Answering challenging interview questions can be tough, but with this guide, you'll have all the tools you need to ace your strategy and get that job! We've compiled a list of the most common interview questions along with tips on how to answer each one.
You'll find answers that range from basic work history information to more in-depth IQ test questions. Get started now by reading through these helpful tips, and then choose which question you'd like to tackle next!
1) Can you tell me a little about yourself?
This is a classic question that you'll likely come across in most interviews. What they're looking for is to see how well you can present yourself and your experiences, so be sure to touch on the highlights of your work history while also showing off some more personal qualities about who you are as a person. You'll want to include why this position is of interest to you, but try to avoid being too general.
2) Why did you leave your previous employer (or why do you want to leave your present job)?
This question is usually asked to see if there was anything negative behind the reason for leaving. If you were terminated, be honest and explain what happened while also showing that you're ready to leave it in the past. If you voluntarily left a position then try to focus on things like needing a new challenge, working toward advancement and/or wanting to take on more responsibilities.
3) What are your greatest strengths?
You'll probably be asked this in almost every interview. The best way to answer this is by coming up with some of your strengths and then pairing them with job-related examples, but remember these should fit the position for which you're applying. Some examples might be being very organised, having a strong work ethic or working well in fast-paced environments.
4) What are your greatest weaknesses?
This is another often asked question that should have been covered during the research process before going into your interview. Come up with some of your weaker attributes, and then spin them to show how you're continually working to improve in those areas. For example, you might say that you're not the best at public speaking but have been taking some courses so that it doesn't hold your career back.
5) How would a previous employer describe you?
This question has the potential for some really great answers, and impresses hiring managers when they see that you have thought about this question beforehand. Of course, everyone will be able to think of some positive things that have made an impression in their past, so try to come up with a few examples of your work ethic and personality too. For example, you might say that previous employers would describe you as hardworking or someone who's always willing to go the extra mile for those around them.
6) What are three words you'd use to describe yourself?
This question is a little trickier to answer, but should be approached in the same way as above. Try thinking of three words that you want people to use when they think about your character and personality. Some examples might be positive, hardworking or intelligent. What's important here is not coming up with negative attributes so try not to choose words like lazy or disorganised.
7) Why do you want to work for this company?
This is a great question that allows the interviewer to get an idea of what your career goals are and how they align with those of the organisation. It also gives them insight into whether or not you are looking at this position as just another job, or if you want to make a career with the company. The best answer is an honest one - telling them how much you love what they do and why that aligns with your own goals can show how well-rounded of a person you are.
8) What makes you qualified for this position?
This question hopes to find out whether or not you are over-qualified for the position. It also tries to see if your qualifications match up with what they need in this role. The best answer is one that talks about how your skills align with those of the company and point out where you have some experience showing these skills.
9) What are the most important things to you in a job?
This is an open-ended question that can't be easily answered with just one or two words. You'll want to list off some of the more important aspects for which this position will provide, but then also mention how they tie into your personal goals. For example, if you're looking for advancement then it's important to mention that this is what will lead to your future career path.
10) What are your short term goals?
This question is about looking into the future of what might happen should an employer hire you. You'll want to tie this into the job for which you're applying and how it might fit into your career aspirations. However, try not to make them too grandiose or unrealistic as employers will know that they can't be achieved in just a few months time.
11) What are your career plans for the next five years?
The interviewer(s) will be trying to figure out how committed a person is in their current field of work and what they would like to do long-term. The best answer could be an honest answer about their current thoughts, but also that they are open to change if the employer has something better in mind.
12) What are you looking for in a career?
This one is a great way to see if you are the right fit for an employer. The best answer is one where you talk about what your desired work atmosphere would be - this could range from open offices, private ones, or different hours of work for employees who have children and want a better balance between family and career.
13) How do you handle stressful situations?
The hiring manager will be looking for how someone responds in high-pressure scenarios. The best answer is to talk about a time when they thrived under pressure and their ability to work collaboratively with others, or what makes them the most successful in these types of jobs (independent, collaborative).
14) What are some of the things you've done in your last job that have helped make the company successful?
This question looks at a person's past performance to see if they did anything noteworthy. If so, focus on talking about the value that they added and how it made an impact on the overall goals of the organisation or department. This could also be used to talk about how a person is happy and works well with others, which will help you in the future.
15) Do you consider yourself successful?
This question looks at someone's self-confidence as it relates to their work ethic. The best answer can't just focus on themselves - they need to tie this into what makes them successful in the workplace (creativity, team work).
16) What motivates you to do your best when it comes to work?
