The job market is becoming tighter in front of the massive layoffs (job cuts). These layoffs have led to increasing job competition by chance. As the job market remains competitive, candidates must upgrade their job interview skills to increase their chances of getting a job. 

Today, we will help you answer common questions you may face in the job interview!

1. Can you introduce yourself?

This question is often the easiest and the first asked to break the ice, so make sure you’ve prepared an impressive and not too-short answer to highlight your strengths. Moreover, you should avoid sharing personal information irrelevant to the job, like your relationship status or daily routine.

Sample answer: 

“My name is Lucas, I have been in the educational technology industry for 10 years. My last role was as an Engineering Manager for ELSA, an Edtech company based in the US. Before that, I completed my Master’s at National Economics University and my Bachelor’s at Foreign Trade University. With a strong passion for machine learning and software development, I have decided to apply for this position, and I believe my knowledge and experience can contribute greatly to the company’s success.“

2.  Why are you a good fit for this job?

One common mistake in answering this job interview question is listing everything you can do instead of highlighting the required skills. To prepare for this question, read the job description carefully before the interview and notice which skills are needed. 

Sample answer: 

“With more than 10 years of using these languages to solve complex problems and develop efficient solutions, I believe I am well-suited for this position due to my solid understanding of Machine Learning. In my previous company’s last project, I used Machine Learning to develop a feature to personalise learners’ proficiency levels, and the project led to a 20% increase in user engagement. Those are why I am confident that I can meet and exceed the expectations of this job“

3. What is your biggest weakness?

This question is asked to help the interviewer gain insights into your suitability for the role. Therefore, you must express insightful self-reflection and a growth mindset to enhance your weaker areas. Moreover, you should couple with a long-term plan to address your weaknesses to prove that you can set yourself on a path toward continual improvement and success.

Sample answer 1:

“Presentation is my biggest weakness that I need to improve the most. Although I can communicate comfortably with individuals or small groups, I often get nervous when I stand in front of a large group or present in a large meeting. To overcome this shortcoming, I practice speaking with ELSA AI, which allows me to converse with an AI tutor and receive detailed feedback on my speaking. Therefore, at the moment, I am almost confident to give a speech in front of everyone.“

Sample answer 2:

“To be honest, I am not good at multitasking. As a developer, I have multiple tickets that need to be solved in a day, and sometimes it is a struggle to complete tasks at once, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed. However, I have recognised this weakness and implemented strategies to improve my work management skills. For instance, I prioritise tasks more effectively by breaking larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and using tools like time-blocking to stay organised and focused. So far, I have seen significant improvements in my productivity and ability to meet deadlines due to these efforts.”

4. What are your salary expectations?

Negotiating plays an important role in the job interview process, and you can start the salary conversation well by being smart about how you handle it. Before your interview, research how much the job usually pays so you don’t ask for a salary that is too high or too low, which could make the company not want to hire you. Moreover, you can also consider reaching out to your connections, such as others in your industry or even employees at the company you’re interviewing for, to get their insight.

In the job interview process, you can choose many comfortable approaches to keep you getting your salary expectations.

Sample answer 1: Ask about their budget directly.

“Based on my qualifications and experience, I’m open to discussing salary expectations and ensuring they align with the value I can bring to the role. Could you provide me with a range or budget for this position? This would help me better adjust my expectations accordingly”.

Sample answer 2: Prove you are the best candidate.

“I believe my unique combination of skills, experience, and dedication make me the ideal candidate for this role. Thus, regarding salary expectations, I am seeking a salary that reflects the value I bring to the role and the market standards for similar positions in this industry. Based on my research and understanding of the responsibilities outlined for this role, I am looking for a salary range between $60.000 per year. I am flexible and open to discussing this further, particularly if there are additional benefits or opportunities for growth within the company.”

5. Do you have any questions for us?

The job interview is not a one-sided meeting where you only answer the interviewer’s questions. It is also a meeting where you prove your communication skills by asking them the right questions. In common, “Do you have any questions for us?” is the last question of the interview to give you the opportunity to know more about the position and the company.

Thus, you must prepare some questions about the company beforehand instead of answering “No” immediately when you hear this question. Moreover, you should not limit your questions to just the company, they can also be about your benefits if you work here.

Question ideas:

• How would you describe the company culture here?
• What do you enjoy most about working at this company?
• What opportunities are there for professional development within the company?
• How does the company support employee wellness and mental health?
• How does the company encourage continued learning and skill development?

Employers have become more selective in the hiring process since the economic downturn. They prioritize choosing a fit candidate instead of someone with just a bunch of qualifications. Therefore, besides upgrading your domain knowledge, it is necessary to keep developing your job interview skills to showcase your suitability. 

To help you nail your interview, ELSA Speak introduces ELSA AI. This amazing tool lets you easily practice and prepare for interviews, meetings and presentations anytime and anywhere.

Download ELSA Speak to ace your next interview!