How to answer an interview in a smart and standout manner?

In fact, there are quite a few candidates who, despite having good expertise, still feel hesitant, lose their composure, and confidence when stepping into the interview round. What's more, candidates are constantly caught off guard by employers' probing interview questions. So, what is the smart, skillful, and accurate way to answer interview questions? Navigos Search will provide you with the standard answers through the information below!

1. Why should you prepare how to answer interviews?

Even if you possess high professional competence and extensive experience, you should still prepare how to answer interviews because:

Build confidence before entering the interview session 

With prior preparation, you always exude confidence in response to any questions from the employer. Preparation also demonstrates that you are a person with a positive work attitude and professionalism.

Answer interview questions accurately and clearly. 

By researching the questions and how to respond to them in advance, you can provide precise information that the employer needs to know. Consequently, you are more likely to receive a higher evaluation from the employer.

It helps you score higher with the employer. 

When you have a solid professional capability and can answer interview questions effectively, while also showcasing confidence and competence, the employer is sure not to overlook you. At this point, the opportunity to outperform other candidates is significant.

Preparing for interview questions is crucial

2. Common Self-Introduction Interview Questions

Question 1: Can you introduce yourself?

With this question, the employer will get to know you better and assess whether you are genuinely suitable for the job or the company. Answer this question with your full name, educational background, work experience, and your strengths.

Watch now: Mastering the Art of Tactful Salary Negotiation During Interviews

Question 2: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this job interview question, be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. For your strengths, highlight those that would help you excel in the position you're applying for. When it comes to weaknesses, avoid listing too many, and if you do, demonstrate that you are working on overcoming them.

Question 3: How do you manage stress?

In any job, employers want to know about your stress management abilities. You can say that when you face stress at work, you usually take a short break to relax and refocus. You always organize your tasks in a sequence and prioritize important ones to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Question 4: Describe your work style?

Employers want to know about your work style and whether you fit the company's culture. The best way to answer this interview question is to portray yourself as a responsible, organized, and enthusiastic worker.

Question 5: Share your experience relevant to this position?

Discuss your past work experiences that relate to the job you're applying for. Additionally, demonstrate your eagerness to learn and invest time in self-improvement.

Question 6: What are your career goals and aspirations?

With this question, you should mention both short-term and long-term goals. For instance, your short-term goal might be to successfully secure your dream job at the company, and your long-term goal could involve advancing your career and reaching high-level management positions in your field.

Question 7: What are your hobbies?

When answering this job interview question, employers want to know if your hobbies are related to the position you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a content marketing role, you can mention hobbies like writing, reading, and staying updated with industry publications.

Group of Common Interview Questions

3. Group of Interview Questions Assessing Problem-Solving and Reaction Abilities

Question 8: How do you handle workplace pressure?

Employers want to know if you can handle pressure, whether it's high or low, and if you would fit into their company's work environment. The best way to answer this question is to list stress-relief methods like swimming, listening to music, practicing yoga, etc., and demonstrate that you have good time management skills to ensure efficient work completion.

Question 9: What would you say if we don't select you?

This interview question aims to evaluate your attitude. Respond by expressing genuine regret and stating that you find the interview process interesting. Additionally, acknowledge your areas of improvement and your commitment to seeking further opportunities to contribute to the company.

Question 10: What are your thoughts on working overtime?

Show your willingness to work overtime if required by the company. At the same time, demonstrate your ability to organize work efficiently and be proactive in all situations to meet deadlines, enhance job performance, and achieve desired results. This helps the employer see you as a responsible worker ready to contribute to the company.

Question 11: What did you find uncomfortable or dissatisfying about your previous boss or colleagues?

You can honestly share your negative experiences with your former boss or colleagues. However, maintain a professional attitude and limit the use of negative terms. Focus more on your efforts to improve relationships and work towards common goals rather than solely on personal feelings. This way, you can demonstrate a professional work ethic, a focus on results, and teamwork.

Question 12: Why did you leave your previous job?

For this question, a smart interview answer is to provide a well-balanced reason that doesn't reflect negatively on your previous employer and also protects your own interests. You can say that you wanted to try a new environment to gain more experience, skills, and personal development.

Question 13: What will you do if your supervisor makes a mistake or needs feedback?