This question looks at a person's intrinsic drive. The best answer is one where they talk about their desire for personal achievement or professional growth because this shows that someone will continue to strive and improve themselves over time while being more than just a cog in the machine.
17) What are some of your interests outside of work?
This question looks at a person's personality and what they like to do in their free time. The best answer is one where you talk about hobbies or activities that make them unique, interesting individuals who will bring something new into the workplace - this could be anything from being an avid reader to a dog lover.
18) Give me an example of when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty?
This question looks at someone's willingness to go the extra mile - something that employers want in employees who are willing to make sacrifices for their job or team. The best answer is one where they talk about how they've done so in the past and what it meant to them or their team.
19) What are some of your leadership qualities?
This question looks at a person's ability to lead others while also getting things done in an organised manner. The best answer is one where they talk about how well they work with other employees, but then tie this into times when they've also helped with projects.
20) What are some of your previous challenges?
This question looks at a person's ability to overcome adversity when it comes to their work history or career goals. The best answer is one where they talk about something that would make them unique (procrastination, perseverance) and then explain how they've done so in the past.
21) What's your biggest achievement?
This question looks at someone's ability to highlight their greatest accomplishments when it comes to work history or personal goals. The best answer is one where a person talks about something that would make them unique (leadership, strategic planning), but then explain how they've done so in the past.
22) What are you looking for when it comes to salary/benefits?
This question looks at a person's true intentions and whether or not money is truly important to them. The best answer is one where they talk about what kind of benefits would make them happy (flexible scheduling, a dog friendly work environment), but then explain why they're worth this type of salary.
23) What is your typical work style?
This question looks at someone's ability to fit into a company culture and get along with their coworkers. The best answer is one where they talk about how much they value teamwork or creativity while also explaining why this job would be the perfect opportunity for them (flexibility, room for career development).
24) What are some of your greatest professional strengths?
This question looks at how well someone can sell themselves as a candidate. The best answer is one where they talk about their ability to take on new challenges or work independently while also sharing something that would make them unique (communication, strong leadership).
25) What are you most proud of, professionally?
This question looks at what motivates a person and what they see as their greatest accomplishments. The best answer is one where a person talks about something that would make them unique (leadership, problem solving) or an accomplishment that was particularly difficult but also rewarding in the end.
26) What are you most passionate about?
This question looks at someone's passion for work - whether it's their current job or a potential opportunity. The best answer is one where they talk about how this job would be the perfect fit because of X (creativity, autonomy) while also sharing something that would make them unique (a sense of responsibility).
27) How do you handle difficult employees?
This question looks at someone's ability to work with people who are different from them. The best answer is one where they talk about their past experience working as a team and how this situation could be resolved in the future (communication, clear expectations).
28) Why do you want this job?
You should be answering this question with a well-thought out response about the position and how it fits into your current or desired career path. Don't just say that it sounds like an interesting job or that you're looking for something new. Try to explain how the position will help further your career goals and then tie this into why you want this particular company.
29) Do you have any questions for me?
Asking intelligent and informed questions will help you make a good impression on employers. Knowing exactly what skills and qualities an employer is looking for at the interview and then doing some research on the company will make it easier for you to ask good questions. One important thing to keep in mind before asking a question is making sure that your question pertains only to the job or position of interest. It's also a good idea to avoid asking about salary and benefits since the employer may not discuss this information until you are offered the job.
It's always important to be prepared for an interview, no matter how you feel about your chance of success. If you know what types of questions the interviewer might ask, and how to best answer them, then your chances of being hired will increase dramatically. The information provided in this article should give you a clear understanding on how to handle all those common interview questions.
When you Google the words “job hunting tips”, you'll get nearly 100 million results within a fraction of a second. The worldwide web is full of advice about job searching. Some of the information might contradict what you know, and most of it is rather general. Nevertheless, finding nuggets of wisdom on job hunting has never been easier.
We've taken the initiative to sift through tonnes of advice and experiences by tech and IT professionals. Here's a shortlist of job hunting tips to refine your strategy, and make the process much smoother.
The process of job searching is often an emotional roller coaster. It can sometimes be tedious and frustrating and other times, exciting and encouraging. Whatever the case, remember that it's a normal process. You will eventually attain your goal – to land a great job.
Although the pandemic hit the Lion City hard, the unemployment rate in Singapore is below 4 per cent. Moreover, employers want technology professionals more than any other type of human resource. So, look on the bright side. Most employers want to hire people with your skillset. It’s just a matter of time before the job hunt is over. These tips will make it easier for recruiters to pick you out.
