Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
April 29th 2016
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
By asking this question an interviewer is trying to understand your career goals and how would you fit within the organisation. They don’t want to hire someone if you are planning on changing your career path next month. They want to invest into someone who is really passionate about this opportunity and shows their enthusiasm.
What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?
In this case honesty might be not the best policy. Try to stay away from comments like “I am too lazy to get up in the morning for work” but you could say “Some people think that I am a workaholic”. Try to turn your weaknesses into your advantages. As for your strengths, try to be honest but not too cocky. Try to use the relevant qualities to the role you are interviewing for.
Why do you wish to leave your current position?
Don’t mention that you didn’t get along with your boss because he was a “psycho control freak” or that you were bored at your previous role. You might say that you felt like you need some new challenges and you couldn’t lose such a great opportunity to be considered for this role.
How would your co-workers describe you?
The reason why the interviewer might ask you that question is to evaluate if you fit within the team structure. The qualities that they might be looking for are: dependable, trust-worthy, hard-working, easy-going, positive.
When are you available for work?
Don’t say-straight away. Do not automatically think that you have been hired. The interviewer might ask you this question to see if you are loyal to your current employer and would allow them time to find your replacement. You have to give “notice period” to your old employer before you give a commitment to your new one.
At IT Force, we have a proven track record of successfully placing the right people in any type of permanent or contract role.
About the Author: Alena Sycheva is an experienced recruitment manager with IT Force.
Contact Alena at alena.sycheva@itforce.ie or 015546044 for new IT career opportunities.