How To Answer Common Job Interview Questions like a Pro in 2023

A job interview is often a crucial step in the journey toward your dream career. As we navigate the ever-evolving job market of 2023, it’s essential to equip yourselves with the right skills and mindset to stand out from the competition.

Let’s delve into effective strategies to get ready for a job interview, highlighting the importance of practicing and refining your interview skills:

1. TOPICS

   Could you tell me about yourself 

When asked, provide a concise overview of your professional journey, emphasizing recent experiences, achievements, and new skills/certifications obtained since 2021. Focus on relevant information for the position or company you’re applying to, highlighting important projects and accomplishments that showcase your capabilities in the current job market. 

Sample Response: “Hello, I’m Kali and I aspire to be Content Writer for a Tech company. As a  content writer, I was able to produce multiple outputs that garnered significant engagement which is seen in the previous work/s I have done for Company X. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in doing organization work and interning for Company X. I am known for being able to adapt to trends and accept constructive criticism and my ability to [mention relevant skills or abilities]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to Company X and be a part of its success.”

2. How or where did you hear about our company or this position?

Employers often ask about your job search process. Mention specific platforms like Kalibrr, networking events attended, and other channels where you found the job. Highlight any news or developments about the company that caught your attention. If you are recommended, mention the person’s name who referred you because at times, their company has referral program bonuses.

Sample responses: 

• “I came across your company while conducting extensive research on leading organizations in the [industry/field]. Your company’s outstanding reputation, innovative projects, and commitment to [specific values or goals] immediately caught my attention.” 
• “I was able to find the job listing through Kalibrr [or other job platforms used].”
• “I was recommended by [Name] to apply for this position as they were able to mention that you are looking for applicants under [position]. Upon checking the listing, the job description matches my credentials.” 

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When discussing strengths, emphasize those in high demand: adaptability, problem-solving, and remote collaboration skills. Use recent accomplishments as examples to showcase these strengths. Align strengths with the job and highlight the most standout ones. For your weakness, choose a non-critical one but demonstrate self-awareness and a willingness to improve. Be honest and outline steps to address the weakness, providing examples of how you’re actively working on it.

Sample responses: 

• “Regarding my strengths, I consider myself to be highly organized and detail-oriented. I have a knack for effectively managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring everything is completed efficiently and on time.” 
• “I am a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing, which enables me to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders.” 
• “As for my weaknesses, I continually strive for self-improvement. One area I’ve been actively working on is public speaking. While I am comfortable communicating within a small team or one-on-one, I am challenging myself to enhance my public speaking skills by seeking opportunities to present in front of larger audiences. I believe in acknowledging weaknesses and taking proactive steps to address them, ultimately turning them into strengths.”

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers seek someone with clear goals. Emphasize adaptability to changing trends and technologies in your industry. Align goals with position requirements. Express aspirations for growth and leadership within the company or industry. Show long-term commitment and provide insight into your desired path.

Sample responses: 

• “​​In five years, I envision myself in a role where I have grown both professionally and personally. I strive to be an integral part of a successful team, contributing my expertise and taking on increased responsibilities.”
• “I am motivated to continuously learn and develop new skills to stay at the forefront of my field.”
• “I aspire to take on a leadership position where I can leverage my experience and knowledge to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact within the organization.”

5. Tell me about a problem you’ve encountered and how you dealt with it.

This is asked of you to further understand how you solve and deal with events that you may have no control over. This can be a personal or professional problem that you have encountered. You can choose a work-related challenge or you may also mention a personal problem you were able to solve and how you were able to come up with the solution to that problem. Just make sure to emphasize how you applied innovative approaches or adapted to the changing circumstances. You may also highlight the positive outcome or impact of your actions in solving the problem you encountered. 

Sample response: 

“In a previous role, I faced a challenge with a tight project deadline and unexpected technical issues. To overcome this, I gathered the team, prioritized tasks, and reallocated resources. Through open communication and collaboration, we troubleshooted the issues, adjusted the project plan, and successfully completed it within the revised timeline. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving.”

