HOW YOU SHOULD ANSWER THEM VS HOW YOU ANSWER THEM NOW!Can you tell me about yourself? It is usually used to kick-start an interview and get you talking. o “I've been working as a software engineer at X for 5 years now, running everything from coding to deployment for the start-up. Before that, | worked solely in development at Y and helped launch the app and grow the team from just me to a team of five. Now, I'm looking to make a move into a larger firm and Z looks like a great place to do that...” 3 “I'm Harry, | was born in Boston, but my parents moved to Portland when | was five. | like painting, hiking...” =Why do you think you're a good fit for this job? Find out everything about the role & the company you're applying to. go “Of course, my Master's in education has given me the core skills needed for this job. But what I think makes me a great fit is my experience working abroad. Additionally, | have experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers and other engineers. Overall, | believe my skills, approach, and commitment make me an ideal candidate for this role.” 3 “I've always wanted to work in developing and have since | was a child.” =Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ of time? Its a classic question, interviewers ask to see if you've got ambition and clarity on your goals match with the respective company. go “I'd love to hone my skills over the next few years and be leading a team in 5 years’ time. | believe this role as a senior software developer is perfect for me as I'll have the opportunity to train junior team members.” 3 “I'm not sure what the future holds. I'll probably keep working in development for a year or two before looking for better opportunities.” =How did you hear about this position? at first glance this might seem like a straightforward question, you should grab any opportunity you can to show your interest in the company. go "I've known about ABC company for a long time - I'm a big fan of your products. | love the company’s passion for creating super intuitive products. So, when | saw youhad an opening, even though | wasn’t actively looking for a job at the time, | couldn't help but apply!" 3 “| came across this position while actively searching for job openings on different platforms.” =What are your biggest strengths? There are 2 answers to go for here: what your actual strengths are, or what you think the hiring manager wants to hear. | would most certainly suggest you go with the first. oe My biggest strength is that I’m very efficient at working under pressure. No matter the crisis or stress, | can make the right decisions on the spot. [+ Support your statement with real-life examples if any] @ "My biggest strengths are my communication skills and my ability to work in a team.” =What is your biggest weakness? Ah, this is always a tricky one! After all, you don’t want to mention your flaws during the interview, so it’s guaranteed to be a tough one. Qo “Well, as a recent graduate, I'd say my biggest weakness is the lack of real-life work experience. While I’ve worked on a dozen software projects at the university, | don’t have the experience of working in a fully agile environment with an experienced team. lam, however, willing to do my best. 2 “| don’t really have any weaknesses.”Why do you want to work here? Don't just say that you need the or that the company name would look great on your resume. go “I've been following what X company is doing in App development for the last few months now. I'd love to be a part of the team and help take the development even further. Plus, I've been working on different applications for the last five years and want to start transitioning into new products.” [x] “| heard the salary package is better than other companies and also there are a lot of benefits.” =Why are you leaving your current job? This is another question where you have to find the right balance between being honest and being too honest. go “I've been working as a web developer at X for five years now, and while I've had promotions and been given more responsibilities, | feel like it's time for a new challenge. | want to manage bigger accounts with larger budgets and feel like | can do that at Y. If given the opportunity | can prove my value at Y” 2 “I'm very bored at my current job and am not able to deliver my best work anymore.” =What are your salary expectations? Research what similar roles are paying in your industry and what people with your level of experience are paid. Give a range to show you're flexible and willing to negotiate. go “My expectations are in line with my experience and qualifications. Hence, I'm looking for $65 to $70k, with a 10% sign-on bonus.” 3 “| expect it to be as per the company norms. | would also like a hike and extra benefits” =Do you have any questions for me? Now’s the time of the interview where you get to ask the questions. Indirectly ask the interviewer if he is hesitant to choose you. go “Yes. | have a few questions to ask. | would love to hear from you about the working environment of the ABC company. | would also like to know if there is any current hesitation regarding my ability to fulfill this particular role.” 3 “When do | start?. Can | get my offer letter right away? Was | okay during the interview?”