General Interview Questions and how to answer


1)

What other companies are you interviewing with?


Here, the firm wants to know the competitor(s) for your skill set. How do they compete with them? What industry are they in? Your answer tells the recruiter if you are focused on a particular industry or various industries or roles (especially if for entry level or possess skills that could be transferred across industries).

2)

Talk about a time when you had to work closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours


Here, you have to demonstrate your communicative, team-work abilities, interpersonal skills etc.  This question wants an answer that will tell the recruiters that you can work with different personalities – as this is what will happen daily if you are hired.

3)

Discuss any economic news?


You might be asked to bring along a relevant daily to the interview and told to discuss a news headline on it. Choose the news you have ideas about. Discuss it in a logical manner and prepare for follow-up questions regarding your answers and the news. Here, your thinking ability and being knowledgeable about key economic events are tested.

4)

Tell me about yourself.


So, the first question you’re probably going to get in an interview is, “Tell me about yourself.” Now, this is not an invitation to recite your entire life story or even to go bullet by bullet through your resume. Instead, it’s probably your first and best chance to pitch the hiring manager on why you’re the right one for the job.

A formula I really like to use is called the Present-Past-Future formula. So, first you start with the present—where you are right now. Then, segue into the past—a little bit about the experiences you’ve had and the skills you gained at the previous position. Finally, finish with the future—why you are really excited for this particular opportunity.

Let me give you an example:

If someone asked, “tell me about yourself,” you could say:

“Well, I’m currently an account executive at Jobgurus Services, where I handle our top performing client. Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare brands. And while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I’d love the chance to dig in much deeper with one specific healthcare company, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with Abuja Health Center.”

Remember throughout your answer to focus on the experiences and skills that are going to be most relevant for the hiring manager when they’re thinking about this particular position and this company. And ultimately, don’t be afraid to relax a little bit, tell stories and anecdotes—the hiring manager already has your resume, so they also want to know a little more about you.

5)

Why are you looking for another job (or why did you leave your previous job)? 


On the surface, this appears to be a simple question, yet it is easy to slip. I would suggest not mentioning money at this stage as you may come across as totally mercenary. If you are currently employed, you can say it's about developing your career and yourself as an individual. If you are in the unfortunate position of having been downsized, stay positive and keep it brief. If you were fired, you should have a solid explanation. Whatever your circumstances, do not talk about the drama but remember to stay positive.