We all know that interviews can be nerve-wracking, right? And those cliché questions? Ugh, they can make our eyes roll like nobody's business.
Well, believe it or not, there's a good reason why these questions keep popping up in interviews, no matter what job you're going for or how experienced you are.
Hiring managers and recruiters want to get to know you and understand why you're applying for the job. Career expert Leah Lambert told us how to nail those pesky questions and come out on top!
According to SEEK's research, a whopping 72% of Kiwis get nervous before a job interview, especially when it comes to certain questions. So, what are the ones that give us the most trouble? And how can we tackle them like a pro!
Problem-solving questions
Picture this: The interviewer asks you how many credit cards there are in New Zealand. Talk about a head-scratcher!
These questions are called "guesstimates" and are meant to test your problem-solving and analytical skills.
To crack these puzzles, break the problem into smaller parts, estimate each part using basic math and your knowledge, and put it all together for a final number. Remember, it's not about the exact answer but how you approach the problem.
“What is your biggest weakness?”
Ah, the dreaded weakness question. It's a tough one because you don't want to reveal something that could cost you the job. But here's the deal—hiring managers ask this question to see if you're self-aware, open to feedback, and willing to learn. So, don't say you have no weaknesses. Instead, think about a genuine weakness and show how you're actively working on improving it.
Behavioural questions - “Tell us about a time when you…”
These questions ask you to share specific examples or stories of when you faced a challenge and overcame it.
They're designed to assess your skills and how you handle different situations linked to time management, customer service, teamwork/collaboration and conflict resolution.
It's important to prepare in advance for these sorts of questions by using the STAR structure (Situation, Task, Actions, Result) to structure your answers.
Scenario questions
While not as common nowadays, some interviewers still like to throw hypothetical situations at you.
They want to see how you would handle certain scenarios and if your actions align with the role and the company's values. If you haven't experienced a specific situation, don't worry. Just think logically and explain how you would approach it based on your knowledge and values.
Future goals
When asked about your future goals or where you see yourself in a few years, the interviewer wants to understand your motivations and whether the role aligns with your plans.
It's important to have a general idea of where you want to be and how the role fits into that vision.
Remember, it's also an opportunity for you to assess if the role and company line up with your long-term goals.
Remember, It's not just about impressing them, but also making sure the job is the right fit for you.
Now you know the secrets to tackling those daunting interview questions like a pro. Take a deep breath, prepare, and go slay that interview. You've got this!
