Question 1: “Can you tell us something about yourself?”

This is often the first question that is asked. Provide a concise overview of your professional background, skills and relevant experiences relevant to the position you are applying for. Feel free to share something about your personal interests as long as it remains professional. Do you have a special hobby? This can be a unique topic of conversation that distinguishes you from other candidates.

Question 2: “What are your strengths?”

Write in advance what your strengths are and what are relevant to the position, so that you have them clearly. Give concrete examples: in what situations did you really show these strengths? This gives the conversation partner a good insight into what you have to offer.

Sometimes you will have to make an assessment to show that you have specific knowledge.

Question 3: “What are your weaknesses?”

Show self-reflection and honesty in your answer to this question. Avoid clichéd answers like “I’m too perfectionist sometimes.” It's being pricked through. Instead, indicate that you are aware of your weaknesses and how you are working to improve them. Show that you are open to growth and development.

Question 4: "Why do you want to work for our company?"

Do your homework before the conversation. This is an opportunity to show that you know the company well and understand how you fit into their culture and vision. Connect your answer to your own career goals as well as the company’s values. Also, emphasize what you admire about the company and why you want to be a part of it.

Question 5: “Can you describe a difficult situation in which you were successful?”

Do you know the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)? This is a technique to describe in a clear way how you have turned out a challenge. Tell us about your role, the actions you have taken and the positive result. This way you apply this method:
 
Situation: What was the situation and in what context did it play?
 
Task: What was your task, responsibility and/or role within the team?
 
Action: What have you done and said?
 
Result: How was this and what was the end result?
 
Reflection: What have you learned from the situation?

Question 6: “How do you deal with stress and pressure at work?”

Here again, be honest in your answer. Explain how to apply stress management techniques, such as priorities, time management and effective communication to stay productive under pressure. You can also tell what you do in your spare time to keep stress in charge so that your work does not suffer. Think of going to the gym and sleeping well.

Question 7: "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

They would like to see if you have a long-term vision. So answer this question by showing your commitment to growth within the company, while aligning your career aspirations with the opportunities within the organization.

Question 8: “Do you have teamwork experience?”

Describe examples of collaborative projects where you have contributed to the team and helped to achieve goals. Employers often attach great importance to teamwork!

9. 9. “What do you know about our company?”

Discuss specific aspects of the company, such as mission, values, recent performance or news. If you are answering this question, be sure to include what you have researched to answer question 4.

10. 10. “Do you have any questions for us?”

Always ask some relevant questions to show your interest, such as questions about the company culture, job expectations or the next steps in the application process. This shows that you have thought carefully about the job and the company. Think about your questions in advance and write them down so you can ask them clearly. If you want to see tools here; we also wrote a blog about the 12 best questions to ask recruiters during a job interview.

Remember that preparation is essential for a successful interview. Practice your answers, be yourself and be confident. With the right preparation, you can convince the interviewer that you are the perfect candidate for the position. A lot of luck!