Tips for Job Interview Questions and Answers for Fresh Graduates

For job seekers looking for their ideal opportunities, a job interview is usually exciting. However, keep in mind that employers and hiring managers are significantly less tolerant of entry-level employment than internship interviews. Interview questions can be strange, unpleasant, and unsettling at times. The interviewer seeks to confirm your abilities and gets you started right away. So to avoid getting caught off guard, you should prepare yourself with a few standard interview questions and their answers. The following sample interview responses can provide you with a fresh perspective on responding to difficult interview questions. 

 

Questions asked in an interview

Hiring managers would often ask entry-level candidates interview questions on why they are interested in the position and why they should be hired. In an interview for an entry-level position, the main problem is demonstrating to an employer that you have the same potential as other early-career candidates who may have actual work experience. Concentrate on your training and proving to the interviewer that you meet the job requirements mentioned in the job description. To know more about requirements for highest paying jobs click the linked text. 

Now, while facing an interview keep in mind that your answer to these interview questions regarding your education, job aspirations, and plans should demonstrate how prepared you are to move from being a student to becoming a competent professional. So now, let's get started with the questions and their answers. 

Tell me about yourself

This question is a common one to break the ice and determine your level of personability. For this question, be careful not to go on and on. It's easy to lose track of time when you're engrossed in your backstory. Giving a brief background of where you grew up, where you went to school, why you chose your degree, any internship experience you have, and why you're applying for this position is a safe answer.

Answer 

I recently received a high honours diploma from the University of Warwick. I majored in journalism and got the opportunity to write for and edit the school newspaper during my time there. Last summer, I was also chosen for a Dow Jones News Fund internship. I spent two terms in the United States Reporting Program, where I interviewed state legislators and covered senate committee hearings.

How do you deal with stressful situations?

Employers adore this interview question because it allows them to double-check everything.

- You've dealt with tense circumstances before.

- With their help, you'll be able to deal with challenging situations.

Honesty and setting a good example are essential for generating a positive first impression. So, prepare a strong example of how you've handled pressure or stressful situations in the past before the interview. Maintain a pleasant attitude while being honest. Being proactive in stressful situations is one of the main ways to increase workplace productivity.  It's okay if you struggle under duress as long as you're trying to get better. Also, don't act as though you're so composed that you never flinch under pressure. Here's an illustration.

Answer

In stressful situations, I try to remain calm and concentrate on finding a solution. As the features editor at my undergraduate newspaper, I had a couple of writers miss deadlines. Instead of panicking, I took a calm attitude to the situation and wrote the pieces myself. Later, I got down with each writer, and we devised a strategy to ensure that this never happened again. I didn't have to cope with that kind of stress again after figuring out what was causing it.

Outside of academics, what hobbies do you have?

Try not to ponder this subject too much. It is not the intention of hiring managers to trip you up. Instead, they truly want to make sure you're a good personality match for their organization. Again, the best policy is, to be honest. You don't want to tell a white lie and claim something unique, like karate is one of your interests, only to find out the recruiting manager is a black belt who wants to learn more about your dojo.

List two or three activities that demonstrate your dedication and demonstrate that you have a life outside of work. Here is an example,

Answer

Running is one of my favourite pastimes. I aim to run approximately 5-10 kilometre races each year. It allows me to unwind and get out of my head. I enjoy running to raise funds for causes that I care about, like the Humane Society.

What is your greatest strength?

This typical interview question should not be viewed as a ploy but rather as a gift. This question gives you an excellent opportunity to show off your personality, skills, and interview preparation.

Select two or three strengths that reflect your personality and are relevant to the job. Then, at least one of these should be backed up with evidence, such as awards, analytics, or personal anecdotes. Avoid clichés and concentrate on substantive responses. Quality, not quantity, is what the interviewer is looking for. Here's an excellent response:

Answer

One of my most significant assets, I believe, is my ability to manage my time. For example, while working 20 hours a week at a local coffee shop, serving as president of my fraternity, and functioning as a teaching assistant for a freshman writing course, I maintained a 3.8 GPA last semester. I'm also very well-organized and meticulous.

What are your weaknesses?

Allowing yourself to be psyched out by this dreaded job interview question is the secret to nailing it. When it comes to your biggest flaw, the hiring manager is more interested in how you say it than in what you say. They're seeking honesty and confidence, so maintain eye contact and observe your body language.

Avoid clichés and evasive responses like "I'm a perfectionist." Hiring supervisors are looking for something genuine. At the same time, don't be too open; this is a job interview, not a counselling session. Also, keep away from any actual flaws or anything that could jeopardize your capacity to perform successfully on the job. Prepare your response ahead of time, and consistently demonstrate how you're striving to overcome a weakness as an example.

Answer 

Because I'm a planner, I have a hard time dealing with last-minute changes and ambiguity. I used to plan out all of my work in school, but deadlines and priorities are constantly altering in the office. As a result, I'm working on becoming more acclimated to the changes. I'm taking an online project management program, and it's assisting me in making room for shifting priorities. Now I know how to reprioritize if a last-minute change occurs.

Why are you interested in this role?

It's critical to provide a clear and concise response here. The employer wants to see that you're interested in the position and willing to devote time to it. Be explicit about your objectives and expectations, and be prepared to explain why you choose this particular organization when applying.

Answer

I am an avid tech enthusiast. So when I saw the vacancy, I was ecstatic at the prospect of working for a top tech company that's shaping the industry's future. You have a strong portfolio of high-tech software and large clients, and after working in sales for two years, I am confident that I can contribute to the growth of this company and become a valuable team member. 

Why should we hire you?

It would help if you took a two-pronged strategy to answer this open-ended interview question: To begin, you'll want to emphasize the characteristics or experiences that distinguish you. Second, you'll need to demonstrate how your originality will benefit the organization.

To differentiate yourself from the competition, emphasize qualities that would make you a good fit for the company's culture. Being natural and genuinely passionate can make a big difference in this one. Here's an illustration:

Answer 

The ABC Company is known in the advertising world for its dedication to innovation. I've always prided myself on being as creative a person as I can remember. Last year, I was in charge of event planning for my sorority in college, and I managed over a dozen different themed parties. The sorority holds five events in a regular year.

I'm looking forward to seeing how my creativity and desire can add to what's already fantastic here.

What motivates you?

'What motivates you at work?' is one of the most common interview questions, despite being one of the most popular interview questions.' It is a question that often catches graduates off guard, so be sure you're well prepared to answer it. Here is some help.

Answer 

I am motivated by working with other people. I found that during University, my best ideas came when working on group projects. I would bounce well off others, and I found it rewarding helping to spur the team on to succeed. I enjoy relationship-building and being part of a group, so this would be my answer to what motivates me to do well in a job.

Concluding Remarks 

On a lighter note, you don't ever need to get all nervous before, during and after an interview. Just take it as a regular interaction where you get to open up about yourself to the interviewer. Aim to prove your competence and the dedication you have to offer to employers. Because this is what employers are after. Best of luck.