9 Common Interview Questions (And How To Answer Them Like a Pro)

9 Common Interview Questions (And How To Answer Them Like a Pro)9 Common Interview Questions (And How To Answer Them Like a Pro) Glassdoors Third Annual Compensation Audit Finds No Gender Pay Gap Lets admit it, weve all laid awake the night before an interview frantically trying to read the employers mind. With the number of job applicants who are actively seeking on the rise, being prepared to answer these questions has never been more important. Youve taken the first step and landed the initial meeting, but now what?You can put your mind-reading skills to the test all you want, but theres no way to know exactly what will be asked(Well, unless you do research on Glassdoor )However, there are a few common questions to think about that can help you better prepareIts difficult to think about where you want to be in five years when youre currently trying to figure out where you want to be right now, but its important for interviewers to understand where you want to take your career. Explain what your plans to contribute to the company would be if you were to land the role.Focusing on your efforts to improve yourself over the next five years is a good way to show employers that youre ready to grow with them. Are you willing to put in the time and effort to further your education? How would you implement a plan to be successful?Odd, yes, but this is not a trick question. Whether youre applying to an entry-level role or an executive position, this question is more about the interviewer gaging your thought process. Its not about a right or wrong. Its about thinking a response out loud, coming to a conclusion and showing how you think critically and solve problems, says HR expert Susan Underwood. A good response would be something like Well, for every CEO, it will be different, but depending on whats most important to business, the bottom line or whats going on that day, thats like ly what the CEO should be checking first, so it will likely vary by day. For me, I would check what is of highest priority first at that given time and respond accordingly.As much as we want to seem perfect when we walk into that conference room, employers know that its just not possible. Its difficult to be put in such a vulnerable position with this question when the process of interviewing already has your nerves in knots. Heres the most important key to answering this question always be honest.Honestly recognizing a fault and showing what steps youve taken to improve upon this weakness demonstrates that you have the ability to look at yourself in a critical manner, fix your mistakes and move forward. Employers will see beyond the weakness youve mentioned and see the important steps youre taking to better yourself.Its easy to get bogged down by this question, wondering what the scenario is and whether you would be required to put on your Olivia Pope white hat to save the day. B ut this question is often presented by interviewers who want to get a sense of your personality and how you resolve challenges, especially if the company or field youre seeking to work in is high-pressure.The key, according to Underwood, is to know how to juggle multiple tasks and find what needs the most attention first and address it. Walk through a few problem-solving steps that you have taken in your current role and expound upon those. Remember, the worst thing you can do is give a one-word response or say I dont know.This is a common question that can be asked in many different ways. Being prepared with a list of strengths that you want to discuss can have you prepared to answer many forms of What are your strengths? Making this list is most productive when youre aware of what strengths will best fit with this position. Im sure youre a speed demon when it comes to texting, but if youre applying for a heavy machinery position, then it isnt worth bringing your texting game int o the interview.Once you have an idea of what skills will be beneficial to this position, find strong action verbs to best describe yourself. Give specific examples to show how these strengths have contributed to the growth and well-being of previous companies or how you would implement them in this position.Proceed with caution Dont blurt out the first negative comment about your current manager who you think has it out for you. Its always a good rule to stay positive in an interview, even if you want to tell your current boss to take this job and shove it. What are some reasons for leaving your current job that show youre motivated, goal oriented and interested in bettering yourself?Again, tread lightly with this one. Often times, we are so eager to get a job that well commit to anything, but be sure you can deliver on your promises. Conversely, this question should not deter you from the role. Just because a recruiter or hiring manager asks you whether you would work holidays and weekends, does not mean youll spend every Saturday night in your cubicle. Use this question as an opportunity to show that youre a team player , willing to fill in when needed, but also dig into what would require employees to work on holidays and weekends. Dont be afraid to be honest if you prefer to not work on certain days for religious reasons, or if you would work holidays but from home. This is the perfect time to dig into the roles requirements and managers expectations.Instead of trying to impress with this kind of unexpected question by saying Rambutan or Dragonfruit, just keep it simple. Choose something that you can provide an explanation for without dying of laughter. Something like A pineapple because I am unique, always stand out and Im sweet on the inside. If youre stumped as to why the hiring manager even posed the question, Underwood offers insight.Glassdoor hears from a variety of employers that challenging interview questions can help them learn more about a job candidate, and in some cases, help them sort through a great candidate versus a good candidate. For instance, if you have three final candidates for a job and all of them are great on paper, how they answer and respond to a tough or challenging question can give the interviewer some added perspective into how they solve unexpected problems, which arise in almost any job at any employer.This is a question where you can show off just how much prep work you put into this interview. Researching a company , job descriptionand employer will help you be able to authentically answer this question. Wanting to join a company because of attributes that werent specifically stated by the employer will show motivation.Just because youve done your research doesnt mean you need to be overly crafty with this response. Just be honest Does this feel like the right step in advancing your career? Do the companys goals and values match yours? Is there a specific connection you have to the positio n or company?Think of positive reasons that will demonstrate why you feel this is a right fit for you and, in turn, why they should feel youre right for the job.