4 Commonly Asked Interview Questions

As we all know, selling yourself to an employer in 45 minutes is enough to make anyone sweat. But we are sure that these three simple ways work most of the time: practice, practice – and you guessed it – practice. There is certainly no standard answers to any interview questions, but we are sure that employers can tell if you have prepared for the interview or not. Fret not, Adecco is here to help. In today’s article, we will go through with you on some of the most commonly asked interview questions with prep tips and sample answers.

1. Why are you interested in the opportunity?

   Firstly, you should always know the company’s basic values before the interview. Then, find a way to connect your values to the company, but be clear and honest. State their values, and then move into how you relate and act on that value in your career. You can then take it to how you think this value develops your professional goals.

   Ex: I know that Responsibility is one of your core values, in that sense that as an industry leader it is your responsibility to provide more work opportunities for more people. I identify with that because I prefer to work towards a greater good. Providing work for everyone is a greater good, in my opinion, and will give me true purpose in this position. I further think that if I have purpose, my career goals will be even more satisfying as the question will always be – what more can we do, and what are we not doing that can be done?
    

2. Why are you the best person for the position?

   Did you go through the job description before you hit the apply button or sent that interest email? There were descriptors that made you want to apply because you thought that’s what you want and can do…right? Awesome, now here’s your answer. Refer the job description and information you learned from your research and use real examples to demonstrate your ability and history of acting on that ability.

   Ex: According to the job description, this role is based upon customer service. My career has always had a home in serving others and it’s what I know. Down to each step once you answer that phone, it all comes back to the customer. Answer with a smile and your patience bank open, if they don’t understand your answers to their questions you have to restate the question to see if you understand exactly what they are asking. I was glad to read that this job will involve tracking, in my previous experience it is when I had access to a strong, accurate database that I was able to best serve the customers.
    

3. What do you look for in a job?

   Here’s another chance to make use of the research you’ve done on the company’s values. We strongly encourage you to have multiple values prepared if you are going to reference their values more than once.

   Ex: Like I had said earlier, I do look for a valued purpose in my job. Responsibility leads to purpose and in turn, leads to innovation. How can I best serve? Where are the challenges in the day-to-day of my job or in the organization and how can I improve that process or project? I like to take initiative, and I always hope I am encouraged to do so.
    

4. Why did you leave your last job? Why are you looking?

   We are a big fan of honesty, but please be tactfully honest. It will be good for you to avoid negative and/or emotional comments and focus on what is ahead.

   Ex: I am thankful for my time at my previous employer but feel I have exhausted my learning opportunities. I am searching for a company where I can continue to learn from experienced professionals who can continue to develop and grow my skillset.

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