Common interview questions and answers during an interview conversation

During an interview conversation there are a number of common english interview questions and answers that you must practice before your interview. One of the most important parts of your job interview in english is making sure you answer correctly by understand the true meaning behind each question. By doing so, you are not only making the process much easier for the interviewer, but you’re also making yourself a more attractive candidate by having a good english interview conversation.

The best way to determine the true meaning of a question is to look at the situation from your interviewer’s perspective. 

Simply put, if you were hiring someone for this position, what would you want to know? 

For example, when an interviewer says, “Tell me about yourself.” They do not need to know your life story. So, don’t bother telling them where you grew up and went to elementary school. Instead, focus on the characteristics that will make you a good candidate for the job. 

Let’s read about the real meaning behind some common interview questions and answers that will help you have an excellent conversation with your interviewer. 

Question: Tell me about yourself.

Meaning: Tell me why you’re good for this job.

For these type of common english interview questions and answers, you should focus on your professional life and qualities. When your interviewer asks such questions, they expect you to talk about your personality traits that will make you a good employee in the job position. Also, remember to talk about your motivations. Why did you take your first job and why did you enter this field? Make the conversation interesting by telling a good story to engage your interviewer.

Question: Why do you want to work here?

Meaning: Did you do your research about our company? Why is our company more appealing to you than other companies?

For this question you must give specific details. What do you know about this company that makes it more appealing to you. Also, connect what you learn about the company to your personal values. 

Question: Why should we hire you?

Meaning: Are you passionate about this role? What makes you better than the other applicants? 

Obviously, you don’t know anything about the other applicants. So, for this question you must again highlight your best qualities. 

Most importantly, connect these qualities to the job. Tell the interviewer why your specific experience and personality will make you the best choice for this position. 

Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Meaning: Do you plan to stay with our company? Will you grow in your career in a way that will help us? 

Remember, if the company hires you, they will also invest in you. Everything they do to train you and help you grow is time and resources they are spending on you. 

Because of this, they want to know if they are making a good investment. Will you be a good asset to the company now and in the future? Remember this when you answer the question and talk about how you will improve yourself and help the company in the process.

Question: What are your strengths?

Meaning: Do you have the skills needed for this role? 

Whatever you choose for this answer, make sure it is related to the job. Avoid making common mistakes in an interview like most others do during an interview conversation. The interviewer will not care if you are a great programmer if you are applying for a sales role. 

Question: What is your biggest weakness?

Meaning: Can you recognize where you need to improve?

For this question, your interviewer wants to know if you can recognize the areas where you need to improve. 

Therefore, it doesn’t really matter which weakness you choose. The important thing is that you tell your interviewer how you are improving this skill. 

Question: How would your co-workers describe you?

Meaning: Are you self-aware? How do you respond to feedback?

The interviewer will call your references if they are serious about hiring you, so this is an important question to answer honestly.

Tell the interviewer the good feedback you have received, but also the bad feedback. Then, explain why you received this bad feedback and how you improved after.

Question: Do you have any questions for me?

Meaning: Are you actually interested in this position? 

Asking questions during your job interview conversation when you get the chance to, is a crucial opportunity to express your interest in the job. Hopefully, you have some questions prepared before you meet your interviewer.

By asking intelligent questions, you can show that you were listening to the interviewer and want to know more about the company and daily routines. Applicants with no questions can leave the interviewer feeling as if they are not truly interested in the job or maybe lack the professional conversation skills. 

So, if you have an interview coming up, and want to set a really good impression by having a great conversation with your interviewer, be sure to go over these common english interview questions and answers that most interviewers ask.

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