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Mastering Interview Questions

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Mastering Interview Questions

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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Transcript: Lesson 2: Answering Typical Interview

Questions
Hi there! In this video, we are going to discuss some typical interview questions. We will discuss two types of these
questions and finally look at a few questions you should ask in an interview.

In a typical interview, the interviewer, or interviewers as sometimes there may be more than one person, is there
to find out if you are the right person for the job.

If you are in an interview or preparing for one, then congratulations. You have got this far because the employer is
seriously considering you as a possible employee. However, you now need to show them that you really are the
person for the job. You can do this by answering the questions the interviewer asks you in an honest and detailed
way. Honest, because the interviewer wants to know if you are the same person, you say you are in your resume
and cover letter. And detailed, because you want to give enough information in your responses.

Direct interview questions


During an interview, some questions will be direct, and some will be indirect. Examples of direct questions are:
• Why are you a good fit for this job?
• Why do you want to work for this company?”

These questions should be pretty clear to understand and answer. Since both questions use “why” you should give
reasons in your answers.

So, you might say in your response, “I believe I'm a good fit for this company because I have the necessary skills
and experience to fit right in and help the company grow.”

Indirect interview questions


However, indirect questions are more difficult to recognize. An example of an indirect question is:
• So, tell me a little bit about yourself.

It's called an indirect question because the question doesn't begin with a wh- word, like what, where, when, why,
who, and how, which direct questions often use. However, it is still a question, and you need to listen carefully
during the interview for these types of indirect questions.

Let's look at another example of an indirect question:


• I wonder if you could tell me about a time when you faced a challenge and you overcame that
challenge.

Again, no wh- word is used at the beginning of the question, but the interviewer uses the expression, “I wonder if
you could tell me.”

© 2021 by FHI 360. “Transcript: Lesson 2: Answering Typical Interview Questions” for the Online
Professional English Network (OPEN), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by
the U.S. government and administered by FHI 360. This work is an adaptation of “Video: Answering Typical 1
Interview Questions”, by The University of Pennsylvania licensed under the Creative Commons Share-Alike
License. To view a copy of the license, visit [Link]
The interviewer is asking you to share an example from your own life when you had a challenge or a problem and
explain how you solve that problem. So, when you hear this expression, you should recognize it as a question and
be ready to answer it.

One final example of an indirect question is:


• I'd like to know what type of skills you have that make you qualified for this job.

The speaker uses the expression “I'd like to know,” which means “can you tell me?”

• Who...?
• What...?
Direct
• Where...?
questions
• When...?
• Why...?

• Tell me about...
Indirect
• I wonder if you could tell me...
questions
• I'd like to know about...

Preparing your own questions


Finally, in a typical interview in the US, not only does the interviewer ask you questions but you will usually have an
opportunity at the end of the interview to ask your own questions. The interviewer might say, “do you have any
questions for me?” Or “do you have any questions of your own?”

To make a good impression, it's really important that you have already prepared at least two questions before the
interview, and you ask these at this point. The questions should be related to the job or organization in some way.

So, for example, you might ask, “what opportunities are there for professional development in this company?” Or,
“what is the next step in the interview process?”

So, now we've discussed some common questions in job interviews.

Next, we're going to look at some ways you can ask for clarification in an interview when you don't understand the
question. Thanks for watching.

Common questions

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Direct questions in interviews are straightforward and typically use wh- words such as why, what, or how, making the intention of the question clear . Indirect questions, however, may not use wh- words and often begin with phrases like 'I wonder if you could tell me' or 'I'd like to know,' which require careful listening to identify as requests for information . Recognizing the type of question is crucial as it determines the manner and depth of your response, ensuring you address the interviewer's intent effectively.

To effectively answer indirect interview questions, focus on understanding the underlying request and structuring your response to provide specific examples and stories . This approach demonstrates strong listening and communication skills by showcasing your ability to discern the asker's intent and articulate a detailed, relevant answer, which reflects positively on your ability to engage in professional dialogue .

Misunderstanding the type of question during an interview can lead to responses that do not meet the interviewer's requirements, thus negatively impacting the evaluation of a candidate's communication skills. It demonstrates a lack of listening ability and adaptability, which are crucial for effective interaction and successful professional relationships .

Asking questions about professional development during an interview shows a proactive approach to career growth and interest in long-term opportunities with the company. This reflects positively on your enthusiasm for personal advancement and contributes to the perception of your investment in the role and its potential career trajectory .

Preparing questions to ask at the end of a job interview demonstrates your interest in the position and the company, indicating that you have done your research and are serious about the opportunity . It can positively impact an application by showing that you are proactive and inquisitive, potentially setting you apart from other candidates who might not take this initiative.

The emphasis on honesty and detail in interview responses suggests that employers prioritize authentic character assessment and depth of candidate experience . They seek to confirm that the applicant truly aligns with their resume claims and possesses the comprehensive skills and knowledge required, ensuring a reliable evaluation of their potential for the position.

Recognizing expressions such as 'I wonder if you could tell me' as indirect questions enables you to provide thoughtful, detailed responses. This awareness shows your attentiveness and comprehension, enhancing your interview performance by ensuring you address the interviewer's interests and maintain effective communication .

Avoiding generic responses to direct interview questions is advisable because tailored answers demonstrate your specific understanding of the role and how your unique skills can contribute to the organization's goals. Customized responses indicate thorough preparation and an alignment with the job's requirements, thereby enhancing your candidacy by distinguishing you from other applicants .

Responses to direct 'why' questions in interviews should include clear reasons and justifications for your abilities and motivation related to the job . By illustrating your skills and experience or aligning with the company's values and goals, these responses reveal your understanding of the role and your potential fit within the organization, enhancing your suitability for the job consideration.

Recounting past challenges and solutions allows the interviewer to assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability . Structuring these responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) helps ensure clarity and detail, showcasing your ability to overcome difficulties and ultimately demonstrating your reliability and resourcefulness in professional scenarios.

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