Going for a job interview? Here are tips to help answer their questions

We all hear similar questions every time we interview for a job. We don't always understand what the meaning behind it is and why the interviewer is asking them. So what is behind these common questions? Human resources experts reveal the rationale behind the scenes.

Why are you interested in working here?

The interviewer wants to know if you did your homework on the company before the job interview: That you know who it is, what it is, what it does, and that there is a reason why you want to work for them, that is more than "I'm looking for a job."

Such an inquiry is an indication of effort, investment and thoroughness - qualities that will also contribute to the performance of the job.

Tell me about yourself

This is a tricky question because each interviewee chooses whether to talk about the personal, the professional or both - according to what they feel is more right.

Most interviewers expect an answer that will combine the personal with the professional. The answer allows the interviewer to get to know the candidate a little and also to see how they define themself.

What are your strengths?

Here, the interviewee wants to see how you perceive yourself, with an emphasis on your professional abilities (hard worker, elementary, meticulous), but they are also interested in hearing about personality traits that are relevant to the fulfillment of the role (people person, patient, organized).

So a good answer will be one that combines advantages from both sides. It is always recommended to give real examples from your professional experience.

What are your weaknesses?

In fact, in recent years, the term "weaknesses" has been used less often, and some people are asked about challenges in their previous job. Through the answer, the interviewee's weaknesses are reflected. 

The interviewer wants to know if the company will be able to work with them. Not every weakness is a deal breaker, everything is subject to the requirements of the position. It is recommended here to give examples of how you have successfully coped with these challenges.

What will your manager say about you?

This is another question that examines the personal perception and self-awareness of the interviewee (through the prism of how they believe that they are reflected towards others). It is a way of knowing what type of employee they are: Easy to manage, lecturer, or perhaps, opinionated at a level that not every manager will know how to deal with. A good answer will divide between the personal and professional place.

How do you deal with mistakes?

Everyone makes mistakes here and there. The question is what the candidate does with the mistake. In this question, the interviewee wants to test your ability to learn and accept criticism and understand how you deal with negative criticism.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

The interviewer's way of finding out if you see a horizon in the role and are interested in developing and growing through it - within the organization and in general. This does not mean that every answer that concludes that in five years you see yourself somewhere else is wrong. As long as the answer indicates a desire to develop professionally - the answer is good.

Why are you leaving your current job?

Every organization is interested in hiring stable employees who will remain for the so-called "long-term" (once it meant three years, nowadays two years are also considered a reasonable amount of time in the position.) The interviewer wants to understand what is behind the interviewee's job search. If the candidate has jumps and transitions in his resume - it is important for the interviewer to find out their meaning.