​Appearing for an interview can make us anxious, no matter how many times we may have done it before. Well, it’s hard to ideate all the questions that a hiring manager may ask but there are some that you will typically be asked.

While it is not recommended to have canned responses, being prepared for the questions still helps because you will be more confident and comfortable. Here are a few questions that you can expect generally expect during an interview.

Q1. Can you tell me something about yourself?

Simple as it may sound, answering this question can be trickier than you think. Make sure that the answer is concise yet compelling. Mention relevant experience and accomplishments related to the profile but avoid giving complete professional or personal history.

Q2. What do you know about our company?

Although candidates usually scour the company’s website to know all about its vision and mission, they fail to show a personal connection while answering this question. Doing so can make you different from the rest. Start by showing your understanding about the organization and express how you would want to contribute.

Q3: Why do you want this job?

The best way to impress them is with a genuine answer. First, list a few reasons that make you a great fit for the position and then share why you would want to join the competition. Be passionate as it will definitely make a positive impact.

Q4: Why do you think we should hire you?

This one can be tricky, yet it gives you the opportunity to talk about your skills and capabilities. Weave your answer around three facts; how you can deliver excellent results for the organization, what makes you a great fit with their culture and team, and why you will be the best choice for the role.

Q5: What are your professional strengths and weaknesses?

Be relevant and genuine while talking about your professional strengths, as interviewers are experienced enough to see through false claims. When you speak about weaknesses, take a solution-focused approach and talk about the efforts that you are making to overcome them.

Q6: Where do you visualize yourself five years from now?

Hiring managers ask this question to gauge your ambition and the ability to visualize your goals realistically. The best way to answer this question is to talk about your future with this role as the pivotal point. Talk about growth expectations but be realistic in your mindset.

Q7: Why are you leaving your current job and what would you want in the new position?

Never give negative statements about your current employer; rather, talk about looking for new opportunities. When talking about all that you want in the new role, speak about what it exactly offers. A smart tip is to go through the JD thoroughly while preparing for the interview.

Q8: How would your boss and co-workers describe you?

Being honest would be your best bet because it is a routine for the hiring manager to call your former employer and co-workers anyway. Furthermore, talk about your strengths as you may have mentioned in the interview beforehand.

Q9: Is there a challenge that you’ve faced at work and how did you deal with it?

Recruiters generally ask this question to judge your problem-solving ability and approach. Answer honestly while focusing on how you dealt with the situation with a professional approach to come up with a positive outcome.

Q10: Do you have any questions for us?

An interview is more than a one-sided session as the hiring manager would probably ask you if you have any question about the company, job or department. Grab the chance to clarify your doubts and decide whether you really want this job.

Just be prepared with this question list and you’ll be able to breeze through your next interviews!