6. What type of work environment do you prefer?

In answering this, you can address the changing work environment that is present nowadays and is brought about by remote work trends or new workplace dynamics. This is usually asked to learn more about what helps you be comfortable in the workplace. Discuss your ability to thrive in either remote, hybrid, or fully face-to-face work environments. This can help showcase your adaptability, and despite the ever-changing work setup you may have, the consistency of the effective communication skills that you bring is also a factor. 

Sample response: 

“I thrive in a collaborative work environment that fosters open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect. I value a setting where diverse perspectives are encouraged, and ideas can be freely shared. A positive and supportive work culture that promotes growth, learning, and recognition motivates me to perform at my best.”

7. What are your salary expectations?

This is a very important question that is asked by recruiters. Before going into the interview, conduct thorough research to understand the current salary range for similar roles in your industry or position. Assess yourself as well and determine your salary expectations depending on what they are willing to offer you and what you expect to get as well. You should also take into account any changes that may have occurred when it comes to the economic landscape of the country or industry you are working in, especially after the impact of the pandemic. Lastly, consider your experiences, skills, and the value you can bring to the organization when discussing salary expectations.

Sample response: 

“I am looking for a competitive salary that aligns with industry standards and reflects my experience and qualifications. I am open to discussing the specifics and exploring a mutually beneficial compensation package.”

8. Are you applying for other jobs?

When this question comes up, be transparent about how your job search is going and mention that you are actively exploring opportunities in the current job market. Employers usually ask this because they want to know if you are willing to commit to their company.

If your answer is yes and you are applying for other jobs, try and assure the interviewer that their company and the specific position are among your top choices, emphasizing your interest and enthusiasm to be part of their company. 

Sample responses: 

• “Yes, I am currently considering multiple opportunities and exploring different job options to find the best match for my skills and aspirations.”
• “No, I am not actively applying for other jobs at the moment. I am fully focused on this opportunity and committed to giving it my full attention and dedication.”

9. Why did you apply for this role?

This question is often asked to gain insights into a candidate’s motivations, intentions, and alignment with the company and the position. By asking why a candidate applied for the role, employers can check the level of interest and enthusiasm the candidate has for the specific job. It helps them identify candidates who are genuinely passionate about the work and are more likely to be motivated and engaged if hired.

Sample response:

“I applied for this role because it aligns perfectly with my skills, experience, and career aspirations. The job description and company values resonated with me, and I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to the organization. I believe that this role will provide the ideal platform for me to grow professionally, make a meaningful impact, and work with a team that shares my passion for [relevant industry/field].”

10. Do you have any questions for me?

Employers ask this to gauge your level of interest, preparation, and engagement in the interview process. It shows that you have been actively listening and thinking about the conversation, and that you are genuinely interested in learning more about the company and the role. Asking thoughtful questions can also give you valuable insights into the company’s culture, expectations, and future plans, helping you make an informed decision if an offer is extended to you.

Sample response: 

“Yes, I do have a few questions. First, I would like to know more about the company’s long-term goals and how this role contributes to achieving them. Additionally, could you please provide more details about the team dynamics and the collaborative opportunities within the organization? Finally, I am curious to learn about the next steps in the interview process and the expected timeline for a decision.”

Remember to tailor your responses to your unique experience and the specific requirements of the job you’re applying for. Level up your interview skills and secure your ideal job soon. Be confident because, at the end of the day, you are basing your answers on what you know and how you understood the question. Good luck with your job search in 2023!

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Kalibrr is a recruitment technology company that aims to transform how candidates find jobs and how companies hire talent. Placing the candidate experience at the center of everything it does, we continue to attract the best talent from all over, with more than 6 million professionals and counting. Kalibrr ultimately connects these talents to companies in search of their next generation of leaders.

The only end-to-end recruitment solutions provider in Southeast Asia, Kalibrr is headquartered in Makati, Philippines, with offices in San Francisco, California, and Jakarta, Indonesia. Established in 2012, it has served over 18,000 clients and is backed by some of the world’s most powerful start-up incubators and venture capitalists. These include Y Combinator, Omidyar Network, Patamar Capital, Wavemaker Partners, and Kickstart Ventures.

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