HOW TO ACE YOUR INTERVIEW I

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND TIPS TO ANSWER IT:

Interview might be a nerve wracking experience, but if you are prepared

Here are some common interview questions along with tips on how to answer them
effectively:

GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

"Tell me about yourself."

Provide a concise summary of your professional background, highlighting relevant experiences,

skills, and achievements. Focus on how your qualifications align with the job requirements and
the value you can bring to the company.

2 forms of Tell me about yourself:

A. TRADITIONAL: (Tell me about yourself)

Format:
A. Greetings
B. State your Name
C. Educational Attainment/ Certificates acquired
D. Work Experiences
E. Skills to offer
F. Tools/ softwrae/ applications that you know
G. Achievements
H. Unique closing Statement

Sample:

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is [Your Name], and I
am a dedicated and results-oriented professional with a passion to be part of VA industry.

I hold a [degree or certification] in [field of study] from [educational institution]. Throughout

my academic journey, I gained a solid foundation in [key skills or knowledge related to the
role or industry]. I have also actively pursued additional training and professional development
opportunities to stay updated with the latest industry trends and advancements.

In terms of experience, I have been working in the [industry] for [number of years] in various
roles. Most recently, I worked at [previous company/organization] as a [position], where I
[briefly mention key responsibilities or achievements]. This experience allowed me to refine
my skills in [mention relevant skills], as well as develop a strong understanding of [mention
specific industry knowledge or processes].

What truly motivates me in my professional life is the opportunity to [mention key aspects or
values that align with the role or company mission]. I am passionate about [specific area of
interest or expertise] and thrive in collaborative environments where I can contribute my skills
and knowledge to drive positive results.

Outside of work, I enjoy [mention personal hobbies or interests that showcase

well-roundedness or relevant skills]. These activities not only provide me with a sense of
balance and fulfillment but also enhance my creativity and problem-solving abilities.

I am excited about the prospect of joining [company/ client name] and contributing to (its/
your) success. I believe that my of skills, experience, and passion make me a valuable asset to
your team.

B. NOT WRITTEN: (Tell me about yourself that is not Written on your Resume

FORMAT/ SAMPLE 1:

Introduction:
"Thank you for the opportunity to share more about myself. While my resume provides a
comprehensive overview of my professional experience, I'd like to take this moment to
share some key aspects about me that are not mentioned on it."

Personal Background:
"I come from a diverse background, having grown up in different countries and cultures.
This exposure has shaped my adaptability and open-mindedness, allowing me to easily
connect with people from various backgrounds and perspectives."

Passions and Hobbies:

"Outside of work, I am deeply passionate about [mention a specific hobby or interest].
It's something I have been pursuing for several years and has provided me with a
creative outlet and a sense of fulfillment. This passion also enhances my
problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box."

Volunteer Work or Community Involvement:

"I actively engage in volunteer work within my community. I believe in giving back and
making a positive impact in the lives of others. For instance, I have been involved with
[mention specific volunteer work or community organizations], where I have contributed
my time and skills to [describe the impact or results achieved]."
Leadership and Collaboration:
"I have a strong passion for leadership and collaboration. Over the years, I have taken on
various leadership roles within different organizations or projects. These experiences
have honed my ability to inspire and motivate teams, foster effective communication, and
drive successful outcomes."

Professional Development:
"I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and continuous professional development. While
my resume highlights my academic qualifications and professional achievements, I
consistently seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. I actively participate
in workshops, industry conferences, and online courses to stay updated with emerging
trends and advancements in my field."

Summary and Connection to the Role:

"In summary, while my resume provides a snapshot of my professional background,
these additional aspects about me illustrate my well-roundedness, adaptability, and
commitment to personal growth. I believe these qualities align well with the values and
requirements of this position, and I am confident that my diverse experiences and
enthusiasm will enable me to make valuable contributions to your team."

Format/ Sample 2:
Hi Ma’am/ Sir! My friends call me (Nickname). My interest is ( State your interest and relate it to
the job position and the company or client that you want to work with- USE STAR- Situation,
task, Action and result METHOD). And what is the relevant thing you did recently.

Interest format: Type of Interest- listeniNg to music, watching movie, etc.

Genre or type: pop music, RnB, rock or Drama, suspense, horror
Relate it to the job or client or company

Example:
Hi! Thank you for inviting me to interview. My friends call me John the passionate one as
I am really passionate in doing tasks assigned to me. As for my interest, I really love
watching movies and series particularly documentaries as it ignites my keen interest
about life and knowing the scenarios of our society on how to develop. I can relate that
interest to this job by studying the landscape and line of business of the company and
knowing more about the vision and goal and incorporating my knowledge and skills to
help the company. I am a firm believe in lifelong learning and continuous professional
development. While my resume highlights my academic qualifications and professional
achievements, I consistently seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. I
actively participate in workshops, industry conferences, and online courses to stay
updated with emerging trends and advancements in my field.
OTHER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. "Why are you interested in this role/company?"

