Depending on the position you are interviewing for, every interview is unique. However, there is always a chance that the hiring manager will find common questions that are asked in every interview. 

Let's go through a few questions that are commonly asked during interviews and see what the best response is for each question.

1. Tell me about yourself?

An ice breaker question meant to make you feel more comfortable and less nervous. Before the interview make sure you take the time to have your introduction smooth. 

Start by describing your career background and what you handle at the moment with highlights of your most impressive responsibilities. Next, briefly add some achievements from your current role. 

Keep it short and clear. Limit the amount of personal information shared in your introduction unless asked. 

2. Where do you see your career in five years?

This question intends to understand your career goals. What does career growth look like to you? In addition, the interviewer learns how applying for the position aligns with your goals. 

Responses would look like this:

‘I see myself in a managerial role with a better sense of managing teams on a larger scale focusing on expanding their performance and growth.'

“In five years I hope to have a better understanding of how to build software infrastructure in my field to facilitate growth in areas of Mobile Money. I plan to invest more in my software skills by learning more from this role if given the opportunity to work with your organization”

3. Why should we hire you?

Have you heard of selling yourself? This is where that aspect applies fully. The interviewer wants to understand why you think you fit the role. 

Study the Job Description fully, know what parts of it you are able to deliver on, and structure your response around that aspect. 

4. Why do you want this job?

When responding to this question keep in mind that the interviewers know that remuneration is one of the main reasons for a job search. In most cases, they are trying to get a deeper sense of what you are expecting to get out of the position.

Responses would look like this:

“I have always wanted to work for a company that values the growth of its employees and I believe that I have a lot to share and apply to this role from my experiences in the different industries that I have worked for previously."

“I am confident in my ability to apply my knowledge of Health and Safety to this role. My advanced background and training in Health and Safety measures in different environments will allow me to adapt to and grow the Health and Safety department. In addition, I anticipate learning a lot from the programs that this organization has in place for its staff."

5. What was your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?

Now, this failure can be personal or professional it is not a trap question. The interviewer will be looking to see if you have the ability to notice areas where you have failed and how you handled them.

Be clear on what failure you faced and clearly outline why you feel that this failure impacted your career in one way or another. Outline ways in which you overcame the failure and how it helps you in your current situation. 

6. Describe a difficult work situation and how you handled it?

Everybody has dealt with a difficult situation, person or place while in their workspace. If you have not, well it is coming and you should be prepared. 

When answering this question make sure you express clearly what the difficult situation was and what steps you took to solve the situation. 

Here is an example:

“Last year I was assigned the Fifth-grade students and unfortunately I had a situation with one of the students when it came to completing homework that was provided to the kids to complete at home. The student would always walk in with incomplete work. After about two occurrences of this problem which did have consequences, I decided to have a sit down with him to better understand the situation. Long story short we found out that the environment at home was not conducive enough for him to accomplish his work. We came up with a routine that allowed him to catch up with homework after lessons and he was able to keep up with the rest of the students as well. "

Remember that these are just a few guidelines for making sure you are confident and ready for that interview. Make sure to do your research on the organization and the role that you are applying for in the organization. 

Happy Job Hunting!