discussion

  • bad mouth about your former employer
  • poor government plan’s
  • social matters
  • legal matters

25. Mind your body language

  • Eye contact. Look at the eyes of interviewers
  • Sit straight and confident
  • Hold your hands while listening and make necessary gestures while you speak
  • Tight lip while listening
  • Do not touch any part of your body unnecessarily.

An unspoken trait but speaks louder for you and effortlessly exudes your potentiality. Aware that, every gesture of your body will be taken into consideration. Be conscious of following

26. Be an optimistic

A tip for being positive at the job interview

Create a strong sense to the interviewer that you are a complete optimization. Never miss a chance to prove that you are naturally a person of integrity. Display your curiosity about the job and share how possibly you could contribute to the organizational goals.

27. Express your uniqueness 

Employers want all of their employees as an asset and unique. As an individual, only you know the uniqueness of yourself. Share your uniqueness confidently if you have one. You can also share your traits for example

  • Hardworking
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Excellent communication
  • Self-motivated
  • Team player

28. Focus on what interviewer wants

The fundamental of hiring a candidate is to meet the necessity of that particular position. Go through the job description thoroughly and make a note. You must focus on their skill-based requirements and answer accordingly.

For example: if the position is for Java Developer, explain practically, the day-to-day challenges, achievements, client relationship, team strength, etc.

Interview tips to ensure post-interview      

29. Send a thank-you email

It is all about your attitude and connecting with people. No matter whether you get selected or not but writing a courtesy letter for extending your gratitude will be highly noticed. You can use the following draft for the same

“Dear Mr/Ms. (Interviewer Name)

Thank you so much for your time for having interviewed me during your busy schedule. I was impressed not only with the interview but the knowledge and professionalism that you shared during the interview. I believe that this is an opportunity I would be seeking and be excited to affiliate myself to render my service if provided the opportunity. 

I look forward to hearing from you very soon. Thank you once again for the opportunity.

Regards,

(You Name}”

30. Interview feedback request

Just recently done with your job interview and sent subsequent emails too. You have been waiting for a couple of days but, you can’t wait for so long. You deserve to know what is going on with your candidature. Also, you should know why you have not been considered. So that you could correct those mistakes and prepare well for your next job interview.

Here is a sample email on how to ask for interview feedback

“Dear Mr./Ms. (Interviewer Name)

It was a great meeting I had with you last week and eager to share my excitement about the opportunity. I would like to know the next interview process of the position and would like to know, is there anything that I need to do to take it forward. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you once again for the opportunity.

Sincerely,

You’re Name”

31. Job applicant background verification check

One of the crucial parts of the interview process is that the employer would be doing the candidate’s background verifications such as previous employment, address verification, and so on.

As a candidate, you must ensure all your previous employers and neighbors would be sharing only the positive note about your conduct. Make sure that those parties have been informed respectively.

32. Follow-up through LinkedIn

Linkedin is the best way to connect with your potential interviewer. Do connect with him/her professionally, make a rapport but don’t enquire anything about the interview status initially. Themselves will be informing you if your connection is accepted. 

33. Be prepared the next level of interview

It depends upon the company and their internal interview process at what level the next interview would be. For example; some companies first do conduct the technical around and go for an HR refund. Whereas, this happens as vice versa with other companies. No harm, you better ask the concerned officer to clarify and be prepared for the appropriate round of interviews.

34. Recall and analyze the interview

Reviewing your interview performance is the approach to better execute the next interview. Sit back and recall an entire portion of the interview, figure out the details one by one and identify the areas where you could have better performed. This self-analyzing activity is to enhance your capacity of confronting future job interviews

35. Don’t refer badly about the company

For instance, you gave the best interview; it doesn’t mean that you are necessarily be hired. There might be various reasons why they haven’t been considered.

Be professional. Don’t take it personally and bad mouth about the employer or the interviewer, be it on social media or anywhere. Who knows? you could be considered as an ideal candidate for their other opportunities.

The interview tips aligned here are common to all regardless of position or experience. You will find these basic but highly important tips very helpful to impress the hiring manager and fetch your dream job.

INTERVIEW TIPS FOR JOB

What Are Your Weakness? – A Vital Job Interview Question

What is your weakness, one of the common questions in the interview? While your answer depicts the whole personality of a candidate. Thus, here we intend to clear all your queries of what is weakness finding interview question is all about.

Article Objective: By the end of this article you will know 1) the purpose of why the interviewer is asking weak interview questions during the interview. 2) What are the convincing answers for the weakness interview and 3) a list of weaknesses that enable a hopeful interview outcome?

The purpose of asking “what are your weakness” interview question?

