No matter what job you are applying for, preparing for the interview is always a must. You need to know how to market yourself to increase your chances of getting hired. One way you can get ready is by finding out the common questions that engineering recruitment companies ask applicants. This way, you will be able to prepare beforehand your answers to these questions.
What can you tell me about yourself?
It is one of the most common questions that recruiters ask. The way that you answer this question is your chance to share with the interviewer whatever information you think will play a role in their hiring decision. Moreover, it is also a huge chance for you to set yourself apart from the other candidates.
Where do you see yourself several years from now?
Employers do not really care how you will climb the corporate ladder during your interview. If you are not applying as a supervisor, for example, then they will not focus too much on your management skills. However, you can share how you have handled teams or led projects with barely any supervision in your past work. Doing so will indicate that you have leadership potential.
When answering this type of question, it is best to focus on the company. You should think about how you can reach your aspirations with the role that you are trying to apply. In most technology careers, advancing your skills through pieces of training is essential. You should be able to share the areas that you want to improve on in the near term, too.
Why did you decide to leave your previous job?
When you are applying for a job position, the recruiter would ask you if you are currently unemployed. If you are still employed, the recruiter will ask the reason you are seeking other job opportunities. However, it does not mean that you should use this as an avenue to express your frustrations even if they are true and valid.
Instead, it is an opportunity to let them know what you want in a new job. Remember the real reason you want to find a job, and it’s up to the recruiter to see if you’re fit for the available position or not.
What are your strengths?
This is one of the most dreaded questions by most applicants. You can answer it in any way that you want. But as much as possible, do not panic. You can add a little humour with it and then use that to shift into your real strengths. If they ask you about your weaknesses, then it is best to be transparent about it. This will help the recruiter find the job that will best suit your strengths.
Learning these questions beforehand can help you prepare better for your interviews. In formulating your answers to these questions, you need to focus on stories instead of merely stating facts. It is best to make yourself likeable so that you can build a connection with the recruiter immediately.