Other question Format: Why do you wnat to work in this industry/ company?
Demonstrate your research about the company and connect it to your career goals and
interests. Talk about specific aspects such as the company culture, values, products/services, or
recent accomplishments that resonate with you.

How to answer this question:

SAMPLE 1:
“This company is always ahead of tech trends and is constantly looking for ways to
improve their products, and that sort of innovative thinking really inspires me. I also
appreciate how much this company has given back to the community, especially in
efforts to produce more eco-friendly products. I’m always looking for ways to lower my
own carbon footprint.”

SAMPLE 2:

“The job description mentioned that this role would be responsible for onboarding new
employees, as well as compiling and distributing an updated employee handbook. In my
current role, I enjoy working with new employees to help them feel welcome and
confident in their roles. And I’ve found that an updated employee handbook can be an
excellent resource to help them adapt to company policies, such as rules for hybrid
roles, and often helps employees adjust more quickly.”

SAMPLE 3:
Example Answer:
"I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to join this role at [Company Name]. There are
several reasons why I am particularly interested in this company:

Company's Reputation and Values: I have been following [Company Name] for quite some
time and have been consistently impressed by its reputation for innovation, excellence, and
commitment to [specific values or principles that resonate with you]. These align closely with my
own professional values, and I'm eager to contribute to an organization that upholds such high
standards.

Impactful Work: The work done by [Company Name] is both inspiring and impactful. The
[specific products, services, or projects] that the company is involved in have demonstrated a
significant positive impact on [customers, communities, or industries]. The opportunity to
contribute to projects that make a real difference is incredibly motivating for me.

Growth and Development Opportunities: I am impressed by the emphasis that [Company

Name] places on professional growth and development. From my research, I've seen the
company's commitment to employee training programs, mentorship opportunities, and a culture
of continuous learning. As someone who values personal growth and strives for ongoing
improvement, I believe that [Company Name] would provide an ideal environment for me to
expand my skills and advance in my career.

Team and Company Culture: Through my interactions with current and former employees, as
well as my research on the company culture, I've gained a strong sense of the collaborative and
inclusive environment at [Company Name]. The emphasis on teamwork, open communication,
and fostering a supportive culture aligns with my own working style and the type of environment
in which I thrive.

Long-Term Fit: After reviewing the responsibilities and requirements of this role, I feel that my
skills, experience, and passion are an excellent fit. I am excited about the opportunity to
contribute my expertise and make a meaningful impact within the team and the company as a
whole. Additionally, I see this position as a significant stepping stone in my career, allowing me
to grow both professionally and personally.

In summary, the combination of [Company Name]'s outstanding reputation, the meaningful work
it undertakes, the commitment to employee growth, the collaborative culture, and the alignment
of this role with my skills and aspirations make me genuinely excited about the opportunity to
join this company and contribute to its continued success."

Remember, tailor your answer to reflect your genuine interest and connection with the company.
Highlight specific aspects of the company, such as its values, impact, growth opportunities, and
culture, that resonate with you and align with your career goals.

2. "Why did you leave your previous job?"

Focus on positive reasons for leaving, such as seeking new challenges, career growth, or a
desire for a better fit with the company's culture or values. Avoid speaking negatively about
previous employers or colleagues.

How to answer this question:

"I recently left my previous job because I felt that it was time for a new challenge and an
opportunity to further develop my skills and expertise. While I had a positive experience
with my previous employer, there were a few key factors that influenced my decision first
is Seeking Growth and Advancement and to be more well equipped.
Overall, my decision to leave my previous job was driven by my ambition for growth, a
desire for a work environment that aligns with my values, and the excitement I feel about
the potential to contribute to the success of a company like [Company Name]. I am eager
to bring my skills and experience to a new setting and embrace new challenges that will
allow me to continue growing both personally and professionally."

3. "What are your strengths?"

Mention a few strengths that are relevant to the job and supported by examples from your past
experiences. Focus on qualities such as problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, or
strong communication skills.

How to answer this question:

1. Share one or two positive qualities and personal attributes: "I’ve always been a natural
leader and worked well in a fast-paced environment...”

2. Back them up with examples: "...I’ve exceeded my KPIs every quarter and have been
promoted twice in the past five years. I look back at those successes and know that I
wouldn’t have reached them if I hadn’t built and led teams composed of highly skilled
and diverse individuals. I’m proud of my ability to get cross-functional groups on the
same page...”

3. Relate them back to the role for which you’re interviewing: "...I’ve also regularly honed
my management skills through 360 reviews and candid sessions with my team, and I
know continuing to build my leadership skills is something I want from my next role.”

4. "What are your weaknesses?"

Other Question format: What is the thing that you still need to improve/ know more?

Discuss a genuine weakness but present it as an opportunity for growth. Show self-awareness
and explain the steps you have taken or are taking to overcome or improve in that area.

