Got a job interview and thoughts of interviewer asking questions, which you think you will not be able to answer is haunting you? Would not it be a good idea to do some homework and preparation before facing the actual interview? Here we have listed down some most common interview questions along with the best answer tips to help you face the interview with full confidence.

Q1 – Tell me about yourself?

A1- It would be surprising if you have not already faced this question in more then 2 interviews. This is one of the most common questions, because it sets the stage for the interviewer and from here he will take the interview process further. A better way to say this would be, it is an ice breaking question. Here are few things to keep in mind when framing the answer:
- Keep the answer concise. Do not tell your whole life story.
- Start with your educational qualifications and work experience (not more then 1 or 2 lines)
- Then talk about things you are passionate about (it should be relevant to the job).
- Pertinent facts about your education, career and your life circumstances are fine.
- No personal and extraneous information.

Remember here they are not just scrutinizing your confidence and communications skills, but they are looking forward to you as an asset.

Q2 –Why did you leave your last job?

There could be several reasons why you have left your last job, and most probably the explanations are not all that rosy. Possibly you are looking for a job change because you are bored of your current job profile or may be you had a bad manager. What ever might be the reason, make sure that you are calm and positive. Here are some important points to keep in mind while answering these types of question:
- In 2 to 3 lines give a short and straight to the point answer, with a positive and polite tone.
- Never badmouth your earlier employer. Instead say you are thankful that your earlier employer granted you the opportunity to work with them.
- Some positive things to include in your answer would be “My work had become quiet torpid and I am interested in doing more challenging assignment”. Other things can be :

• I am looking for better growth and benefits.
• I am interested in moving close to my home.
• Seeking a job that is more closely related to my career goals.
• Higher position in the org.

Q3 – Why are you interested in joining our company?

This is a very important question and probably the interviewer is trying to read between the lines. So be very conscious while choosing words to answer this question. Following are some useful tips to help you answer this question in the best possible manner:
- Make sure you have done some research before going to the interview. Get answers for the following questions:
1. Read about the company profile. Have answers ready to questions like :

• When has the company started?
• List of some important people of the company?
• How big is the organization?
• What is their mission and vision in next couple of years?

2. Make a list of your skill sets. Then in a line or 2 define how your skills can contribute to companies’ growth and help company succeed in their endeavors.
3. In case you are overqualified for the current position, be ready with an answer for this. You can say you understand that you are over qualified for the job, but you are one of those who like to keep enhancing the skill sets, even if that includes learning from younger co workers.
Some quick positive pointers to include in your answer:

• This is an incredible career opportunity, which seems tailor made for my skill sets.
• My skills really fit the job.
• I have learned from my research that your company is launching some exciting projects and I can contribute my learning for the growth of the company, which would ultimately help me reach my career goals.

All said, but the best strategy for successfully answering rough interview question is to go well prepared in advance!

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