The 10 most frequently asked interview questions

1. Tell us about yourself
This question comes up in every job interview. You can prepare well for this by holding a short elevator pitch. Tell who you are, what you like to do, what you can do and what you add for a company.

2. What do you know about our organization?
It is of course important that you read carefully about the organization where you are going for an interview. Think about the history, the growth and the most important developments that the organization in question has gone through.

3. Why should we hire you?
You often get this question at the end of the conversation. You can name certain qualities, qualities or experiences here. What makes you unique and the best candidate for the position? When you focus on your personality, you can ask friends or family beforehand what makes you so special. Would you rather share your knowledge and experience? Then check again which requirements the position requires and how this fits in with your background.

4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is both the time to emphasize your added value and to show your learning points. Think of 2 or 3 competences in advance with concrete practical examples. These competencies must, of course, be linked to the vacancy and must not affect your suitability for the position. Weaknesses are often shot positively, such as: 'I always set the bar high for myself'. Rather, be authentic and honest about what trait is really getting in your way. What would you like to see changed and what have you already done to change this? This shows that you are strong in self-reflection and are willing to grow and learn.

5. What appeals to you about this vacancy?
This question is difficult for many candidates to answer. It is a combination of what you know about the organization and how well you can describe the vacancy. Difficult question, but make sure your answer matches what you mentioned earlier. Answer with points from the vacancy that are valuable to you and why you think that. You can never substantiate enough!

6. What appeals to you less about this vacancy?
Then there is also the other side.. Do you dare to answer honestly? There is almost no such thing as a perfect job and an employer knows that too. Be open and honest, but don't state an important requirement. This detracts from your own suitability.

7. Why are you looking for something new?
Do you already have some work experience? Briefly explain why your current job no longer satisfies you. Is it the travel distance, are there no career opportunities or have organizational changes had a negative effect on your position? Be open, but be careful not to talk too negatively about your employer.

8. What have you learned in your previous position?
Use this question to describe your previous duties and responsibilities. Which objectives were linked to this and to whom did you report? Tell as much as possible what your working week looked like, so that the employer can form a good picture of your previous position. Also, don't forget to tell us what important lessons you learned in your previous position.

9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A typical, but often difficult question. Your answer is not static and the person in front of you knows that too. What this question is all about is that your passions and ambitions globally match the job. This question works both ways: your vision must match the position and vice versa.

10. Do you have any questions for us?
Not asking questions comes across as uninterested. Moreover, a job interview is an interaction and you can also ask questions. This shows that you are curious, but be careful not to ask standard questions 'because that's how it should be'. For example, ask what a typical work day looks like, what an employee must do to be successful in the position and what makes it so special to work for the organization in question.

Do you have any questions about this blog? Please contact one of our branches . Our consultants are happy to talk to you!