Will you be brave enough to provide input if your supervisor makes a mistake? In response, express your readiness to offer feedback and engage in a productive dialogue with your supervisor to ensure efficient workflow.

Question 14: Do you have any questions for us?

Some candidates think that asking questions to the employer is unnecessary. However, this does not create a positive impression with the employer. With this question, you can inquire about salary, benefits, career progression, etc., within the company.

Group of questionnaires assessing ability to solve and react

4. Group of Interview Questions Evaluating Fit with the Company

Question 15: What do you expect from the new position and work environment?

When answering this interview question, discuss your desires for working in a new environment, such as collaborating with talented colleagues, having a competent supervisor, and learning professional work practices from them.

Question 16: What salary are you looking for?

Regarding salary matters, communicate clearly with the employer to avoid conflicts over compensation being too high or too low relative to your work capabilities. It's essential to research the salary range for the job in the market at that time to provide a reasonable figure.

You can use various methods to determine the average salary for your industry and job on the market, such as Navigos Group's 2023 Salary Report. This report provides detailed salary information for different departments and levels in 23 different industries in Vietnam, including construction, real estate, finance-banking, IT, and more. Using this, candidates can easily determine an appropriate salary range for the job they're applying for, making it easier to discuss and negotiate their desired compensation with the employer.

Question 17: Why do you want to work for our company?

Employers want to know why you want to work there and if you genuinely understand the company. A smart interview answer is to show that you've conducted thorough research on the company and understand that it offers a dynamic and professional work environment that will help you enhance your skills and personal development.

Question 18: How long do you plan to work for our company?

Avoid providing a specific number of years that may make the employer think you are not committed in the long term. Of course, no employer would select a candidate like that. Instead, express your intention to work with the company for an extended period if they are satisfied with the value you provide.

Question 19: Do you prefer working independently or in a team?

The employer asks this question to assess if your working style aligns with the job and their company culture. You can choose one of the options and provide a reasonable explanation. For example, if the position often involves team collaboration, you can mention your ability to work independently and contribute effectively to a smooth workflow and successful project completion.

Question 20: What kind of work environment boosts your productivity and why?

Employers want to know if their company's work environment suits you. You can respond by expressing your preference for a dynamic and professional work environment, one that promotes creativity, allows freedom for innovation, and encourages contributions.

Question 21: When do you feel most satisfied with your job?

You can answer that you feel most satisfied when generating innovative ideas, developing effective plans, achieving outstanding results, and contributing to the company's growth in terms of revenue and profit.

Group of Questions Assessing Suitability Level

Find middle and high-level jobs at Navigos Search

If you're still not confident in your interview skills, don't worry! The recruitment experts at Navigos Search are your companions on your job search journey, from interviews to trial periods and beyond.

Right now, you can confidently search for another suitable job from the job listings on Navigossearch.com. We regularly update job positions at the middle and senior levels in a variety of industries, including Sales, Information Technology Software, Finance/ Investment, Banking, Human Resource Management, Insurance, Architecture / Interior Design,... for candidates to choose from.

You can also submit your CV to become a potential candidate in Navigos Search's candidate database.

The consulting team at Navigos Search consists of highly experienced recruitment experts who have an in-depth understanding of each industry and the job market. Based on a scientific recruitment process, our recruitment experts will proactively contact you, provide advice on job requirements, reveal interview strategies, and share tips for negotiating attractive compensation packages, helping candidates shine in front of employers.

On average, every month, Navigos Search's consulting specialists interview a large number of senior-level candidates, providing quality job opportunities for job seekers across Vietnam.

Find your dream job at Navigos Search

With more than 20 years of experience in the field of recruitment, Navigos Search is proud to bring quality mid- and high-level job opportunities at large enterprises and multinational corporations to job seekers across Vietnam.

We always strive to give wings for potential candidates to reach their dreams through Vietnam's leading professional recruitment service!

Please contact Navigos Search if you are looking for any mid-level or senior-level job:

• Head office in Ho Chi Minh City: 20th Floor, E.town Central Tower, 11 Doan Van Bo, Ward 12, District 4
• Head office in Hanoi: Building V. - 125 Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung District
• Hotline: 1800 585 826
• Email: contact@navigossearch.com
• Website: navigossearch.com
• Fanpage: facebook.com/NavigosSearchVietnam
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/navigos-search/

Navigos Search - Vietnam's leading mid- and high-level talent hunting company