In this post, we’re going to cover the most common job interview questions for graduates along with advice on how to answer them.
Interviews can be high-stress, anxiety-driving situations, especially if it’s your first interview. A little practice and preparation always pay off. While we can’t know exactly what an employer will ask.
In this post, we’re going to cover the most common job interview questions along with advice on how to answer them.
8 Most Common Job Interview Questions for Graduates and How to Answer Them
Below is a list of 8 common job interview questions, along with answering techniques that will help you dazzle your prospects, and hopefully, secure the role you want.
1. Tell us about yourself?
The interviewer is not interested in hearing stories; they simply expect to know your academic and professional achievements, your name, and the institution you currently work for.
Take a minute to introduce yourself, and state your recent academic qualification and your relevant experience (if any)
Example: “I come from a small town, where opportunities were limited. Since good schools were a rarity, I started using online learning to stay up to date with the best. That’s where I learned to code and then I went on to get my certification as a computer programmer. After I got my first job as a front-end coder, I continued to invest time in mastering both fronts- and back-end languages, tools, and frameworks.”
Check Out: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (With Examples!)
2. Why do you think you are the best candidate?
The recruiter expects you to tell them about your professional achievements and the unique skills you possess that will add value to the organization.
If you are a Customer Care graduate then you should tell them that you are a good listener and patient; these are the qualities the employer is looking for.
3. What are your weaknesses?
The question is not simple as it looks; most candidates go blank when they face this kind of question.
Take your time in explaining why you can’t leave the office before you complete a task.
You can also inform them how you are quick to trust a person, which in most cases makes you a victim.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
The employer wants to know whether you are ambitious or you’re the kind of person who secures a job and then you forget about yourself.
Answer the question by stating how you intend to further your studies and grow professionally as you strive to meet your employer’s goals. (It is important to tie your goals to your employer’s goals because no employer would be willing to hire and invest in a rookie who will leave their organization in a year or less after they have invested in training the individual)
5. How do friends describe you?
The question is testing your personal attributes, when answering it ensures that you don’t over exaggerate.
Take the shortest time possible to state the best attribute you possess that you believe will add value to the institution.
6. What do you know about this company?
Before you enter the interview room, ensure that you go through the company website to read the latest news, company profile, goals, management team, objectives, vision, and mission; they will help you answer this question. (where the company is unknown, do your research and be familiar with the business/industry you desire to build your career)
The question expects you to briefly describe what you read on their website and not what you imagine of the company.
7. Do you have any questions to ask the panel?
This is usually the last question that the interview panel asks interviewees; if you fail to ask them questions, you will lose some marks, always have a question to ask no matter what.
Ask them whether they have plans to expand their business, whether they support employees to further their studies and how they motivate employees. You can pull a surprise by asking when you would start, it shows confidence.
8. What is your salary expectation?
The question is tricky because as a fresh graduate you don’t have a clue what to be paid; simply ask them what they pay others of your level, if they fail to give a satisfactory answer then give them a reasonable range.
Example: “Based on my skills and experience and on the current industry rates, I’m looking at a salary around $____” (then fill in with your desired salary range and rationale).
Ensure you do your research before you go to the interview room because you must be asked this question.
FAQ’s – Most Common Job Interview Questions
What questions to expect from a graduate interview?
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you want this job?
3. What are your strengths?
4. Why should you get this job?
5. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
6. Tell me about a time you’ve demonstrated excellent team work skills.
7. What motivates you?
How to introduce myself in interview?
Tips on How to Introduce Yourself in an Interview
1. Greet Your Interviewers.
2. Let Your Interviewers Know About Your Educational Background.
3. An Alternate Approach for Seasoned Professionals.
4. A Line or Two on Your Passions and Hobbies.
5. The Vital Closing Statement.