Let’s assume, you have been attending the job interview. You are well versed in the respective domain. You have the confidence; can perform well with subject-related questions. The interviewer begins the basic questions such as “tell me about yourself”, “Why do you want to join us” and so on. You have been so far doing well with these basic interview questions.

The crucial part begins now. First, the interviewer may ask you what are your strengths. It seems to be quite simple as you can narrate all of your good qualities. Followed by which the interviewer wants to test your attitude and integrity. Now, the interview throws you the question to share your weakness. Don’t panic, the following guide may help you to win the interview with full credit.

List of 20 Favorable Weaknesses for Interview

Answering weakness related interview question is crucial. You should answer the way it should favor the good impression about you. Here below is the list of weaknesses that positively favor you in the interview.

Deadline pressure

Most corporate jobs are deadline-based. Even the coolest person gets into pressure during the time the task is nearing a deadline. This can be answered as one of your weaknesses for an interview question. At the same time, you must portray your focus on completing the task too.

Example Answer:” I am basically a result-oriented person and focused on the task assigned to me. Though I have confidence that I could complete my work without delay, I take pressure on myself to complete the task. However, I could proudly say that I never delayed my projects ever”.

Not claiming for helpInterview weakness

Employer’s like the person who takes initiative and does an individual contribution. If you are such a personality, you can project it as your weakness in an interview but where it is actually a strength from an organizational perspective.

Example Answer:” Sometimes at work, I would be assigned for a particular job due to lack of manpower. Where I wouldn’t be having adequate assistance which should be available as per SOP but, I don’t mind of given the help but finish the assignment. Most of the time I observed, this kind of assignment suffers me healthily am but keep doing them”. 

Lacking in Work-life balance: 

This is a weakness through which, you could witness your attachment over the job for an interview question

Example Answer:” When it comes to working, many a time I skip to care about my personal things which unnecessarily impact my private life. In recent days, I am trying to balance between work and personal life and seeing appreciable progress on both the aspects”.

Regret a lot if mistake happens- Interview weakness

This is a positive weakness for an interview question, you could demonstrate that you are a person who is not only good at work also seeks recognition from the boss’s feedback. 

Example Answer:” I devote myself to my job. Very rarely, when a mistake happens, first myself I regret it a lot. Even suffer a lot if the feedback is not positive. 

Incompetent creative writing:

 This is a general weakness much individual lacks. And, this can be acceptable by the interviewer subject to if the skill doesn’t require the job. Clearly read the job description of the need for writing skills.

Example Answer:” Though I am excellent in my verbal and general writing skills, I happen to struggle when there is a need for creative writing. Recently, I am putting on my effort to enhance my creative writing abilities through various training sessions.

Fear on foreign language: 

There are many MNC’s are operated by other countries. Though English is an official language the companies look for a person with their language. Let’s say for example if a company is situated in India but their clients are from Spain if an employee in India proficient in Spanish he could easily interact with their client.

Example Answer:” I am good in English but most of my clients are from Spain and prefer to communicate in Spanish but, my linguistic with Spanish is average. I recently joined online Spanish coaching to develop my proficiency in Spanish”.

Inefficiency in Software tools: 

The companies are going along with the technology base. Every area of work is simplified with certain software. One cannot proficient in all applications in one short. Opportunistically, you can share certain technologies as your weakness in an interview. 

Example Answer:” I have sound knowledge in all the software technologies which are relevant to my job. Meanwhile, my company, sometimes, vitally in need of other technology and they used to outsource temporarily. I am trying to learn the technology too but timing is an issue as I am already busy with my schedules. 

Distress due to ambiguity: 

Even an expert could struggle when there is ambiguity. At work, you may get tasks that might be new to you and the unit as well. Such situations are logical weaknesses and interviewer would usually accept.

Example Answer:” Last year we got two new projects which were totally fresh for our team. We had to get started from scratch and we did it successfully bypassing tremendous challenges. The moment that I observed myself was, my mind was unstable during the time. Now I am working on how to be calm even during the time of ambiguity”.

Taking too many risks: 

Organizations like the person who loves to face the challenge. Give this positive aspect as a weakness that may add value to your candidacy.

Example Answer:” Basically I am kind of a person who wants to take the risk on challenging tasks. Meanwhile, when it goes beyond my limit on taking too many risks at a time makes me exhausted physically and mentally. I am working on managing these aspects”.

Being too Detailed 

Example Answer: “I focus precision in my work and the same I expect from my team too. So, would like to get detailed knowledge of what I do. I go depth, the detailed study particularly on tiny areas, and get expertise. This tendency helped me to grow in many facets. I couldn’t compromise this tendency even during the time of hurry despite my boss says to go ahead with what we have. Anyhow, I listen to my boss but yet I am unconvinced”.

