With the plethora of questions out there, it can feel like a daunting task to prepare answers for your online interview. Fortunately, we have collected some of the most common interview questions and have suggestions on how to answer them.
- Tell me about yourself?
It can be really easy to ramble on about irrelevant details about your life when answering this question. Instead, think about the job description and think about what skills you have from past jobs that make you a suitable candidate. Discuss relevant education and experiences and discuss how these make you suited for the position.
Example: “I studied at (University) graduating with a degree in (program). After graduation, I worked as an intern at (current company), where I was then hired on full-time (position). Through this position, I have been able to demonstrate my management skills through several projects. Through these projects, I was able to make an increase in sales by X%.”
- What is your greatest weakness?
Refrain from giving an answer that would prohibit you from performing the job well. Responses such as “I’m a perfectionist” are egotistical and should also be avoided. While you should still provide a genuine answer, you should also demonstrate how you have or are trying to improve on this weakness.
Check here for an even more detailed description of how to answer this question.
Example: “I have always found it tricky using Microsoft Excel. However, by continuously completing online training courses and tutorials, I have found confidence in using and applying the software.”
- Why do you want this job?
Avoid discussing things like financial needs, benefits or better commute. Create a list of your professional needs and what you want out of a job. This question is your opportunity to put all your preparation to use. Show off your knowledge of the company and the role. Using this information, explain how this job meets your professional needs and how you as a candidate can benefit the company and what you can do for them. Think about what challenges this company might face that you can help solve.
Example: “I am looking for a company that prioritizes teamwork, as seen through your employee recognition program I believe the culture of this company would be a good fit for me” or “
- Why are you leaving your current job? Why have you left your last job?
Don’t speak badly of your past employer or give cause for the hiring manager to be concerned. If you have ethical concerns or issues you feel strongly about, feel free to mention them. Be prepared. This company might also not meet your needs. Move away from thinking of the negatives of your past job and highlight the positives of this new company.
Example: “While I learned many things from my past job, I want to get more experience in X skill and this position would provide the opportunity to enhance this skill” or “Although I enjoyed working with the team in my previous role, I believe this company is working on some interesting projects that I could put my X skills toward”
- What are your salary expectations?
Before the interview, research the typical salary for the type of position regarding your education and experience. You can give a range but don’t be afraid to quote a slightly higher salary. Mentioning a higher salary can open up to negotiation, which can show your flexibility. Be aware of how location can impact salary as it might differ from your previous company. Examine what other compensation this job might provide that your previous one didn’t and how that might sway your salary expectations.
Example: “Based on my education and experience, I believe that a salary in the range of $X and $X is appropriate”
- Do you have any questions?
Always come prepared to ask your own questions. The interviewer is testing if you are a good fit for the job, but so are you. Steer clear of asking questions that the job description can answer but use this as an opportunity to interview the hiring manager and learn more about the company and role.
Examples: “how does this position fit in with the rest of the team?” “what are the performance expectations of this job, and how might they change?”
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About Live Assets
Live Assets is a boutique IT Staffing/Recruiting firm specializing exclusively in building IT teams of excellence for the Information Technology sector.
We are a small, but productive team that works closely together and has had a 96% success rate for the past number of years!
We have a diverse number of clients and industries and focus on both full-time and contract I.T. opportunities.
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