5 Interview Job Questions Answers To Know

You’re in for a treat today because I will give you the essentials, including the top 5 interview job questions answers.

Are you freaking out about your upcoming interview? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Millions of people every year suffer from interview anxiety. But don’t let that stop you from getting the job of your dreams!

Just follow my advice, and you’ll be a shoo-in for the position!

Hard Making The Cut

According to a Simplilearn study regarding 2023 job interview statistics, the average number of applicants for a single position is 118, and only 20% of those who apply are offered the opportunity to interview.

Even then, multiple layers must unravel.

The initial interview could last a few minutes to gauge your style, knowledge, and if you’ll fit into the team.

So you’d best prepare yourself.

Looking Good On Paper

Before you even get to the interview panel, you must successfully maneuver through several checkpoints.

The first checkpoint uses Auto Tracking Software (ATS) to review your cover letter and resume.  That’s where AI comes into play and scans your documents while comparing them to other applicants.

Here it verifies your credentials, and you are now ranked. 

To help improve your chances of getting through the initial round, I highly suggest reading A Robust Application For A Job Or Letter.

Should you make the initial cut, your name moves forward to a verbal or electronic discussion of whom to interview.

One Week Before The Interview

You’ve submitted the application and credentials and now wait for the untimely phone call.

Since you have no control over when you will get a call, much less if you get one, you still have much work to do with things to prepare before the interview.

So we will assume you got the call and have a scheduled date.

Whether it’s your first time getting a legitimate interview, or you have been interviewed several times, the process could become daunting.

Still, we must take time to explain several sequential and essential tasks to do before you walk through that door.

1. Have paper and a pen with you. Although this may sound very trivial, it helps relieve a little anxiety by allowing you not to forget an essential item.  For example, you get a reminder call about a dentist appointment that conflicts with your interview time, and you must call the dentist’s office to reschedule it for the morning.
2. Block off the interview in a large chunk of time. Before and after the interview, set aside time for preparation and flexibility should the interview run over.
3. Print off a map of the location and save the location on your phone. Since you may not have service where you go, you might have to rely on paper to help you finish reaching your destination.
4. Coordinate your outfit.  Some people have their “lucky suit,” while some may have a wardrobe to choose from; it’s another essential item to know what to wear.  You should not only know what you are wearing but also consider the color scheme. Zippa suggests wearing neutral colors such as black, navy, or white but adding a dash of a splash in the accessories.
5. Update your digital portfolio. You are making a solid impression during and after the interview reinforces you for the spot or gives them insight that you may also fit into another role with the company. A great way to leave that impression can come from having a digital portfolio that includes work samples on a website, folder, or another way for interviewers to see your experience. Wix is a free place where you can build your own website and show off your skills.

The Day Before The Interview

Time has passed like a warm summer night.

You’ve done some initial work preparing for the big day, but now it’s time.

You got to get serious if you will get the job. Here’s what I suggest you consider doing the day before the interview.

1. Dress up in the clothes you’re wearing tomorrow. It helps to prepare you psychologically as it puts you in the mindset that this is the real deal.
2. Print off your resume. Ensure it’s up to date and have a copy for each panel member.  Showcase it in a fancy folder that can be recognized that you shared it.
3. Power up your laptop and conduct some research. This is a must-do and one of the best ways to get deeper details than ever before.  Review the job description, the company, and the strategic vision. Take notes!
4. Research the key people you think will be on the panel. Conduct a Google search for important information you can weave into the answers. Then compare what you’ve found to their LinkedIn profile.
5. Shut down your phone. Avoid distractions while you prepare by cutting off the phone. It would be best if you had nothing taking away your focus.
6. Mic up. Use your laptop while it’s still on and turn on the camera.  As you sit there, see how you look to other people.  Looking at yourself helps you realize your facial expressions and posture, which is another blog.
7. Have someone ask you the questions. With the camera still on, record yourself being asked the questions (in the next section).  Once you have completed them, watch your mannerisms to ensure that you look at every panel member.

Interview Time: The Top 5 Job Questions and Answers

Congratulations on making it to this point.  You’ve successfully prepared as you sit in the hot seat. 

Pulling out a fresh legal pad and pen, you cross your legs and show a posture where you lean forward.

Thankfully you’ve prepared, and like you are back at home, you speak eloquently as the words flow like a river downstream. 

Here they come.

The Introduction Question

Tell us about yourself and why you are the best candidate for the position. The lead-off question sets the tone for the entire interview.  You don’t give an overwhelming answer, but a mere 3-minute or less answer that includes:

• Your education.
• Sharing any industry certifications pertinent to the position.
• Leadership within and outside work.
• Your specialized skills.
• Fun fact that keeps them wanting to know more.

An Ethical Question

Please share with us about a time you faced an ethical dilemma. The easy questions are over now, and they get down to business.

In this question, they look to see how well you think and the direction of your moral compass. The best way to answer this question must pertain to a matter that happened at work.

Avoid referring to an example with a supervisor because it could put hesitation in the back of their minds.

Instead, find a problem that could have taken place with a customer or a peer in a similar position.

Give enough detail to let them know the problem and your thought process.  Include how you research your company’s policy and procedures to give them some background as to your due diligence.

An Industry-Related Question

Explain how you would work through [a technical matter].

Subject Matter Experts will understand the problem, but their approach might be the same.  This question sees how well you think on your feet, your efficiency, and your ability to grasp the big picture.

If it’s somewhat complex to explain, use your legal pad to show a flow chart or diagram.  From there, explain the steps one at a time. 

As you go through the process, eye contact is a must.  When you see someone studying it, please take a moment to let them absorb the answer.

In this question, it’s strongly suggested that you refer to a reputable organization or association that aligns with your industry.

A Personal Question

How do you learn best? Or How do you ensure that the team stays focused on achieving their objectives?

In this question, they evaluate you as a person and whether or not you fit into the organization’s culture.

First, refer to the strategic vision that addresses a healthy workplace reflecting a diverse culture.

Then mention a quote from someone from the C-Suite who currently works there and addresses this exact question.

From here, then shed some light on your opinion.

Include that you are open-minded to change and try to consider all aspects, including team consensus.

A Follow-Up Question

For the last question, you are the one asking this to the panel.

It’s when they “have concluded our questions and now want to give you a chance to ask some questions about us.”

Have I addressed all your questions, or is there something you heard (from me) that you’d like me to share more about?

When the panel hears this question, they will be initially taken back because it gives them a chance to review their notes.

Cite when you saw one of the panel members focused on one of your answers.

This question also shows your commitment to detail and your desire to be thorough.  When you follow up, include details you found about them from the Internet or LinkedIn.

That’s A Wrap

Now that you know the top 5 job questions and answers, it’s time to prepare for your interview. The best way to ace an interview is to know what to expect and be prepared.

Review these questions and answers until you have them memorized. Then, practice answering them out loud so you can sound natural when you’re in the hot seat.

And finally, don’t forget to research the company and come up with a few questions on your own to ask during the interview.

Are you ready? Let’s do this!

What are your thoughts on these questions and answers?  Comment below.