Being too helpful to others, 

Example Answer:

”When it comes to working, I don’t mind helping others within the team in order to complete the given job. People take it for granted and leniently claiming for help. I can’t be helpful when I have my own priorities. Sometimes, I get emotional demands from colleagues, which I am trying to manage these days”.

Not being said no:

 Example Answer:

 “I have been practiced by accepting any tasks given by my boss. Moreover, submit proper results on the job given to me before the deadline. Though my boss likes this attitude, I am personally under pressure for not being said no”. 

This weakness answer projects you as an obedient and hardworking personality in an interview

Be emotionally attached

 Example answer:

“It is my weakness that I get involved in whatever I do and be emotionally attached. No matter, whether it is a person or the job I get connected with that and give my fullest. Sometimes, I suffer from this nature. Specifically, it affects me when the teammate is relieved or by similar scenarios. I know, these happenings are unavoidable in professional life but still, it is quite difficult for me”.

Intolerant with an under-performer

Example answer:

“I can’t be tolerant of the person whose performance is continuously unsatisfactory. I am understandable if the person’s performance is because of the lack of training but cannot be tolerated even after years of experience or a purposeful act. Because this may affect the entire team’s efficiency and others will also take him as an example to do similar acts”. 

Expect others to be optimistic

example answer:

“I am basically a person with a lot of positivity and I expect others to be the same. As observed, it is not practical to expect the same sort of attitude from others because; the expectation disappointed me many a time”. 

Not giving up though the work seems to be time taking

example answer:

“I have developed my attitude in a way that not to give up until the work is done. No matter how tough or how much time it takes. Many a time this attitude helped in a way to complete my task successfully. But sometimes, when the task goes too difficult to complete and needed to work on another task, I couldn’t stop my first task and go for the second one. With the help of my boss, now I have learned of concentrating the multitasking skills that help me to get rid of this weakness” 

Fear of public speaking,

example answer

“I am confident enough on my core technical skills and other relevant abilities but I understood, these skills alone cannot develop my leadership skills as I am turning to lead a team sometime when my boss is not in present. During such occasions, I am likely to address before the group of people and I fear to do that. I realized I need to improve my public speaking skills. In the past couple of months, I am working on this aspect by watching YouTube videos to improve my public speaking skills. Also, recently joined Toast Master’s” public speaking forum.”

Long hours of work

“I love my job and my personal life as well. The problem here is when I am involved in my work I don’t consider how long I am spending with my work. This becomes a usual habit to stay for long hours of work. I personally feel this is not correct by killing most of the day for work alone and I should learn to do the work within the office hours”.              

Handling distractions

“In my profession, the distractions are very common. When I resume my day, I planned to complete certain tasks based on priority. The distractions from various angles such as phone calls from clients, emails from other divisions, sudden internal meetings, urgent report requests from the boss, clarifications from team members are crucial to handle. Though I manage them appropriately but sometimes get to lose my patience and that leads to unnecessary stress. I am also working on being relaxed even by the time of distraction”.

Unable to perform during a financial crisis 

“I was basically a person who wanted to spend more on lavish things. Spend more money on shopping, pleasure, hangover, and related events. I don’t mind saving money even there was a possibility to save. A few years ago I was stuck with a huge financial crisis that I couldn’t manage as I didn’t have any savings. The stress was unbearable. Somehow I managed a situation by a personal loan. The moment I realized, I am highly stressed if no money in my hand and started the best practice of savings”.

Job Interview Preparation

After much awaited, now you have a job interview call and you are appeared to be attended the interview in a few days. You must keep in mind that the best performer has the chance to get the job opportunity.

Remember, it is a one-time chance. You have to accumulate your fullest potential to depict the best version of yours. This can be possible when you are best prepared.

“He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration.”

 ― Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Here’s the list of seven-step tips for job interview preparations strategically distinguished

  1. Self-preparation
  2. Prepare for the employer research
  3. Prepare for the basic interview question
  4. Prepare for the Technical interview
  5. Prepare for the HR Interview
  6. Prepare for the Question to ask
  7. Prepare for the Commonly Ignored Factors

Self preparation tips for the interview

The job interview pertains to various factors; the basic thing is an individual has to perform the moment. The priority is how to prepare your state of mind and appearance.

Confidence

Every organization wants its employees with highly productive, knowledgeable, and efficient. All these factors cannot be found within a span of interview time. Your confidence level of subject matter is a mirror through which the interviewer relates your abilities.
Do all relevant exercises to boost your confidence to rock the interview.