For every IT position advertised, recruiters receive more than 300 resumes. Chances are robots will screen your CV first. Yes, your first reviewer is a robot. But you are a techie, and you know how these forms of intelligence work. Therefore, you have the upper hand.
Make yourself visible by crafting a resume guaranteed to attract the robots. Tweak the wording in your resume so that you use the right keywords. If the job description requires specific skills, and you have them, mention them in your resume.
But be careful not to prepare a resume fit for robots only. It should also communicate to the person doing the first-level screening. It will probably be an admin staff who uses a simple criterion to shortlist candidates. So, make sure you indicate that you have the right qualifications, experience, and qualities.
Skills are vital in your job hunt. If you are a network administrator, but you can also do some coding and cybersecurity, let it be evident on your resume.
Employers in every sector are looking for tech solutions to stay ahead of the competition. The tech pros who are likely to land excellent jobs are those who have multiple skills, and they can prove it.
Remember that technology is dynamic. What was working two years ago could be old now. Boost your skillset by signing up for courses and attending webinars as you search for a job.
Having a broad portfolio of tech skills can make you feel confident enough to join the C-suite. But can your track record, disposition, and leadership abilities show that you are ready?
Tech and IT skills are some of the most desirable in any industry today. However, your resume has to show a combination of skills and personality. Show that you work hard to lead teams, that you can deliver positive results, and you can solve problems. Prospective employers look for these as they debate about hiring you.
Curiosity is the mother of innovation. Your inquisitiveness is an asset. It helps to find solutions that meet client needs and develop better products. Employers want to cash in on it. Find ways to show that you are curious, and it has paid off for your current or previous employers. In the same breath, do be selfish with your time and the resources you need to conduct the job search. It's one of the most important things you can do for yourself, so don't let anyone convince you into doing other things for them (like babysitting or running errands). It's precious job hunting time, and you need it.
Three out of four employers in Singapore use social media as their primary search tool. A significant percentage of these use LinkedIn to look for candidates. If you are not on LinkedIn, or if it has been ages since you last checked your profile, you are missing out on a great opportunity. Review your LinkedIn profile frequently. Let any recruiter looking for a tech professional in your location find you first on the list.
Use these tips to refine your job-hunting strategy. Many recruiters will zero in on your resume and call you for interviews. But be ready for the interviews.
Remember, the prospective employer is interested in what you can do for them. Learn as much as you can about the company, their pain points, and goals. Then present yourself as an asset that'll help the company attain its objectives.
Whether it's a top technology company or a small startup, employers all love one thing – professionalism! It doesn't matter if you are a veteran or a greenhorn straight from college, company heads love professional, respectful candidates.
But, there are times when you may feel like you want to loosen a little, especially if the interviewer is an acquaintance or someone who looks like a peer. Sometimes, the prospective employer could arrange a meeting at a restaurant and you may want to let your guard down. It's crucial to maintain professionalism throughout the job hunt, even when it seems difficult to stick to the code.
Read on and get tips to help you maintain professionalism when job hunting.
When the employer arranges a semi-formal meeting, it's easy for the conversation to stray to personal matters. Try not to give too much unnecessary information (TMI) – even if your counterpart does. For example, if the interviewer starts a Monday morning interview with tales about a wild weekend, avoid carrying on with the conversation. You could end up giving too much information. Instead, you can respectfully acknowledge how they feel and wish them a quick recovery.
The same applies when the interviewer digresses into discussions about relationships, politics, or lacks decorum. Don’t be the “Yeah man, me too…” person. You will give too much irrelevant information that could hurt your chances of landing the job.
Social media is a powerful job hunting tool. Three quarters of recruiters in Singapore use social media to find job candidates. A platform like LinkedIn allows job hunters to connect with many peers and network with several potential employers.
You could be tempted to stalk your prospective interviewer or would-be boss. But you must resist it. If you must follow or like them, do it with caution. Avoid following or liking the person’s social media profile. Instead, connect with the organization’s profile. And when you want to like, or engage on social media, do it professionally.
Perhaps the person you want to send an email to is a peer or a former colleague. You may want to send a quick email after the business lunch. Keep the contents of the email professional.
Address the person appropriately, using words like “Dear Ms Jamie.” Avoid shortened forms or informal language like saying “Hi,” or “Thx,” and don't use emojis!
Also, avoid using too many acronyms or too much jargon in your emails and letters. Instead, try to keep the communication simple. The addressee may be familiar with the industry’s technical terms. But, if you want your email to be memorable and easy to read, reduce the jargon.
If the employer requests a taste of your service on a trial period, try to build a good rapport with her and other workers. You have a better chance of landing the job if the team likes you. Create a professional rapport, but don't overstep it.
