5 commonly asked questions in an interview, and how to probably answer them - by Pradeep Lala (MD & CEO - ESPL)

Q. Tell me about yourself.?

Usually, we tend to start with where we were born, where we studied, our graduation, first job, and so on. My opinion on this - these are not who ‘YOU ARE’. About yourself means what’s your social outlook, what strikes the passion within you, who is your favourite musician, which is your favourite travel destination, things like that. If you start with these, keeping the conversation going will be seamless and engaging. Remember, you still have lots more time to reiterate the things already written on your resume, so try using your time engaging the interviewer with what isn’t. It also sets a great pace and ease for the forthcoming ‘interrogation'.?

Q. Why did you leave your previous organisation?

Keep it brief and simple at the initial stages of the interview. Recruiters often have a checklist that triggers an x mark when it comes to aspects of retention, loyalty, etc. You leaving your organisation does not mean you aren’t any of these things, you have every right to shift organisations with an intention to build your career.

Q. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Be confident, very. Recruiters are looking for employees who have a zeal to thrive, deliver hard work, extend confidence, and most importantly, they are looking for employees who can assure them they are choosing a candidate who has a passion to live. Try to talk about your personal goals, your aspirations, how will you be able to help people and societies around you if the company hires you; things like that. This shows you have a personal life that thrives because of your work life, and you will be able to make an impact on society and family if you are given this job.?

Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses??

Take my advice, do a SWOT analysis of yourself on a quarterly basis. Not only when you have an interview, make it a habit. Constantly, try to convert your weaknesses to strengths and opportunities. For your interview, do your research on the job description. Deep dive into the traits required for the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a data-entry function, stating “I dislike numbers and do not like to sit in a desk all day” will most certainly cut your interview short. So, pick your jobs wisely, ensure you have the traits to deliver for the role. If you do not have them, try to build them or look for another role that suits you. Try Allison’s workplace assessments, they are freely available online and give you great insights on your professional traits. In fact, carry the report with you and hand it over to your recruiter.?To build your skills, use Linkedin learning. It is an amazing platform.

Q. Can you sell me this pen??

Ask questions. And repeatedly ask questions till the interviewer concludes. When was the last time you sent a post to your distant relative? What kind of content do you like to write? Do you enjoy the analogue feel of a pen as compared to the keyboard? Doesn’t it trigger your cognitive juices way better than a keyboard? Just make this fun. There is no right way to do this, and it’s such an old question that it’s almost a cliche and compulsion for the recruiter to ask you this. Embrace them though, ensure you do not trigger the arrogance within you. Be kind, enjoy this question.?

Once you make it past these questions, you are in for technical assessments. And here, it’s really about your capability. A story cannot get you past this stage. Study, be up to date, harness the influx of free information available online. Be well informed.?

Disclaimer:?I do not take any responsibility for your next interview. These are merely my suggestions and personal opinions; they can vastly differ from person to person and there is never a right or wrong answer in an interview. It’s all about engaging in a conversation, showing the recruiter you carry the intellectual ability to undergo training and have a drive to deliver results through passion and resilience. Be confident, be genuine, be happy, be informed, most importantly, be yourself, build your persona to a point where yourself is the only person you crave to be.?

These are just the few common question that come to my mind. If there are other questions that seem to trouble you, feel free to ask them in the comments' box.?

Wish you luck! :)