Voice and Body language

It happens to everyone that you know the answer but can’t be delivered properly. With an unclear voice, the other party missed reciprocating the message. In a job interview, proper voice clarity is expected by the employer. In some positions, those communicate with clients, it is mostly an utmost criterion. Focus and practice on your voice clarity.

The body speaks louder than words. Prepare to practice each gesture of your body language. Be mindful of your eye contact, sitting posture, positioning of hands, and so on.

Dressing for interview

When the interviewer feels pleasant in their eyes, you won your first impression. You will be ranked as a professional by your dressing sense. Be prepared for your interview dress. Because, the interview dresses vary based on profession, industry even by designations.

Job Interview Etiquette

Some of the good manners are observed silently but impact your overall interview score. These etiquettes are carefully handled and applied properly. Greetings, mobile usage, listening, smile, and handshake are some of the noticeable interview etiquettes.

document preparation tips for the interview

Documents and credentials are vital proof of your worthiness. Cross verify all your relevant papers such as resume, ID proof, academic certificates, experience certificates, salary proof, training certificates are ready to carry.

List out your accomplishments

Interviewers love to hire achievers. Recap all your accomplishments and list them down chronologically. Collect solid evidence, testimonials, and email appreciations to have the hands-on proof.

Organizational preparation tips for the interview

Company background

Assume that you are an entrepreneur and you are supposed to invest millions in the organization that you are going for the interview. Would you vaguely make a business tie-up or study the company? I presume you would have detailed research about the company.

Similarly, you are required to have a clear study of the company. Get general information such as Company history, business, products, the board of directors, customer, public relations, employees, company culture, salary trend, financial turnover, recent achievement, etc.

You could extract these details from online platforms by using the company website or various following websites
www.indeed.com
www.glassdoor.comwww.zaubacorp.comwww.linkedin.com, www.twitter.com, www.facebook.com

Analyze the Job description

The job description is a guide that shows the sort of talent the employer is looking for. Match your qualifications, experience, skills to verify the job description and make necessary tweaks in your resume and other relevant documents. But ensure, you are not faking anything. Concerning the job description, you can also identify the interview questions perhaps asked.

Aware the Internal job Interview Process

The method of conducting an interview varies among organizations. As a job applicant, you must aware of the interview method of a concern organization. The following are the few different interviews that can be carried out in a company.

The method of conducting an interview varies among organizations. As a job applicant, you must aware of the interview method of a concerned organization. The following are the few different interviews that can be carried out in a company.

Telephone interview


Telephone interviews are mostly conducted at the early stage of the hiring process to choose the right candidate and eliminate unsuitable applicants. Usually, the questions are based on general topics such as knowing your skills, knowledge, and other basic criteria to test whether you can do the task appropriately.
It is an opportunity for an applicant to perform better to bring his candidacy to the next level.

Even sometime the interview may go crucially when they wanted to decide the candidate even not having face to face interviews. You might be a shootout with tough technical questions or case studies.

Research, analyze

As an applicant, certain things god to be prepared before attempting a telephone interview
• Research, analyze and be prepared: It is common to be anxious before a telephone interview but it can manageable if you are assured of some groundwork.

Knowledge Gathering

•Be sure about the job that you applied for and have adequate knowledge that you are ready to answer within the domain. For example, if you are applying for an accounting position, you should have enough knowledge about the subject.

• Be prepared for the basic interview questions such as “tell me about yourself”, why do you want to join here, and so on.
Do practice before telephone interview: Refer to various sites, blogs and collect the bunch of predicted questions by the interviewer, and do rehearse to answer them.

Check out the surrounding

Clear communication and clarity on your voice are much expected during the telephone interview. Check your environment, whether the place can be suitable for an interview. If not, boldly inform the interviewer to call you at the right time. But never keep postponed.

Written test

Written tests would usually be conducted to fresh graduates looking for a job or the job requires lots of writing abilities or it can be covered to anyone regardless of position in the form of aptitude written test.

You may be given a topic to write an essay within the stipulated timing to test your grammar, sentence formation, vocabulary, thought process of covering many points like these various factors the interviewer can be found.

To pass this level, you must have to practice and obtain good writing skills.

Assume you are given the written test at a company; the things you consider on the spot are read all instructions, verify the time limit, write only the positive statement, check the grammar, and proofread.

Initial face to face Interview

Normally the initial face-to-face round or first interview round is for the second level of filtration. Don’t be too casual as it says in the first round. Give your full potential as it takes you forward. Be prepared for the interview questions and answers and cautious of your body language and other noticeable factors. In this round, mostly the relevant basic interview questions are asked.

Technical Interview

The technical interview round typically is to validate your technical knowledge or core job skills which impacts directly productivity. In this interview, the interview panel would be consisting of one technical manager. Most of the questions will be focusing on your job-performing competencies.

