Key Takeaways
Preparing for a job interview is not always what you think.
People commonly try to create a concept of what their answers should be.
This is a good strategy when you know what the hiring manager will ask and their criteria when choosing the right person for the role.
The interviewer is looking not only for indications that you’re qualified to do the work but also for something above and beyond what the other candidates offer, showing that you’ll be a solid addition to the company.
The interviewer will also note how comfortable you appear answering personal questions like this one.
We cannot state how important it is to be able to look the interviewers in the eyes and be as natural and positive as possible.
We will address this question separately because it is perhaps the most challenging question.
Let’s face it; although we say we are all unique, such originality isn’t always easy to pinpoint and express in a work environment.
We will provide several good answers that you can use as guidance, but it’s up to you to determine which approach fits you best.
Make sure to do your due diligence to help you better understand the employer and their goals and be clear about what the organization expects from you as a future employee.
After putting this aside, let’s start with the answers.
Answer #1:
Emphasize your excellent interpersonal skills and ability to win clients over through genuine interest in helping their business by offering solutions to their problems or weaknesses.
This trait is highly valued in the trade and marketing industry, especially if you have a knack for writing.
People are always more likely to buy a product or service if they can genuinely connect with the person pitching it.
Answer #2:
Highlight your organizational skills by making the connection with praises received from supervisors on other projects.
Give examples of when you were turned to for help when the team needed to remain on schedule.
Employers love to hear concrete examples of when candidates were put to the test and met or exceeded expectations.
Answer #3:
If you’re applying for a teaching or team lead position, providing examples that address your curiosity and excitement to learn new things, inspire people to improve and do it together with them will always draw attention.
The essential skills here are intelligence, leadership, and enthusiasm to share knowledge. When your attitude also corresponds with a passion for working in a team with no problem leading it, you’re on the right track to being hired.
Answer #4:
If you’re applying for a role that requires analytical thinking, an affinity for doing systematic research work, or following protocols, tell the interviewer about the recent reports you read for fun.
Give positive examples of doing comprehensive research and analysis for a project, adding how it distinguished you from the group.
Elaborate on the methods you applied to systematize the vital data that helped you draw the conclusions and display them in the graphs to clarify and make it more appealing for the clients.
Such examples show that you enjoy your work and don’t need guidance or motivation to do your best!
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Start with evaluating the task and making a list of the skills, experiences, and your best personal top qualities that are expected from an ideal candidate.
If the job description doesn't list the qualifications for the position, you can always search for professionals on LinkedIn with similar jobs with comparable tasks or check other platforms like Indeed.com.
Create a list of your strengths that are relevant to the role.
As discussed in our first article, some questions require pointing out your best attributes.
Make sure you find an organic way to get them in the conversation.
Point out why bringing these qualities to the job make you suitable for the company.
Be straightforward. Try not to fall into the temptation of appropriating skills and talents you don't have or are minuscule.
Stretching the truth also gets caught easily.
The same goes for telling lies.
Nothing is more embarrassing than being caught in one during a job interview.
When being truthful and personable, you'll be surprised how many recruiters will be willing to give you a chance to advance just because you showed the intelligence not to underestimate the interviewer and displayed bravery to face the consequences for showing a minor weakness.
Always stick to the facts and tell your story around them.
Avoid sharing your strange preferences or individual quirks.
The recruiter doesn't need to know that you love watching certain TV shows or enjoy playing dominoes in your free time. It isn't relevant to the job.
Stay clear of providing generic answers or using too many clichés.
"I'm fantastic at sales" doesn't give the interviewer adequate details to deal with and also demonstrates that you are not an exciting candidate.
Stay clear of rambling. Be succinct. While sharing an example or two of your past successes is essential, make sure not to make it a lengthy monologue.
Stay attentive to the interviewer's reactions. Do they ask additional questions or just blankly stare courteously, waiting for you to finish?
You do not desire the job interviewer to assume your distinct top quality is "talking excessively."
Best of luck in your next interview!