How to answer this question:

In your answer to this question, share your most relevant technical and soft skills. While it may
feel uncomfortable to speak highly of yourself, remember that this is your opportunity to tell the
hiring manager what makes you a great candidate. To answer, follow the formula below:

1. Select an actual weakness (not a strength) that's honest but professionally relevant: "I’m
naturally an introvert...”

2. Add context: "...From my first job out of college, I tend to do well with little supervision and a
high degree of independence...”
3. Provide a specific example:" ...After being assigned to a team that needed to give monthly
progress updates, I knew I owed it to my teammates and myself to learn how to collaborate
better with others..”

4. Explain how you overcame or are working to overcome it: "...I took an online course on
improving communication skills and learned how to reach out to my teammates with more
confidence, and also how to brush up on presentation skills so that I felt more relaxed when it
was my turn to deliver a monthly presentation. I’m never going to be the most vocal person in a
meeting but I can definitely contribute to any conversation and be an effective team player.”

5. "How do you handle working under pressure?"

Describe your approach to managing stress, such as prioritizing tasks, breaking them down into
smaller steps, seeking support from colleagues, or maintaining a calm and focused mindset.
Provide an example of a situation where you successfully handled pressure.

How to answer this question:

“I’m able to stay calm by focusing on the bigger picture first and then breaking down my
projects into smaller tasks. I always start by identifying the ultimate goal I’m trying to achieve.
From there, I make a list of short and long-term action items that will get me to my final goal.”

6. How do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?

Same format: what is your long term goal?

How to answer this question:

"Some of my future goals for the next few years include leading a design team in a formal
capacity. I’m also excited about the prospect of working with product and event teams on
developing streamlined processes since this is a natural fit with my project management
background. I’d also like to further develop my skills in user experience to aid in creating more
user-focused designs.”

7. Why should we hire you?

Other Question format:
(1) What sets you apart from other candidates?
(2) What makes you stand out from all the applicants?
(3) What skills can you bring to this position?

How to answer this question:

I think I’m a great fit for this job because I’m highly deadline-oriented and I thrive in a fast-paced
work environment. You mentioned that you prefer weekly status updates over monthly updates
and that’s something I’m already doing in my current job. So this job feels like a realistic
workload and something that would be an exciting challenge.”

8. "Do you have any questions for us?"

Prepare a list of thoughtful questions about the company, the team, or the specific role. This
demonstrates your interest, engagement, and a desire to learn more. Avoid asking questions
about salary or benefits in the initial stages of the interview process.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK?

● What will be the next process?
● How many days will it take to know the results?
● Can you tell me more about the company culture and values?
● What would a typical day or week look like in this role?
● How does the company support professional development and growth opportunities for
its employees?
● Can you share any specific goals or priorities for the team or department in the coming
months?
● How does the company promote work-life balance and employee well-being?
● Can you provide more information about the company's long-term vision and growth
plans?

NOTE:
Remember, it's important to ask questions that genuinely interest you and that will
provide valuable insights into the company and the role. Avoid asking questions that
have already been covered during the interview or can easily be found on the company's
website. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your engagement and helps you
make an informed decision about the opportunity.

SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS/BEHAVIORAL/ OUT OF THE BOX

● Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers
for behavioral questions.

A. Out of the box question:

TECHNIQUE: use your imagination, No right or wrong answers it is more on assessing
your logical thinking skills

Example question: If you were to describe red to blind person? How would you describe
it?

How to answer this question?

If I were to describe RED to a blind person, I will use the sense of (touch), i will give
blind person a hot cup of Coffee and let the person feel the Coffeee and whenever I
experience heat you can associate it with (Red)

B. Situational/ Behavioral Question:

TECHNIQUE: use STAR method- Situation Task, Action and result
Example question:
Tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation at work and how you
handled it.

How to Answer it?

"In my previous role as a project manager, I encountered a situation where our project
was significantly behind schedule due to unforeseen technical issues. This delay had the
potential to impact our client's expectations and overall project success. To address the
challenge, I took some steps, first I Assessing the Situation, I gathered all relevant
information to understand the root cause of the technical issues and its impact on the
project timeline. Second, I proactively communicated the situation to the project team,
senior management, and the client. Third, I organized a cross-functional meeting
involving the technical team and project team members and together, we brainstormed
potential solutions and prioritized actions to address the issues.
And from collaborative discussion, we developed a detailed action plan to address the
technical issues and get the project back on track. I assigned clear responsibilities, set
deadlines, and closely monitored progress to ensure timely execution. And Finally, I
implemented a robust monitoring system to track progress, identify any potential risks or
delays, and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
As a result of these actions, we were able to recover the lost time, meet the project
deadline, and deliver the expected outcomes to the client. The successful resolution of
this challenging situation not only demonstrated my ability to handle pressure but also
showcased my skills in communication, problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and
effective project management."

Remember, when answering situational interview questions, use the STAR method
(Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response and provide specific
examples of your actions, the steps you took to address the situation, and the positive
outcomes you achieved.

EXERCISE:
TRY THIS SITUATIONAL QUESTION USING STAR METHOD
"How do you handle conflicts or difficult team members?"
Explain your approach to conflict resolution, such as active listening, seeking common ground,
and finding win-win solutions. Emphasize your ability to maintain professionalism, communicate
effectively, and build positive relationships.