For example, if you are applying for the position of graphic designer, the interview panel would be with one senior-level graphic designer and the example questions would be
• What are the responsibilities of a graphic designer?
• What are the graphical tools you are experts with?
• Tell something about Dreamweaver and Photoshop?

HR Round Interview

The HR interview round usually happens when you are through with other previous rounds. Mostly said to be a final round. In this round, you will be observed with your personality, attitude, and salary negotiation.

HR Interview Round Example Questions
  • Why do you want to leave the present organization?
  • What did you most hate from your boss?
  • What is your contribution if selected?
  • How far your salary is negotiable?
  • What do you know about our company?
  • How many interviews you have attended for the past six months?
  • How long you can retain this company if selected?

Basic Interview Preparation

You are done with self-preparation, organizational research and accordingly deal better in the interview. It does mean you are just done with an initial level.

Hence, you would have to respond to their questions. So, what the questions would be? How do you answer them? Here’s the deal, most of the interviews would begin with the basic interview questions. Don’t panic as to what are those basic questions.

Basic Interview Questions Example

  • Tell me about yourself?
  • What are your strengths?
  • What are your weaknesses?
  • What are your hobbies and interests?
  • What do you know about our organization?
  • Why do you want to join us?
  • What is your five-year career goal?
  • How do you plan everyday jobs and achieve them?
  • Do you like to travel or relocate?
  • Do you have any questions for us?
  • What is your expected salary?

Technical Interview Preparation

After those basic questions, you are probably asked in technical interview questions or core subject-related questions or you will be sent to the next round as a technical round. This process may vary as per company practices. Either way, you must be in a position to answer those technical interview questions.

For instance, if you are attending an interview for the position of Java developer, the relevant questions would be asked by the hiring manager.
Java developer technical interview questions example

Technical Interview Questions Example

  • Why do you think Java is popular?
  • What is platform independence?
  • What are the roles of class loaders in Java?
  • Explain the differences between java and C++?
  • What are the features of java programming?

Prepare for the Commonly Ignored factors during Job Interview

It is a human thing that we used to ignore tiny things but those small things may lead to higher impacts many a time. Below details are commonly ignored during prep work on a job interview. Have it on your checklist.

What are the preparation before Job interview?

Visit the location before

You may not be familiar with the interview venue. If possible, visit and be familiar.

Mock Interview Preparation Tips

Rehearse the interview as like a stage performance. The mock interview is the way better to know your interview abilities. You can find many online mock interview tools to help you in this subject. Check the following site to help you out.
https://www.interviewbuddy.in/

https://interviewing.io

Prepare your journey

Start early and reach before time to the venue. Your time management is being observed and scored with your interview outcome.

Prepare for the questions to ask

It is not one-way traffic. Make the interview an interesting discussion even an interview should remember. But never be carefree. Be cautious and ask the questions relevant to the interview.

Sample questions to ask an interviewer

Can you share more about the company?
Are there any opportunities for career development?
Do I need to furnish something later in the interview?

Job Interview Preparation Checklist the best way to prepare for an interview.

Sl.NoCheck pointsStatus (sample)
 Documents 
1Resume3 copies taken
2Academic Credentials3 copies taken
3Training Certificates3 copies taken
4Testimonials3 copies taken
5Interview Call letter3 copies taken
6Salary Proof3 copies taken
 Employer details 
5Interview VenueClear
6About companyClear
7Contact personTaken
 Other Details 
8DressingDone
9Accessaries (shoe, belt, rist watch, etc)Done
10Office stationary (Pen, note pad, etc)Done
11Travel planDone
 Interview Questions 
12Basic interviewPrepared
13technical interviewPrepared
14salary targetfixed
15Questions to ask to interviewerPrepared
Interview Preparation Tips

Different Types of Job Interviews

The interview is a crucial part of the hiring process for all corporations and is a two-way benefit between the corporation and the candidate. Interviewers gauge your suitability for the role using asking interview questions. Which offer you the opportunity to exhibit your capabilities and character. It is likewise a chance for you to find out whether or not the enterprise and the job are proper in shape for you. The trembling part is you are not sure of what types of interviews that you will have to face. Better to know different types of interviews and that’s what we walk you through here.

Different types of interviews

15 Different Types of interview in HRM

These types of interviews are practically applied in different companies in various requirements.

Preliminary interviews

A preliminary interview is an initial part of the interview process. It is a task for the recruiter to conduct a preliminary meeting to gather primary statistics about how an applicant’s skills, competencies, and qualifications can benefit a business need. The preliminary interview is also called a screening interview. In which, the candidates are removed from further interview rounds if they don’t meet the minimum eligibility standards as required by the company.

