Tough Interview Questions That You Can Master

To be ready for your any job interview, you have to practice responding to any questions you expect to get.

Don’t spend too much time getting ready for random questions that may not come. Most hiring personnel stick to tried-and-true questions that allow them to get the information they need from candidates. Be aware that some questions may seem mundane on the surface but can be tricky to answer. Below are a few thorny interview questions you ought to be prepared to answer.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question is about both the employer’s and the candidate’s future plans. You should have your own perspective on where your career is headed and how it might complement the company’s goals going forward. Hiring personnel want to see that you have realistic targets for your career that translate to a long-term future with the company.

Can you tell me about this gap in your work history?

In the mind of a hiring manager, any gap in a candidate’s work history is seen as a red flag. If you have a gap in your work history, you need to confront the issue directly and truthfully. Then, talk about what you did while unemployment. Hopefully, you have some volunteering, academic coursework, skill building or certifications to discuss. These activities should only be mentioned if they would be useful in your new role.

What is your greatest achievement?

This standard question enables you the chance to spotlight one particular accomplishment. Ideally, it should be something from your career. However, if you have a particularly notable achievement in your personal life, it might bear mentioning.

Ideally, you ought to back up your claims with details on difficulties you overcame and the results you were able to achieve. If you have to, go back to past employers and figure out how much value you were able to generate or the size of costs you were able to reduce.

What do you know about us?

It’s crucial to do your due diligence and study up on your potential employer. Thorough research puts you above other applicants, because it indicates you’re knowledgeable about the business and where it’s going.

In doing your research, don’t just stop at the basic details. Take a look at company publications, social media profiles, newspapers, and even public financial filings to see what the company’s been doing. Determine its tactics, organizational initiatives and the values it are trying to project. Culture is a significant differentiator, too, so ensure you have a sense of the workplace culture and how you might fit.

Do you have any questions for us?

Most job seekers know it’s important to come into an interview with questions for your interviewer, but what if your interviewer answers all the questions you had during your conversation?

Because you should always try to ask questions, write down about a dozen wide-ranging questions, check off any that get answered and settle on two or three to ask your interviewers.

Are you looking for a new IT job?

At SMCI, we work with job seekers to ensure that they are as prepared as possible for an upcoming job interview. If you’re looking to work for a talent acquisition agency that provides a robust degree of support, please contact us today or search for a job.