I’d like to refer to a very good person/friend/business person of mine, CEO of Bluebird International, Balazs Refi.
He emphasizes the importance of hiring professionals with strong personal values, not just technical skills. This approach ensures that candidates are not only competent but also align with the company’s culture and values. During the final round of interviews, personal values are prioritized to find individuals who are valuable both professionally and personally.
Let’s see what he crafted:
11 Common Interview Questions and Answers
“What do I need to know about you?”
- Purpose: To understand how candidates present themselves and highlight their strengths.
- Answer Tip: Prepare a concise summary of your professional background, experience, and personal attributes that reflect your personality positively.
“What are your areas for improvement?”
- Purpose: To gauge self-awareness and willingness to improve.
- Answer Tip: Focus on professional skills you are working on, such as improving communication skills through training.
“What are Your Plans for the Next Three to Five Years?”
- Purpose: To assess ambition and self-awareness.
- Answer Tip: Provide realistic career goals that align with your experience and the job’s growth potential.
“Why Would You Be the Best Choice?”
- Purpose: To see how candidates match their skills and experiences to the job requirements.
- Answer Tip: Highlight specific skills and experiences that make you a suitable candidate, showing humility and understanding of the role’s complexities.
“Why Do You Want to Work With Us?”
- Purpose: To determine genuine interest in the company.
- Answer Tip: Research the company thoroughly and express what specifically attracts you to the company and role.
“What was the reason behind your decision to leave your previous job?”
- Purpose: To understand the circumstances of your departure.
- Answer Tip: Be honest and factual without being negative about previous employers.
“Mention One Time You Were Really Satisfied With the Work Done”
- Purpose: To understand what motivates you.
- Answer Tip: Describe a specific project or task that you found fulfilling, explaining why it was satisfying.
“Would you please list three positive qualities that your previous boss would mention about you?”
- Purpose: To see how you perceive your strengths.
- Answer Tip: Share genuine compliments from previous supervisors, focusing on professional and personal attributes.
“Do You Have a Specific Salary in Mind?”
- Purpose: To discuss salary expectations.
- Answer Tip: Research industry standards and be prepared to discuss a reasonable range, considering the entire compensation package.
“Why Did The Advertised Position Catch Your Attention?”
- Purpose: To see what aspects of the job excite you.
- Answer Tip: Explain which parts of the job description align with your skills and interests.
“What Was the Biggest Challenge of Your Life and How Did You Solve It?”
- Purpose: To understand your problem-solving skills and resilience.
- Answer Tip: Describe a significant challenge, your approach to solving it, and the outcome.
Weird Job Interview Questions
Purpose of Weird or Tricky Questions
These questions test your ability to handle unexpected situations, think creatively, and reveal your personality.
Categories of Weird Questions
- Hypothetical Situations: Assess problem-solving skills and creativity.
- Opinions and Preferences: Reveal personality traits and cultural fit.
- Morality Tests: Gauge personal values and ethical decision-making.
- Travel-Related Questions: Understand cultural background and personal interests.
How to Give Good Answers
- Be Prepared: Practice common and weird questions with a friend.
- Stay Calm: Take your time to think before answering.
- Take Your Time: Pausing to think is better than rambling.
- Ask Back: Clarify the question if needed.
For a detailed guide on each question and specific examples, you can refer to the full blog post on Bluebird International.