Giving interview for the first time? Here’s your guide

A first job interview is always a crucial part of any fresher’s career. The questions are planned to judge the candidate’s knowledge and confidence. Mainly questions are to evaluate your confidence and attitude. Here are some general questions you can be questioned during your interview.

Why should we hire you?

You need to share how you meet almost all the criteria they seek and have two to three additional abilities that they may not need for their job. They need to know you are a candidate who can not only meet their needs now but also help them to grow their company. Also, it may happen like  you have skills that you noticed are in another job description they are looking to fill; you can help out with those deliverables until they find someone.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The interviewers wish to know whether you are ambitious and how well you understand the industry and your own potential. Questions like these should be answered with clarity. Your answer should reveal to the interviewers that you know exactly what you are doing. Tell them about how you can make a significant impact to a company in the role you’re interviewing for. The reply reveals confidence and clear understanding of the industry.

Why do you want to work here?

You need to understand the reasons why others enjoy working in that company.  Is it a great place to advance your skills? Have great challenges to add to your resume? Will it allow you to grow as a professional? They want to know this is not just a job and paycheck but also want to hear this is what you want to do and the best place to do it.

What do you know about us?

If you know very little, it is an indication that you are not very serious about working there. Candidates who are really excited about the prospect of working in that company study about that company. If you really want to stand out, do a heavy research, not only from the internet but find their articles in newspapers even you can show them a copy of the article.

What is your strength?

You should be able to reveal through your words what your true strength is. Frame your answer in such a fashion that they cannot counter question you. The interviewers are always looking for loopholes in your answers. You must make sure you are confident and prepared for challenges. This question analyzes your confidence in your skills and abilities. Share something that makes them think they need to hire you right away.

What is your weakness?

You need to tackle questions like these tactically to which you may easily fall prey to. You are admitting you have some growth opportunities and are not perfect. Also, you can include that you already have a plan to overcome this weakness through training or practice. When they ask about your weakness, your reply should be something like, ‘ I do not get peaceful till the work at hand is complete even if excess work affects my health adversely’ or ‘ My weakness is my strict adherence to deadlines even when the project is not urgent’ or ‘I can’t tolerate indiscipline’. Such an answer reveals your love for the work you do and your true dedication and devotion as an employee. These are replies that highlight you in a positive light. Such weaknesses only glorify you.

"You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is quite actually quite true which is why it's so important to start on the right foot. You should think hard about how you can differentiate yourself from others every step of the way during the interview.