Top 10 Interview Questions 2021
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The interview process is a 2-way street where both the employer and potential employee determine whether they would be a good fit for each other. People often feel the employer has the upper hand, but remember, you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. So here are five questions to help you prepare for a company’s line of interviewing and five questions you should be asking them to ensure this is a mutually beneficial relationship.
Prepare to answer these questions.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
It is a tough one, especially if you don’t know yet! In such a fast-changing society, who knows what jobs will exist in 5 years? The best way to tackle this question is to tell the interviewer how you would like to see yourself in 5 years instead of focusing on an actual position. Start by explaining what you want to learn and how you want to grow personally and professionally. Remember, you aren’t expected to know how your life will pan out in great detail.
2. What is your greatest weakness?
Please don’t be shy; we all have weaknesses, but how you describe them to your potential boss is critical. Show that you are comfortable with self-reflection and start your sentence with “Something I am currently working on to better myself is….” It shows that you are taking steps to face your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Don’t phrase a strength as a weakness; “I work too hard” or “I’m a perfectionist”. They can see right through that.
3. Why are you leaving your current job?
Be honest. If you’re leaving because you felt undermined or mismanaged, tell the interviewer and perhaps they can give you some reassurance from their side as to how they would address this.
4. Salary expectation?
People work for money, and you are no exception. Only you know what you need and how much you are worth, so pick a number and stick to it.
5. Finally, the dreaded “Tell me about yourself?”
This open-ended question can be daunting with no end or structure in sight. Take this opportunity to describe yourself outside of the workplace. A healthy work-life balance and your employer’s value are also essential.
Questions for the interviewer:
1. Is employee turnover high?
If there is a constant stream of people joining and leaving, this is a red flag.
2. How does management deal with pressure?
Knowing if there is a structured process in place when dealing with a crisis is good.
3. Can I speak with past employees or current employees privately?
If an interviewer is happy for you to meet with other team members, they probably have nothing to hide! It is a sign of a healthy workspace.
4. What is the salary review process like, and how often does it occur?
While you may not be salary-focused, knowing if a process is in place is good. There’s nothing worse than working towards a salary review that’s never coming.
5. Is there a clear career path and clear salary brackets?
You don’t want to be part of a company that plays favorites with salaries. Find out what is expected of you in your position and how you can move up the brackets based on your work.
Conclusion
Going for an interview is exciting and scary at the same time, but if you prepare in advance, then everything will be perfectly fine. Just one final tip is to ensure that your CV or Resume that you hand in does not have gaps. It is always advisable to have a professional Resume, and a CV company such as Chick my Resume has a look and provides you with some advice or at least fix it for you to have an updated copy at hand during the interview.
