An interview is a face to face interaction between the interviewer and the candidate (interviewee) so as to obtain desired information from him/her.
Interview questions are composed of basic elements required to test, analyse, examine, inquire and derive an in depth analysis of the candidate or interviewee.
Adequately preparing with the right set of skills & tips for an interview builds up your morale, confidence and determination towards answering the questions being asked. Interviews are common interactions encountered in everyday life from job interviews, to personal interviews, social interviews, professional interviews etc.
Being able to answer the vast range of possible interview questions requires you to be fully equipped with the right skill sets by improving your communication skills, learning proper correct English, understanding basic business communication and properly carrying out the necessary research required to answer whatsoever questions from the interviewer.
The world of business, job search and global job market in one way or another involves answering certain questions either in a direct or an indirect interview scenario. This entails the need for you to be a good fit and one way of equipping ones self is by using the sample question and sample answer technique of self practice. This technique helps to identify your greatest weaknesses as to mannerisms, posture, word composition/utilisation, body composure and articulateness.
Communication skills aid in improving your communication not only during job interviews but general work communication in order to bolster you when in a business spotlight/environment. There is the need for job seekers to exhaust an incredible amount of time preparing and drafting their curriculum vitae (CV), researching their dream job description, carrying out research on the company of interest with the hope of receiving a call for an interview and commence the path of achieving their set career goals.
A sharp individual carrying out a job search will research sample questions and practise sample answers accordingly in relation to their potential job interview.
The build up and anticipation in answering the most common interview questions can be toned down to moderate less intense levels by acquiring smart tips on how to answer whatsoever questions and gives you the best shot at making a good first impression of professionalism and intelligence.
HOW TO ANSWER THE MOST COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS.
- Listen Carefully.
- Carry out appropriate research.
- Control Speech Speed and Impulsion.
- Take pauses before answering a question.
- Make short, complete and correct sentences.
- Mention key points in responses.
- Use clear, concise and accurate terms.
- Be yourself.
- Express courtesy and humility during the interview process.
1. LISTEN CAREFULLY:
Listening is a skill and art that encompasses good eye contact, body language and other cues that are non-verbal in nature.
Paying prompt attention to the interviewer during an interview allows you to pick out, understand and comprehend what the questions are and subsequently provide the appropriate answers. Listening is itself a communication skill and it entails grabbing every single core and residual piece of information as this ultimately gives you an idea and full insight into what the appropriate response should be. Thus, allowing you to answer questions that are not that hard if you think about it all because you paid attention to the question when it was being asked.
2. RESEARCH:
As the interviewee (one who is being interviewed), you have to research a lot about the organisation, particular circumstance or subject topic for which you are being interviewed. If you are scheduled for an interview relating to your dream job, it is very important to have the basic information on the corporation, organisation or even the interviewer in order to gather enough material concerning their background and core precepts.
One way of going about research on your dream job is by checking out the company’s website, online platform as well as their industrial publications and portfolio’s. Doing this will allow you to feel super confident knowing that you are well equipped with enough information that is needed during your interview.
3. PAUSING:
Pausing during an interview by taking a brief moment of silence to collect your thoughts is advisable. Pausing during your interview gives you the much needed time & space to evaluate the interviewer perspective and consider the following;
- What is the real intent behind the question?
- What are the main concerns drawn from the question?
- What specific skills, experiences and qualities can you draw inference as being important to the interviewer?
Doing this will allow you to answer questions smoothly and more effectively.
4. MAKE SHORT, COMPLETE AND CORRECT SENTENCES:
During an interview it is a good communicative skill to provide concise and complete answers by taking the time to formulate your response. Not only that, you can also apply the technique of starting your response with a strong, positive opening statement. This leaves a good first impression to your interviewer on your communicative skills. Making short complete sentences that are inclusive of key critical points exhibits a sense of confidence and broad knowledge.
5. BE YOURSELF:
Being yourself entails honesty by saying and giving answers that are true and within the bounds of the truth which can make or break the entire purpose of the interview. You should note that the professional community of managers often interact with each other during appointments and social gatherings. This means that a pool of experiences on previously conducted interviews may exist and if your name should ever come up during a conversation between these managers as one who is less than honest it could damage your current or potential career prospect way before it even kicks off.