Interview Skills: How to Answer Questions in English

The interview is one of the most important steps in securing a job. No matter how strong your resume is if your job interview goes bad then you won't get the job. In a job interview, you must present yourself nicely and confidently. You must answer the questions in English so that the prospective employer knows that you are fit to work in an international environment. Being able to answer job interview questions properly demonstrates your ability to understand the job role and also shows your communication skills. Sometimes the interviewer will not look for the right information, but the way you approach to answering the question. Your thought process shows how you will solve problems and make decisions in the workplace.

People tend to study academic books and journals before the job interview to prepare themselves. However, you should know that prospective employers ask some common questions in the job interview. If you can answer those in proper English, you will be halfway towards securing that job position.

General English interview questions

The hiring manager will ask different types of questions to know about your background, personality, and other traits. Here are some sample questions.

Your experience and qualifications

1. Can you tell me about yourself?
2. Can you describe your relevant work experience?
3. What training do you have that qualifies you for this position?
4. Do you have any management experience?
5. Describe your main responsibilities in your previous job.
6. Do you have experience using software programs?
7. What was the most valuable thing you learned from your previous job?
8. Have you ever served in a leadership role?

Personality

1. How do you organize important tasks?
2. Can you tell me about a time you overcame a challenge?
3. How have you turned a weakness into a strength?
4. What's something that motivates you?
5. What did you like the most about your previous job?
6. What are your weaknesses?
7. What do you do for fun?
8. Are you willing to work overtime?
9. Are you willing to work in a different place?

Job-related questions

1. Do you have any questions about the position?
2. What's your ideal work environment?
3. How can you contribute to the organization if offered the job?
4. What are your salary expectations?
5. What are your career goals for the next five years?
6. Are you willing to travel or relocate for this position?
7. Do you feel collaboration is important in the workplace? How do you wish to do it?

Sample answers for an interview in English

You can look at these sample answers and craft your answer to impress the hiring managers.

1. Tell me about yourself

In most cases, this will be the first question that you will face in a job interview. You should mention your academic background and work history and focus on the success phases.

2. Why are you interested in this role?

You may be applying for this role to get more salary; however, it might not be the best answer to this question. You should show that you are passionate about the job and can contribute positively to the company. Try to match your experience with the requirements of the job and show them that the role seems to be designed for you.

3. What skills do you have that make you the best candidate for this job?

This is the point where you sell yourself. Think of something you have achieved that might set you apart from the other job candidates. If you have special skills mention those.

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

You might not have a plan for the future, but you must tell one at the interview. So, demonstrate that you are ambitious and have the willingness to serve this company for a long time.

5. Why do you want to work here?

Before the interview, you must do some research on the company to know about its achievements and recognition. You can use those points to explain why you want to work here.

6. What are your salary expectations?

You should come prepared with a figure for the expected salary. Do some market research to find out how much salary most of the people in this job role are getting in your country. You should also consider the salary you used to get in your previous job role.

7. Why do you want to leave your current job?

Don't say that you are changing jobs because of a problem with your boss or colleague or due to work pressure. The company that is hiring you expects you to collaborate with others well and work as a team. You are expected to meet deadlines; so you should be able to handle the workload.

8. What are your strengths?

This is your chance to make a good impression on the prospective employers. So, use adjectives to describe your strengths backed up by evidence. For example, if you have secured a deal for your company then tell how you have won the negotiation.

9. What are your weaknesses?

The hiring manager won't believe that you don't have any weaknesses. So, come up with one and tell what steps you are taking to overcome it.

10. Do you have any questions about the job?

Don't sit quietly. Ask about the career advancement opportunities, appraisals, and other things to show that you are serious about this job.

Remember, that the hiring professionals want to see that you can play a leadership role and be a team player at the same time. They want to know whether you can meet company objectives and help them move forward. So, throughout your interview give them the impression that you have all the qualities required for this job position. Practice answering these questions in front of the mirror or with a friend before the interview to gain confidence.