Among the hardest questions is “Why do you want to work in this company?”. This question tests your knowledge of the company’s values and operations, as well as your understanding of the position. About 47% of candidates are rejected because they only have a vague idea of both the role and company operations.

Key advice for the question:

• Demonstrate your knowledge about the company,
• Express your enthusiasm for the industry,
• Share your aspirations and how they align with the company’s goals.

Reflecting on your current role and achievements is essential, yet looking towards the future is equally vital. A common question “Where do you see yourself in the future?” allows potential employers to understand your long-term career aspirations and assess how you envision your journey with their company. To respond thoughtfully:

• Show enthusiasm for your future career,
• Detail plans that are relevant to the role at hand.

“How would you describe your strengths and weaknesses?” is another prime example of a tough question that delves into your self-awareness. To answer this question effectively:

• Start with highlighting your strengths,
• Acknowledge your weaknesses and how you’re addressing them,
• Align your responses with the job description.

After expressing your enthusiasm and outlining your future plans, your potential employers might challenge you to see yourself from the company’s perspective with the question: “Why should we hire you?”

At this point about 36% of employers look for multitasking abilities, 31% look for initiative, and 21% are in search of creative thinking skills. For a compelling response:

• Explain how you can contribute to the company’s success,
• Highlight your specific areas of expertise,
• Talk about your soft skills, emphasizing their relevance to the role.

When it comes to soft skills, about 75% of recruiters turn to behavioral questions like “Tell me about a time when you handled a challenging situation”. Remember, they are also watching your body language from the moment you step into the office.

“Do you have any questions for us?” is likely the final question you’ll face in an interview. Prepare some questions for your interviewer in advance, as it will show your interest and ambition.

Make sure your questions are fresh, not covering ground already discussed, and avoid personal or non-work-related topics. Consider these examples for inspiration:

What does the career path look like?

Could you describe the team I would be closely working with?

What opportunities for professional development does the firm offer?

What motivated you to join this firm, and what drives you on a daily basis?

I’d appreciate any constructive feedback on this interview or suggestions for improvement.

And don’t forget to smile! A genuine smile and engaging questions often leave a lasting positive impression, inviting further discussion. Employers appreciate an interested and thoughtful candidate.