Top 5 Interview Questions 2024 & Answers
- Tell me about yourself
This is always the first interview question, though it seems simple it needs thorough practice and preparation to answer. So how do you answer A tell me about yourself question? Here are four things to focus on when answering the question.
- Your academic background which is relevant to the vacancy they’re seeking to fill – mention the relevant degree and diploma certificates at this stage and institutions you attended.
- Your professional or technical expertise that is directly related to the job vacancy – State the professional/technical qualifications you hold as well as membership in professional associations
- Your practical work experience that fulfills the requirements of the position – focus on the job and avoid providing information that is not linked to the job for which you have been shortlisted;
- Mention a hobby /interest or passion that is in lign with the job you are interviewing for you can also mention any awards of merit you have been awarded at this stage.
Example Response: I graduated from [University Name], where I studied [Your Major(s)] and [Any applicable minor or coursework]. During my stay at university, I concentrated on improving my talents in [Specify relevant skills] by actively participating in [Name of Student Organization or Relevant Activity].
I have [X years] of hands-on experience with [List software/tools or relevant abilities].
Aside from my work life, I am passionate about [Personal Interest or Hobby]. For example, I have a strong passion for [Traveling/Another Interest], which has even crossed over into my working life when I had the opportunity to work as a [Relevant Job Title] for a [business] in [Location]. This experience not only broadened my horizons but also [Mention how it positively influenced your professional growth or approach to work]
The 5 minutes you have at the opening stage are used to test your communication skills and the organizational fit between your academic, technical, and social skills with the job. Practice before a friend or a mirror and ensure that you can clearly; eloquently and coherently provide this information to the panel in about 5 minutes.
- What is your greatest weakness
Recruiters use this question to assess your honesty, self-awareness, and desire to develop. Address it by selecting a talent that is not crucial to the job you’re going for and emphasizing your proactive efforts to overcome it. Authenticity goes a long way towards impressing interviewers.
Example Response: “One weakness I’ve been working on is my ability to give constructive criticism. In the past, I struggled to provide feedback without impacting my team’s morale. To improve, I can definitely say that I used to be blunt when it came to giving feedback to my colleagues. I have always valued honesty and transparency above everything. And I thought that that’s what makes effective workplace communication. But I was wrong My co-workers often felt that I’m being too insensitive, and that caused tension between us. To address this, I enrolled in a leadership program that taught me how to better phrase my concerns. I’ve found the ‘praise-criticism-praise’ technique especially useful! Soon, all that awkward energy was gone. And my co-workers actually became more receptive to my feedback and we worked much better together as a team.”
- What are your salary expectations?
This is a tricky question that recruiters like to ask during interviews. This question assists the interviewers to assess whether you are the right person for the position. You want to make sure that you carry out thorough research of the job you are applying for and make sure that you find the current market rate for the position. This will help form the basis of your answer.
Before you answer make sure to list your qualifications and experience that lead to your salary expectation also briefly mention the job scope. Never answer that you don’t know your own salary expectation or that you are okay with anything that the company provides. This makes you look vague and likely that you have not researched for the position.
Example Response:“Based on my skills, experience, and industry standards, I’m looking at a salary range of kes____ to kes____. However, I’m open to discussing the details further to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial compensation package.”
- Why should we hire you?
The first step in coming up with a great answer to this question is reviewing the job description and fully understanding what the company is looking for in a candidate. Your response should explain why you, as a candidate, best meet those requirements. Carefully evaluate the job description and take notes on the qualifications that align with your own skills and abilities. One of the reasons that the interviewer is asking why they should hire you is to determine whether you will be a fit with their own team. You can address this by showing them how your personal and professional traits will make you an asset to the organization. Review the company’s social media sites and website to better understand the company culture and highlight how you will fit in.
Example Response: ‘I’ve spent the last two years working as a Communications Officer, which helped me develop skills and practical knowledge in the field of Communications .So both my degree and the hands-on experience I earned working in Impact Communications qualify me for this position.’
5. Do you have any questions for us?
This is always the last question in the interview. If you have reached this far you are probably on the right track. Make sure to have two questions that are relevant to the job advertised. Pause for a bit and ask the questions. Never say that you don’t have any questions, it shows that you did not prepare well or are not that invested in getting the job. Rather than asking a question that elicits a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, try to inquire about something that requires the hiring manager to go into detail. This will keep the conversation going and ensure you get the answer you’re actually looking for.
Example Response: “What’s your favorite part of your job?”
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REFERENCES
Ramachandran, A. (2024, 1 April) 22 of the Toughest Interview Questions and Answers https://www.interviewkickstart.com/blog/interview-questions/tough-interview-questions-and-answers
Morgan, M. (2024, 2 February) 12 Tough Interview Questions and Answers (with Helpful Tips) https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/tough-interview-questions-and-answers
Benz, C. (2024, 14 April) 26+ Common Interview Questions & Answers for 2024 https://resumegenius.com/blog/interview/interview-questions-and-answers
