Arm yourself with answers to common job interview questions to prepare for your interview

This post came out from The Straits Times (20 June 2015)
Title - Come prepared

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Questions on your abilities

• What are your strengths and which do you display best?
• What are your weaknesses?
• How do you handle stress and pressure?
• Describe the pace at which you work.
• What are the applicable skills and experience you have for this job?
• How do you overcome disappointment over un-achieved goals?

2. Questions about yourself

• Tell me about yourself.
• What words would you use to describe yourself?
• What are you passionate about?
• What motivates you?
• What are your pet peeves?
• What do people most often criticise about you? 
• Are you easy to talk to?
• Do you consider yourself as a team player? Why?

3. Behavioural questions 

• Behavioural questions are usually challenging. They require you to think of a scenario or true events from the back of your mind within seconds. These are questions that can usually help you stand out from the rest of the interviewees if you answer correctly, so do think carefully and creatively as your interviewers are waiting for an answer that will blow their minds.
• Give an example of an occasion when you used logic to solve a problem.
• Give an example of a goal you did not meet and how you handled it.
• Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.
• Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled it.
• Have you ever made a risky decision? Why?
• With deadlines to meet, how do you prioritise multiple projects?
• What do you do if you disagree with a co-worker?
• Share an example of how you motivate employees or co-workers.
• Was there a time when you had to convince your co-workers or employees to do something they are not thrilled about?
• Describe a difficult project you had to undertake.

4. "Why do you want to work here?"

• This is a very important question, not only to your interviewers, but to yourself too. Do you know why exactly you desire to work in that company?
• You admire the company's founder or leaders?
• You believe wholeheartedly in the products or services the company provides?
• The company has impressed you in some way?
• The company culture and working environment seem like a good fit for your personality or work style?

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big