How do you do that? Avoid potentially controversial topics like politics and people in your discussions. You never know when someone could be offended. Also, remember to keep it professional when you are hanging out, away from the office.
Tech companies often don't require their staffers to dress formally. Apart from team members who handle the business side of things, it's hard to find an engineer dressed up in a business suit and tie analyzing the company’s system. But that's not a green light to look shabby.
Don't go to the workplace dressed down in jeans and a T-shirt. Look like someone who wants the job and is professional about it.
Although there are more than 1,000 tech startups in Singapore each year, the human resource pool is not very broad. It's easy to find a former colleague or a friend conducting the recruitment. SMEs which employ more than 70 per cent of the workforce in Singapore, often have a flat staff structure.
Many don't mind employees dressing down and having informal communication. Although it may seem okay, it's not a green light to be casual or unprofessional. Look for ways to tweak your correspondences and conduct to fit the job and preferences of the potential employer. As long as you are still job-hunting, keep it professional.
These tips will help you keep it professional. But remember to be on point with other positive job-hunting skills. Don’t be late for interviews, prepare well in advance for meetings, and get help crafting a powerful resume and convincing cover letter.
Due to the increasing number of open positions and the widening talent gap, the international tech sector remains to be an employee’s market. Even though the number of open tech jobs took a hit in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2021 hiring in this field is booming again.
According to a report by IT trade group CompTIA, just in the United States alone the tech sector has already added 60,900 new positions in 2021. The talent gap that experts have been talking about for almost a decade now, warning that the supply of new tech specialists won’t be able to keep up with the demand, remains a big challenge. According to Gartner’s Emerging Risks survey, shortage of qualified tech workers is one of the biggest concerns for business leaders across industries today.
When looking at this issue from the perspective of people already working in the industry, however, it looks a lot more like an opportunity rather than a challenge. If you’re a software developer or other kind of tech expert, possessing solid and relevant skills, today’s job market is abundant with opportunities like never before.
But just having required skills and knowledge often isn’t enough to seize them. You also need to be knowledgeable about things like where to look for the right job openings, how to make sure you’ll pass the interview (or interviews, both general and technical one), and how to negotiate about the salary and other work terms.
As when it comes to finding the right opportunities GRIT has got you covered, let’s talk about going through job interviews and negotiating the salary in tech.
Being successful on the tech jobs market is, of course, quite an extensive and multidimensional topic and we don’t want to oversimplify it. That being said, many people tend to make the same fundamental mistakes when looking for a job and negotiating with employers. Here are a few basic tips and recommendations on how to stay on top of this game if you work in tech.
The technology industry is transforming and changing faster than any other. One of the most important aspects of being able to find a good position in tech, go through the interview and receive the offer is knowing the market. Do the market research frequently in order to know what companies are hiring, which skills are in most demand and how much you can expect to be paid. One of the best ways to stay informed is to communicate with other people working in this field, both in real life and online on forums and online communities for tech experts.
Another tech-specific basic recommendation that shouldn’t be neglected is to never stop learning. Due to the same reason of the tech market being highly dynamic and ever-changing, most successful tech professionals are forced to keep learning all the time throughout their careers. Invest a certain amount of time each month in learning new skills and technologies that will be useful in your current job and/or will help you to achieve career advancement.
When it comes to specific positions, being knowledgeable and informed about this particular role and the value you are going to deliver to the company if hired is in many ways crucial to the success of salary negotiations. Learning about your competitors for the position also can be very important. A lot of this information you can learn on initial stages of negotiations by asking recruiters, HRs and interviewing managers the right questions.
A common mistake among many tech specialists would be to underestimate the importance of having strong soft skills for their career. We even had a separate piece on this particular issue published recently. According to a survey conducted by consulting firm West Monroe, 78% of HRs and recruiters said they have become more focused on finding tech professionals with strong soft skills over the last several years. 43% of HR professionals surveyed also said that technology roles are harder to fill because candidates lack strong soft skills. And 67% of HRs have withheld a job offer to an otherwise qualified technology candidate solely because of that candidate’s lack of soft skills.
It is also worth remembering, and reminding yourself on a regular basis, that salary is not the only thing you should be looking at when considering a job or a job offer. Many people tend to forget this and fixate on the numbers. Take factors such as additional benefits, workload, company culture, future growth possibilities, etc. in consideration as well.
Salary may be not the only thing that matters in a job, but it is undeniably very important. Here are a few quick tips on how to conduct salary negotiations from a tech employee’s perspective.
Talking about tech interview preparation, here are a few online platforms that you can use to train and practice.
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