Telephone interview

Telephone job interview types

Telephone interviews are conducted over the phone by the employers during the initial interview round of the recruitment process. This sort of interview permits employers to screen applicant’s experience, qualifications, and earning expectations meeting companies’ requirements. Telephone interviews are used to narrow the candidate pool and then the remaining will be invited for in-person interviews

On-site Interview

On-site interviews are mostly conducted on the company premises. The purpose of an onsite interview is for the interviewer to study every quality of the candidate so that the interviewer can determine and choose the matching employee for the organization. Also, the candidate gets an opportunity to visit the organization’s lifestyle and working atmosphere.

Panel Interview

Panel interview

The panel interview is the interview process where two or more interviewers review the candidate’s abilities at the same time. The companies used to have a team of interviewers from different areas of the organization. This team is called as panel interview committee. Each panel member gives their ranking of the candidate and the average total determines whether the candidate is hired or rejected.

Technical Interview

if you have applied for a job that requires technical knowledge, during the technical interview, the interviewer will check your technical expertise, abilities, and competencies as they relate to the needs of the particular task you are going to take. Technical interviews can be conducted in one or more rounds covering various technical skills. For example, tech companies conduct coding tests, problem-solving tests, etc.

Face-to-Face Interview

At the face-to-face interview, employers will be physically looking at your answers. Therefore, your way of communication including body language, how quickly you respond, precision in your answer, and most importantly your confidence level. All these factors are measured during a face-to-face interview. It is one of the traditional interview types but still the best to evaluate an applicant.

The Sequential Interview

A sequential interview includes numerous interviews that are conducted before selection. This type of interview may be tiring and repetitive. You will be interviewed by specific people and requested to answer identical questions again and again. In this sort of interview, different interviewers penetrate the same sort of questions but you have to answer the same in every attempt.

Video interview

Video interview

The video interview is a type where the whole or partial process of interviews is done through video using different video calling applications. Video interviews or virtual interviews or remote interviews are highly adopted these days. As technology developed, video calling is affordable for everyone. So as vastly utilized in HRM. Specifically, the video interview gives feasibility to both employer and applicant to get easy access to the interview process

Working interview

A working interview is an on-the-job observation of the candidate. If you are a candidate, you will be given a particular task or project alongside the company supervisor. The supervisor will observe your competency, speed, and other relevant requirements which match the job. It is a kind of a practice test for you to execute the given task with maximum precision. And, based on the result, further interview decisions will be taken.

Structured interview

Structured interviews will have different types of questions but almost the same pattern of questions will be followed to all candidates appearing for the position. The purpose of these types of interview methods is to ensure all the candidates are given the equal opportunity to represent their talents. The structured interview will also help interviewers to take easy hiring decisions.

Impromptu interviews

An impromptu interview is also called an unstructured or informal interview. Usually, these types of a job interviews are assigned suddenly without prior notice. An unexpected telephone interview, job fair interviews are the best examples. The reason the employer prefers this interview type is to gauge the real potentials of a candidate. This is an opportunity for employers to ask the candidate some important questions to decide whether or not to call a formal interview.

Round robin interview

Round robin interviews are also called serial interviews. Therefore, you will have to attend the different interviews with various types of department interviewers. For example, when you begin the interview with the recruiter for the initial introduction, then moved to the technical interviewer, then sent to the hiring manager, and later sent to the HR round. This sequence may differ but the pattern would be similar.

Bar raiser interview

Bar raiser is a process of engaging the high-profile interviewer who’s not associated with the team. The idea behind it is that ‘bar raisers’ get inside the interview process to make certain that every new hire is as proper as for the organization. Amazon’s hiring process adopts this method in its recruitment process to hire the best candidates out of the pool.

Behavioral interview

The behavioral interview is to find out the way how the candidate was reacted and responded to the job-related situations. During a behavioral interview, the interviewer asks series of situational questions from the candidate’s experience. And, the answers would give a better idea that how the candidate managed and brought solutions to the situation

Group discussion

Employers arrange group discussion interviews because it is one of the efficient forms of interviews. The interviewer involves a group of applicants at these kinds of interview. The candidates will be requested to engage with each other by way of a typical set of topics. The interviewer observes and scores the candidate’s performance during the discussion.

Job Interview – HR Round

If you are a fresher just out of college, you might have heard during your studies or somewhere else around about one of the most important interview processes called HR round. If you are an experienced professional in any field while preparing for your job interviews – sometimes you might have puzzled, what is the purpose of HR interview questions? Of course, there are some important factors behind this interview process.

