11 Interview Questions & Answers to Land Your Dream Job

Preparing for a job interview can be stressful, but it is a very important step for the future of your life. 

An interview can feel like playing a chess game with someone who also knows how to play it. To win the game, you must come prepared and know where each piece fits in with the others. 

The good news is that most jobs don’t require any special skills other than being able to answer some basic questions. 

The bad news is that most people aren’t familiar with anything other than their immediate surroundings when it comes to job hunting. Knowing how to prepare for an interview and what common pitfalls might trip you up are invaluable assets if you hope to land your dream job. 

Here are 11 sample interview questions and helpful answers so you can ace your interview!

1. Tell me about yourself

Many individuals find this query simple to answer, but it is critical. Here is the deal. You should not disclose your whole employment (or personal) history. Instead, you should offer a compelling pitch demonstrating why you are the proper hire. Lily Zhang, a Muse writer and MIT career counsellor recommends a present, past, and future recipe for offering a brief résumé. You should start by relating your current job to your scope and finish by explaining why you would be a good fit for it.

Answer to “ Tell me about yourself ”

“I am currently working as an account executive at Damro, handling our top-performing client. Before that, I worked as an employee at an agency where I was on three different major national eCommerce brands. I particularly enjoyed the work I did, but I’d love to get even deeper into eCommerce, which is why I’m so thrilled about this chance.”

I believe you got the point of how to answer this question. So make sure to tailor the answer in a way that makes much more sense to your current educational and professional background.

2. How did you hear about this job/position?

This question is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your passion and connection to the company. For example, if you learned of the position through a friend or professional, mention them, then explain why you were so excited. If you discovered the firm through an event or article, that’s an excellent avenue to explore. Even if you saw the posting on a random job board, tell how you were enticed by it.

Answer to “ How did you hear about this job/position.”

I saw this job posted on LinkedIn and decided to apply because I’ve been following your company for a while. I always want to develop my career at a reputed company like yours because I know this is a golden opportunity for me to go forward. 

3. Why do you want this job?

This common interview question can significantly impact your interview if you have adequately prepared to answer that question in a way that makes sense. I know you might think this is a simple question to answer, but do not underestimate this question in the first place. 

Have you ever thought about why interviewers always ask this simple question? No, Right? Because the interviewer wants you to tell him why you’re interested in this role and why you applied for this job

Answer to “ Why do you want this job? ”

Here, the interviewer wants to check how much you know about their company, how much you are interested in this role, and how you see this as an opportunity to develop your career at their organization. 

And tell them how you add value to their team and organisation because they’d love to know how you will add value to their company, So make sure to include all this information in your answer.

4. Why should we hire you?

This is a trick question. It’s also a trap question. But most notably, it’s a question you’re supposed to formulate on your own. So, why should an interviewer hire you if you aren’t asking them to? 

Every candidate should think about this first and foremost and come up with their reasons. If you take this approach, you will have a solid answer when the interviewer inevitably asks you. 

But if you rely too heavily on what the recruiter wants to hear, the questions come across as disingenuous and more genuine than they should be. It’s a question every candidate should ask themselves before they put pen to paper.

5. What is your greatest weakness?

If you’ve thought about this, you’ve probably thought about it a lot. You’ve probably also had a few ideas on hiding it or minimizing its effects on a job. But if you’re unprepared, the interviewer will know right away. They may even ask you to clarify, which can go beyond your original question. 

Avoid this pitfall by staying focused on the question at hand and not placing any emphasis on your weaknesses. Don’t try to hide them. Don’t try to downplay them. Don’t even try to make excuses for them. 

You can only control the way you answer. Failing to do so is a huge mistake that only a very lucky few will ever avoid.

Check this if you want more on this question

6. Why do you want to work for our company?

There are a couple of ways to approach this question. The first is to simply give a short answer to the question, “why do you want to work for us?” The problem with this is that it sounds like you’re trying too hard to impress the interviewer. 

You could also take the opposite approach by trying to impress the interviewer with your reasons for wanting to work for them. This approach sounds more genuine, but make sure you don’t go overboard.

7. What’s your biggest accomplishment?

This is another trick question. And once again, you’re supposed to come up with the answer on your own. Your accomplishments are far more important than what you’ve done in your previous job. But they’re not the only thing an interviewer will be looking for. They’ll also look for a glimpse into your personality and how you deal with adversity. Both of these things can be revealed through your answers. 

To keep your answer short and sweet, try to focus on the bigger picture rather than personal details. That way, you can give a general overview while leaving enough room for the interviewer to ask follow-up questions.

8. Can you tell us about a time when you failed?

This is a tricky one. If you’re not prepared for this question, it can come across as disingenuous or combative. But if you’re ready for it, it can be a great opportunity to discuss important lessons you’ve learned from failure. 

It can also be an opportunity to discuss an important skill that has helped you overcome adversity. This question can help the interviewer get a glimpse into your personality and soft skills.

9. Which of your previous jobs has helped you the most in your current job search?

This question is designed to help the employer better understand how you fit into their company culture. It’s also a great way to understand how you communicate. But more than that, it can help you determine what questions you might be asked during the interview process. 

To stay focused on your answer, try thinking of this question more like an assessment rather than a true inquisition.

10. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

This is another trick question. You’re supposed to come up with your answer. And while you can look at your experience to help you determine your goals, you shouldn’t rely too heavily on this. Your goals should be very specific and concrete. 

Most recruiters expect specific and clear answers to this question. Be sure to highlight the time frame you achieve your goals because they want to hire people who are futuristic and result oriented.

For example, you can tell them you are going to complete your MBA by the next year or you can tell them that you are going to acquire more skills that are necessary for improving your career within a specific period.

Always try to show that you are willing to learn and develop yourself.

11. Do you have any questions for us?

This is the last question you’ll be asked. Make it your last chance to ask any questions you might have. And make sure they’re not just the same ones you’ve already been asked.

If you need more help with your job search, check out our how to prepare for a job interview for additional tips and tricks!