Top 10 Tips for Answering Interview Questions

When given the chance to speak, avoid irrelevant topics and don't stay quiet or shy. Typically, you'll have 3 to 5 minutes to showcase yourself, so make the most of it. Mention at least five aspects of the company's policies that you appreciate, but don't forget to also include some drawbacks. It's essential to focus more on the positives than the negatives.

By discussing the strengths and weaknesses of the company, the interviewer will see that you've researched the position you're applying for, which shows your serious interest in the job. Additionally, expressing your thoughts confidently will leave a lasting impression on potential employers, demonstrating that you're a person with strong opinions, balance, and knowledge, making you an attractive candidate they won't easily turn down.

Before addressing a situation, make sure you understand the task assigned to you and from which perspective you are approaching it. It will be different if you see it from the customer's or the company's employee's perspective. If the question is vague, tackle the possible scenarios, like: first, second, third… This approach helps you come across as thoughtful and considerate in the eyes of the employer.

Recall the specific tasks you were responsible for. The key when presenting your answer is to avoid any attempts to dodge responsibility, assign blame, make excuses, or justify yourself, especially when asked about a mistake, failure, or conflict. Stay in the role of a proactive individual.

Once the interviewer understands your mindset, they will ask tough questions that make you think. These questions could be about your previous company or why you chose this new one. For such questions, answer honestly and concisely while providing a clear explanation. One interview tip that Mytour wants to share is to never present your previous employer as an enemy.

Many interviewers will ask why you left your previous company, and often candidates start complaining or badmouthing their former employer. The interviewer is simply looking to understand why the previous company didn't meet your work needs. Therefore, avoid complaining about salary or working conditions.

Questions about salary are usually asked at the end. If you're confident in your skills and qualifications, feel free to share your desired salary range. However, avoid stating an exact figure; instead, offer a general range. If you're a fresh graduate and expect a basic starting salary, don’t hesitate to provide a range when asked, but also assure them of your commitment and potential contributions to the company.

If you're uncomfortable discussing salary figures, you can politely defer the question and revisit it later in the interview. You could express that you're more focused on finding a role that aligns with your interests and skills, and you’re confident that the salary will be fair and reflect your value.

Here are some sample responses:

• Based on my experience, qualifications, and market research, I believe a salary range of $30,000 to $35,000 per year would be suitable for this position.
• I hope to receive compensation that aligns with the industry standard for a mid-level candidate seeking to join your company in this role.

Your interview is going smoothly, and you are about to wrap up when suddenly, the interviewer asks you to change some of your views or appearance. How should you handle this? First, stay calm and assess whether this is a trick question to test your honesty and principles. If the request is reasonable, consider adjusting your approach.

In some larger companies, interviewers might hesitate and suggest changes to your appearance, such as your hairstyle or attire... this could be a test! If the interviewer asks these kinds of questions, it might mean you've done well so far, and they want to challenge you further. Don't be quick to make changes based on their suggestions, but don't be too rigid either. Offer a response that shows you can maintain your perspective while demonstrating that you are reliable and trustworthy.

Việc bạn cho người phỏng vấn biết ý kiến khách quan của những người khác về mình cũng chứng tỏ bạn là người hiểu rõ bản thân mình. Đây cũng là một cơ hội giúp bạn trở nên nổi bật nếu tận dụng tốt điều này. Mọi người đều nói chung chung rằng bạn là một nhân viên chăm chỉ trong công việc, khéo léo trong cách ứng xử. Nếu chỉ trình bày một cách khái quát như vậy thì bạn dễ bị "xóa nhòa" trong vô vàn hồ sơ sáng giá khác.

Để gây được ấn tượng, bạn nên chuẩn bị câu trả lời trước khi đến phỏng vấn. Bạn có thể hồi tưởng lại, thậm chí là tự sáng tạo bằng cách kể một câu chuyện giữa bạn và đồng nghiệp và họ đã nhận xét như thế nào về bạn. Người phỏng vấn sẽ muốn biết lý do tại sao mọi người nghĩ bạn xứng đáng với những mỹ từ đó.

"If hired, when can you start?" - When asked this, don’t rush to answer. Sometimes, the interviewer’s intent is simply to confirm your availability and commitment, but often they want to assess your reliability and sense of responsibility. So, how should you respond to such questions?

Be cautious with this question for several reasons. First, it doesn’t mean that you've been hired. Stay alert and composed until the interview is over. If you’re currently working at another company, be honest about how much time you need to finish your current duties. If you’re available immediately (and they know you're not currently employed), it’s fine to say you can start the next day. Showing enthusiasm and a sense of urgency about starting with the new company is always a positive sign.

Interviewers may ask you a Yes/No question, but don’t make the mistake of answering with just a simple Yes or No. Instead, explain why you gave that answer. If possible, share a relevant story to illustrate your point. However, avoid lengthy responses and focus on providing answers that are true to your experience rather than generic ones.

Yes/No questions are common in interviews and most recruiters use them to evaluate candidates. It’s advisable to prepare answers for at least 3 to 5 of these types of questions. This will help you feel more confident and less caught off guard. Don’t ignore any questions posed by the interviewer, as they are aiming to understand you better. Focus on providing concise, clear, and well-structured answers that stay on topic.

Many candidates aren't truthful when discussing their weaknesses in response to interview questions. Remember, everyone has weaknesses, and employers are more interested in your honesty and attitude when discussing them. They won’t dwell on it too long or make fun of you. However, avoid listing a long list of irrelevant weaknesses.

Limit yourself to mentioning no more than three weaknesses, and focus on elaborating one in detail, especially those you have personally experienced. You can also review feedback from others, particularly from supervisors, to identify your weaknesses if you're unsure where to start.

Think of the employer as your new colleague. Don't be overly shy or self-conscious to the point of being reserved, but also don't get too comfortable and forget you're in a professional setting. While we recommend being honest, remember you don't need to overshare, as they don’t yet know you well enough, and they won’t spend time sympathizing. Consider which weaknesses won't affect your job prospects. For example, if you're applying for an HR position, don’t admit you're bad at relationships, or if you're applying for a sales role, don't highlight your weak negotiation skills.

To ensure a successful interview, also project confidence through your voice. Control your tone and volume to make your responses more compelling and persuasive. Practicing voice modulation is key to convincing others. Avoid speaking in a flat, monotonous tone—learn to emphasize key points and lower your voice when discussing less favorable topics.