Most Common Interview Questions and Answers For 2017

By Florence Mukunya

Common Interview Questions and Answers

Congratulations, you have finally gotten an interview with that company you have been eyeing and dreaming to work with. Now, the only thing standing between you and the job is an interview. Talking to Melody Mwendwa, an Interview Preparation Coach at Corporate Staffing Services, here are the most common interview questions and answers that should help you in acing that interview and get the job of your dreams.

7 Common Interview Questions and Answers

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?

So many people fail to prepare for this question because they feel that they already know who they are for this question, do not give the history of your family or your interests beyond work, concentrate on information that shows exactly why you are the right fit for the job.

Give examples of prior experience that are directly related to the position you are interviewing for.

Highly Recommended: Tell Me About Yourself Interview Answer.

2. How did you hear about the position?

This is a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for the company, says Ms Mwendwa. Talk about the company’s web site as it normally has a lot of information to do with the company. You can also talk about LinkedIn as this is the greatest platform for job seekers.

3. What do you know about us?

Mwendwa says that she has noticed that so many job seekers have a problem with answering the question as they tend to base their answer on what they have read about the company’s history, like for example when the company was started.

She says that, one should talk about the most recent and positive information about the company, this could be something that has been covered in the news. For example if interviewing for a sales position, you could say that recently you saw that the company is expanding and are opening new branches in the Western region and having being an area sales manager in Bungoma, I would like the opportunity to work as your Western regional sales manager.

4. Common interview questions and answers: Why do you want this job?

For this question, relate your answer to accomplishments that you have made and they should also relate to the job you are interviewing for, you can also talk about wanting career growth and having interests that match with the company’s vision.

5. What are your greatest professional strengths?

“When answering this question, look at your areas of expertise,” Says Ms Mwendwa. She adds that, if for example you are a Finance Manager, talk about your ability to prepare budgets and establish internal control systems as that is very crucial in your career.
You can also add a general strength such as possessing good leadership skills as you will need that as a Finance Manager.

6. What are your weaknesses?

This is a tricky question as you cannot talk about a weakness that should be strength for the job you are interviewing for. For example you cannot say you hate traveling when you are interviewing for a Regional Sales Manager post knowing very well that you will be required to travel throughout the region as you partake your duties.

Mwendwa advise that to answer this question, concentrate on areas of weaknesses that you have been working on for example; I am very particular so I do not trust people with my work but I am learning to mentor and delegate some of the roles.

Read more: How To Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness”

7. Why are you leaving your current job?

This is a tough one as you do not want to bad mouth your employer. To answer this, mention that you have accomplished what you were allocated on the current company and that you are keen to further your career in more challenging role that will offer more responsibilities for example from an area Sales Manager to a Regional Sales Manager.

In conclusion, Melody Mwendwa advices job seekers to always prepare adequately for interviews. She says that, understanding the job description and how you fit in the role is very important as it makes it easy for you answer interview questions confidently.

She also notes that, no one is perfect, if you are still not sure of your interviewing skills, you can consult an Interview Preparation Coach where you can carry out a mock interview to gauge your interview skills.

The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice. Email florence@corporatestaffing.co.ke