The HR interview questions majorly focused to measure human behavioral traits which aligned with the company’s objectives. For example, if you are running a software company, and you need some manpower for your projects, of course, you need human capital with technical competencies.  But what if, your employee with good technical skills but doesn’t have a cultural fit, professional ethics, and a good attitude.  With these negative aspects, an employee cannot contribute well to the company. Ultimately this will end up with nothing but create a bad impression on your organization.

This is where HR interview questions play a vital role by screening the candidate’s core personal values by asking various HR interview questions.

Same way, every company conducts an HR interview round to gauge a candidate’s capabilities by asking questions related to personality, strengths, weaknesses, and background. So, you should be well prepared according to the requirements in terms of technical and HR questions as well.

Keep in mind

Align your mind and gather what are your best behavioral skills as an individual and check how they fit with the position you apply for. For example, if you applied for a sales position, the key skill is being patient. At an HR interview, you may confront a question or a situation related to evaluating your patient level. Be confident in your answer because a lazy answer may end up with an unfavorable interview result.

HR interview questions and answers (and why are they asked)?

Here we have some of the important questions that are frequent asked in the HR interview rounds.

Tell me about yourself?

This is one of the frequent and basic interview questions asked in the HR interview round.

The purpose of this question is to measure what YOU KNOW about YOU and how do you describe them to the interviewer.

In this basic question itself, you are explaining to the interviewer about your personal life, your education, your experience, and your communication skills.  As this question would be mostly asked at first in an interview, you must be cautioned to know how to start.  Because that leaves an impression for the rest of the interview

Sample answer

First of all, thanks for the opportunity for shortlisting me as one of the successful candidates for attending an interview with this esteemed organization.

I am from xyz city and my father is a businessman for almost four decades in this city. And my mother is a homemaker. I am the only son to my parents.  I completed my graduation for the year of xyz.  I was placed by the xyz company through campus hiring at my college. Since then, I have been working xyz company for 3 years as a software engineer.  I am proficient in all the basic programming languages that are required for this position.  I have also earned the best performer award in my present employment for or the period of ____.

I am a good communicator, team player, and hard worker. also a quick learner who could work for a better result for the company. Music listening and reading books are my hobbies.

Why do you need this job?

One of the main focuses of an HR interview is to check your commitment level to the job. This question is mostly asked to validate your job commitment. Be clear about why do you need this job. Explain the passion you have for the profession and your future goals. Remember, the answers are not going off the company requirements.

Sample answer

I have been closely observing job openings at your company for a while matching my profile. Because, in my research I come to know that your company is an industry leader and you offer higher growth ratio for the hardworking employees. And, I am confident that am perfect fit for your requirements at all your job criteria. I am also looking for such an opportunity to prove my abilities and this is undoubtedly the right place for me.

How would you grade yourself on a scale of 1 to 10?

This question is asked at an HR interview to validate your analytical thinking and your polite answer is the key. It is believed that one who self-analyzes could possibly analyze better things around.  Genuinely expose your analytical skills. Your answer should be convincing to the interviewer. Don’t be too smart that may eventually leave a feel that you are over-confident.

Sample answer

“I would give different grades on myself for a different portion of my abilities. First, on my attitude, I rate myself as 9 because this is what I feel as my strength. And, my positive attitude always helps me to have a good people around me.  Two, I rate myself as 8 as far as hard work is concerned because there should always be a room to rise our skills which will create a consciousness in learning the things. Three, when it comes to core technical knowledge, I rate myself as 9 because that’s the confident brought me here to attend this interview. Four, when it comes to learning part, I rate me as 6, why it is low because there is always something to learn. I can’t grow, If I am satisfied in learning”.

What is your life goal at your profession?

These types of HR interview questions are asked to understand your sustainability with the profession and for the company. Because many candidates used to answer this question of the industry. For example, if your life goal is to become an entrepreneur in another field but you are attending an interview for a sales position at a company. You shouldn’t directly say that “I want to become an entrepreneur”. This answer has no use to the interviewer. They may think that you will leave the company at any time when you get an opportunity for entrepreneurship. This is not good. So, what should you answer this HR interview question? check below for sample answers that will help you to design your own.

Sample answer

I love the sales profession, that’s why I am here and giving my interview with this valued organization. first of all, I wanted to achieve as a good salesperson in this company. That’s my short-term goal and I wanted to get into a higher-level position in this company itself. At the same time, I have an idea to start my entrepreneurial journey but that’s after some years. Because to reach that level I need a lot of professional experience and money. I believe my stay and contribution to this company would help me to reach my entrepreneurship dream too. 

You see this answer fits for the benefit of the company also you are sharing your long-term life goal. This means you are creating a positive connection with the employer.

What are your strengths?

