Interview Questions To Prepare For

 

1) What is your salary expectation?

This is the dreaded money question. In the best-case scenario, you want to do whatever you can to keep your options open and get the hiring company to provide a salary range first. However, the interviewers may very well keep pressing you.

One of the likely answers to this question that you can give is “I’m very interested in this position so I would be open to any competitive offer.”

If you feel you must name a figure, choose a salary range that provides some negotiation room, and is fair based on market value in your industry and city.

2) Can you please explain this gap on your resume?

The HR interviewers tend to review your resume carefully and will notice any discrepancies on your resume. The key is to keep your explanation crisp and then make an effort to move the conversation along to more positive topics.  In these cases, it’s widespread to get sidetracked into discussing the grisly details of the separation or criticizing your former bosses or co-workers. You must explain what happened in a few words and make it clear it’s something that could never happen again.

Deflect the interviewer’s attention to your track record of jobs that ended well. If the gap between jobs was lengthy, you should also make it clear that you were keeping busy with up-skilling, volunteering for social work, or taking a break to do your hobby. This shows that you are proactive and energetic.

3) Tell me about a time when you had to work with something difficult

The purpose of this HR interview question is to find out what your definition of the complex is and whether you can show a logical approach to problem-solving. To show yourself in a positive light, select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you and which can be quickly explained in a few sentences. Explain how you defined the problem, what the options were, why you selected the one you did, and what the outcome was. Always end on a positive note.

This HR interview question tests your ability to handle conflict and work with different personalities. This question puts you in a spot because it forces you to talk about someone who derailed your apple cart. You have to handle this HR Interview question diplomatically and avoid any sign of negativity or ill feelings. Step out of the zone and try to recollect a situation in which you managed to keep a positive professional relationship with a difficult co-worker, manager, client, or partner. This question will help the interviewer see your professionalism and ability to remain calm under pressure.

4) Why are you interested in this position?

HR professionals love this question so use it as your chance to reiterate your strengths and highlight your applicable skill set and passion for the company and the role. Speak to how your past experiences match the qualifications for the job using keywords from the job description to make the connection stronger. By clearly linking your skills to the position, you are helping the HR manager envision you in the role.

5) Tell me about yourself.

This is a question that will likely never go away. Identify some of your main attributes and memorize them. Describe your qualifications, career history, and range of skills, emphasizing those skills relevant to the job on offer.

6) What do you know about the company?

It is of utmost importance for you to do your research on the company prior to an interview. You need to know the history of the company, who the key players are, recent accomplishments and mentions in the press, and any other relevant information. Communicate the positive information you learned about the company, from awards to new product launches, to demonstrate your knowledge.