Tell Me About Yourself.
This is a commonly asked interview question designed to break the
ice. A strong, succinct answer will quickly gain the interviewer’s
attention and separate you from other candidates who may be tempted to
divulge their life story. Give a brief, concise description of who you
are and your key qualifications, strengths and skills. Tailoring your
answer to the role offered by declaring the strongest benefit that you
offer an employer will leave the interviewer compelled to know more.
Q. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is trying to gauge your enthusiasm for the role as well
as your level of knowledge about the company. Give specific examples of
things that attracted you to the company and elaborate on your
strengths, achievements and skills and how they match the position
description, making you the right fit.
Q. What Are Your Strengths?
The interviewer wants to know what you are particularly good at and how
this would fit into the role. Choose a few of your key strengths that
are required for the role and give examples of how you have demonstrated
them successfully in the past. Strengths could include the ability to
learn quickly, composure under pressure, ability to multi-task, team
focus or your ability to work autonomously.
Q. What Are Your Greatest Weaknesses?
The interviewer is trying to gauge your self-awareness. We all have
weaknesses, so it’s best not to say you don’t have any. Avoid using the
word ‘weakness’ and instead talk about an ‘area for improvement’ that is
not vital for the job, or specify a ‘challenge’ that you are working to
overcome. Demonstrating a willingness to develop yourself and face
challenges turns the answer into a positive.
