Job Interview Preparation

Job interviews can feel daunting and dreary but with the right preparation, you can walk into the room feeling confident and all ready to win the game. The key is to anticipate the different types of questions that might be asked and craft strong, captivating answers that highlight your skills and experience. CNBC has launched its first ever online course on 10th January 2024 that provides a step-by-step guide to successfully navigate the interview process.

At first, the interviewer likes to keep the discussion light and friendly, hence asking questions related to the candidate’s personal life and educational background. Once the interviewee becomes comfortable, the questions often get more intense. It’s done to know how the applicant reacts to stressful situations. The questions asked include technical, behavioral, situational, problem solving and critical thinking questions that are responsible for raising the temperature and therefore creating a daunting environment.

Technical Questions

Technical questions are asked to assess your technical capabilities, to see if you are at par with the knowledge that is required for the job. The interviewer will ask you to specify the technical education and training you have undergone and your response should include your educational qualifications and any additional courses and certifications you have obtained. The technical interview also includes behavioral and situational interview questions.

Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are asked to know how well you handle stressful situations and what behavior can the employer expect from you in similar situations. Behavioral interviews help in determining your skills and qualities, such as problem-solving, critical thinking and communication. Behavioral questions can be answered by using the ‘STAR’ technique. Its components include describing a Situation, explaining the Task involved, the actions you took and the result that was obtained.

Situational Questions

Situational questions test your emotional quotient and how you handle different situations that may arise in the ever changing environment. Such interview questions convey the candidate’s mindset and perception, values and ethics, and the relevant experiences and achievements. You can use the ‘STAR’ technique to answer these questions effectively or the problem-solution formula that involves describing a problem you faced and how you solved the problem. Highlight the skills that are relevant to the job role you are applying for.

Preparation Tips

Nolan Church, the CEO of Continuum and a former recruiter for both Google and DoorDash, suggested in one of his interviews that you spend some time reviewing the companys website and LinkedIn page before the interview. Find out all about its objectives and mission. After reading the job description, consider the precise aspects that pique your interest. Find out who is conducting your interviews and look through their LinkedIn profiles to learn more about their professional backgrounds.

Common Interview Questions and Tips

• Tell me about yourself: It seems to be an easy one but challenging at the same time. This is your chance to make a great first impression. Don’t reiterate your resume! Instead, prepare a clear and concise answer that showcases your strengths, relevant skills and experiences, and explains why you’re a perfect fit for the role.
• Why do you want this job? Employers would want to know if you have a genuine interest and enthusiasm to work for the company or not. Do your research beforehand and show the interviewer that you’ve taken your time to learn about the company, its mission, values, work culture and the specific role you’re applying for. Explain what excites you about the opportunity and how your skills make you an ideal candidate for this job.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, but it’s important to focus on how they’ll prove to be beneficial for the company and how you’re working to improve your shortcomings. For strengths, choose qualities that are relevant to the job description and provide specific instances to back them up. As for weaknesses, choose something you’re genuinely working on and highlight how you’re actively addressing it. Be honest with your answer.
• Describe a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it. This is a classic behavioral question that finds its way into almost all interviews. Pick a situation where you had to solve a problem and take initiative. Demonstrate a relevant skill and attitude required for the job. Briefly describe the situation, how you reacted, the actions you took, and the positive outcome that it brought.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years? This is your chance to showcase your ambition and long term career goals. Express your desire for growth, development and how this position will help you in your future ventures. You can even mention areas within the company that you’d like to explore further.

Bonus Tip: Prepare your own questions! Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the company and the role. Show you’ve done your research by going beyond the basic questions found on the company website. You can look for various jobs that interest you through the job portal of ‘Jobzshala’. It helps you in searching for jobs that best suit your knowledge and experience.

By preparing effectively for these common questions and tailoring your answers to the specific role, you’ll be ready to ace your next interview. Dress appropriately, be punctual and remember that confidence is the key. Walk in with a positive attitude, be enthusiastic, and showcase your unique value proposition.

Wishing you success!