Basic interview questions with answers - 1

Here is a list of most common Interview Question asked in a job interview. Interviewer ask these question generally to gauge your communication skills, to meke yourself comfortable or even to test your clarity and wittiness in answering questions :

1.Please tell me something about yourself

One of the very basic things that any company would ask a job applicant is her or his personal information. The main problem in this question is the start. With what information you should start to tell about yourself. One possible strategy is to ask the interviewer : So what should I start with ? Education, Family or experience ?

2. Why are you leaving your presnet job?

Answer this question truthfully but be careful not to badmouth your superiors or co-workers. Do not say negative things about the management of your previous company. You can state that you left your previous company in hope for a better career opportunity.

3. What experience do you have in this field?
Talk about your specific experiences that relate to the work you are applying for. Let them know the activities and contributions that you have done for your chosen industry.

4. Do you consider yourself successful?

Answer this question positively. Stay humble. Let them know that you set your own personal goals and reaching these goals is what makes you a successful person.

5. What do you know about this organization?

Your answer to this question should be backed up with basic research. You should know the latest news, issues and updates about the company you are applying to so that they would get the impression that you are indeed very interested in becoming part of their organization.

6. What have you done to improve your knowledge / skills in the last year?

Share some activities that you have done in the past that relates to the job you are applying for. If you have been to seminars and other self-improvement activities, share these experiences as well.

7. Are you applying for other jobs?

Keep your answer to this question quick and honest.

8. Why do you want to work for this organization?

This is a question you need to dwell on. You should come out sincere. Talk about your goals as a career person and how much you think the organization can help you in achieving your goals.

9. What kind of salary do you need?

This is actually a tricky question. Do not give a quick answer and give a figure right away. You can ask something like “What is the salary range for this job?” Most interviewers might just answer your question. If not, tell them that your rate depends on the nature of the job. This is the right time when you can give an estimate figure of how much you wanted your salary to be. Give a wide range.

10. Are you a team player?

Say yes. It would also be a good idea to state some situations where you have showed that you are indeed a team player. Let them know that they you can work with other people for the betterment of the company.

11. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?

Do not give out a specific length of time. Say something like, “I’d like to stay with this company for a long time”. Or something like “As long as the company feel that I am giving them good service”.

12. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

Answer this question honestly. You should convey the idea that you know how that you should put the company on top of your priority list than personal favors.

13. What is your philosophy towards work?

You should keep your answer to this question short and precise. Convey that you always put your work first. Let them know how your work philosophy can help their organization improve.

14. Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

Answer this question truthfully. Do not explain why you were asked to leave unless they questioned you about that. Be brief and honest. Again, do not talk about negative things about your previous company, superiors or co-workers.

15. Why should we hire you?

In answering this question, state what you have to offer to the company. Show them that you can be a real asset to them. It is not a good idea to compare yourself to other applicants who are vying for the same position.