This is one of the common questions you have to deal with in most of the HR interview rounds. This question is usually mandatory for entry-level applicants. Even senior-level also have to handle this question that’s up to the interviewer. The reason behind this question is to understand and how confident you are with your skills and abilities. Tell the strengths that you really feel like a gift and also check whether those strengths are needed for the position. Avoid something irrelevant to the company or the position.

For example, you are applying for a software engineer position in a multinational company as a fresher. First, you should go through the job description thoroughly. This will help you to know what the employer is looking for from you. Note down the key skills they mentioned and highlighting them as your strengths. This trick will give you a remarkable interview outcome.

Sample answer

My strengths, I would say that I am a fast learner, a good communicator, a very good listener, and an excellent team player. On the technical part, I would say my strengths are I have excellent knowledge in basic computer programming languages such as C, C++, C#, Java, JS, HTML CSS, etc.

What are your weaknesses?

This is the opposite side of the previous interview question: what are your strengths? You have to be genuine because there is no person without weakness. The purpose of this question is to know how do you consider weaknesses and what are your steps to overcome them. Your answer must be convincing as well as leave a good impression upon you. The point is turning your weakness into strength.

For example, you are a talkative person and consider that as your weakness. The positive side of being a talkative person is more welcome for some professions like marketing, sales, teaching, etc. Your focus answer should be turning your weakness into a strength by undergoing some training or counseling with some experts.

Sample answer

I was so talkative person and this tendency disturbing me a lot because whenever I see a new person at a party or in a public place I can’t stop talking. This habit of mine made others irritating sometimes. I owe to correct this habit. Now, I am going some online training for that.  My tutor gives me wonderful trainings on how I should talk moderately and have a meaningful conversation with others.

Now I observe, that results to make a lasting relationship with others. I also read some self-help books to correct this weakness.  One of the best books I ever read is “how to win friends and influence people” You see! with this simple answer you covered many areas of your greatness. 1) you answered the weakness, 2) your problem-solving abilities, 3) your book reading habit. Now, the objective to turn the weakness into strength is achieved.

What drives you as a professional?

This is one of the beautiful HR interview questions and you should answer it smartly. The target of this question is to check your mindset. Specifically, how would you think and react when that is a shortfall or failure. 

Sample answer

“My passion towards this profession drives me every day because I feel every day is an opportunity to learn something new. I believe every tough time gives me the experience to handle things in a better way now or later. So, I am never hesitant to keep away from challenges rather I confront them boldly and give my best shot”

Frequently asked HR interview questions for freshers

  1. Share your knowledge about our organization?
  2. What do you want to achieve in five years in your career?
  3. How do you solve disagreement among teammates?
  4. What were your great leanings in your school or at college?
  5. How do you know you are the best fit for this job?
  6. Have you ever led a team?
  7. Who is your role model and why?
  8. How do you describe a perfect employee?
  9. Describe the best team?
  10. As a person, what are your hobbies and interests?
  11. What is your passionate profession?
  12. Give us some reasons, why should we hire you?
  13. Tell us some interesting current affairs?
  14. What is the difference between group and team?
  15. How do you self-motivate and motivate others?
  16. Tell us about your day-to-day activities
  17. What is your plan of action if hired?
  18. What skills required for this position

Job Interview Process

The job interview process is one of the important things that all job seekers should be aware of. Because every organization whether small or big have their self-made job interview process for hiring the perfect candidate. In which, following interview process that adapts by most companies.

Screening Interview

A screening interview is a kind of eligibility interview to determine if the applicant has the qualifications needed to do the technique for which the company is hiring. A screening interview is normally an initial round of the job interview process.

Phone Interview

Employers use telephone interviews to find out and recruit applicants for employment. Phone interviews are regularly used to reduce the quantum of candidates who can be invited for the next interview rounds. So, deal with it with the same significance as you would an interview with a hiring supervisor in a workplace.

Written Test

A written interview test is a part of the recruitment procedure that includes a written exam with the purpose of assessing the applicant’s skills, abilities, and facts on various topics which are related to the process they are utilizing for. The written test is normally conducted directly or online in advance of the interview.

Tehnical Interview

A technical interview is a process interview for any position that relates to the tech industry. During the technical interview, the interviewer will verify your technical information, skills, and abilities as they relate to the needs of the best fit for the applied job.

HIring Manager Interview

Hiring Manager is someone who is a deciding authority for a specific department for new hires. The hiring manager interview questions would mostly be relevant to the core subject knowledge.

HR Interview

The HR round usually happens at the end of the job interview process. This round is to ascertain the candidate’s attitude, behavioral abilities, culture fit, salary negotiation. Though it is the final round, HR has the right to reject the applicant.

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