Preparing for interview questions: Crafting a compelling elevator pitch.

Interviews can be highly stressful to some, and as is the case with most things, preparation is key. Here are 9 common job interview questions and answers that you may get asked, and ways in which you can answer them.

Interview questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.

Keep your answer to just a few minutes; we often call this the elevator pitch. Prepare a concise response that focuses on a high-level, short summary of your professional background and experience. Touch on key skills and experiences relevant to the position and consider mentioning personal skills and characteristics that also translate to career strengths for the particular job eg communication, agility, problem solving etc.

2. What do you know about our company?

Do your homework before the interview and spend some time online researching the organisation. This question demonstrates the prior research you have done and your level of interest in the role and the company. Today, a company’s digital footprint provides so much content, so take the time to understand the company, the role, the culture, services/products etc.

3. Why do you want this job or what interests you about this role?

Hiring managers frequently incorporate this interview question to confirm your comprehension of the position and provide you with the chance to connect how your skills and career goals align with the company or the role.

This is also a great opportunity to highlight any aspects of the role or the company that appeal to you, such as career progression, team environment, working for a market leader, learning and development opportunities, workplace culture, etc.

A great suggestion is to thoroughly read the job description and website and select a few elements you particularly want to emphasise and address those in your answer.

4. What can you offer us?

This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate how your past accomplishments, experience, and skills relate to their specific requirements. Speak to results, not just listing tasks, initiatives or projects.

Employers appreciate quantifiable examples to demonstrate your capabilities; for example, through the successful management of the sales pipeline and the use of various outreach programs, including example ABC, our sales revenue grew by 8% year on year.

Ultimately, the interviewer wants you to demonstrate your capabilities so they can ascertain if your skill set meets or exceeds the position requirements.

5. How do you manage challenges, stress or pressure?

Here the employer wants to know how you handle pressure and manage stress and any curve balls that come your way. Discuss how you have previously handled high-pressure situations in your job, such as a heavy workload, tight deadlines or significant challenges.

Talk and elaborate on any of the strategies that you used to navigate and what the outcome was. Focus on your problem-solving skills and resilience when asked these types of interview questions.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years or what are your career goals?

Start by expressing your enthusiasm for the role you're interviewing for. Talk about how the position aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term career aspirations.

Discuss your short-term goals over the next two to three years. Convey your commitment to continuous improvement and learning. Employers appreciate candidates who have a growth mindset and are dedicated to staying relevant in their field.

7. How do you know you have done a good job?

This interview question reveals how a candidate evaluates their performance. Do you rely on external validation, or do you have internal benchmarks for success?

The answer can show how much feedback a candidate needs or desires. Some might need constant reassurance, while others prefer more autonomy. It provides insight into your self-awareness, standards, motivation, and preferences for management and feedback.

8. What salary range do you have in mind?

Interviewers pose this question to ensure that your salary expectations align with their allocated budget for the position.

Providing a salary range significantly below or above the market value may convey a lack of awareness regarding your professional value.

It is advisable to research the standard compensation range for the role on platforms and lean toward the higher end of your range.

9. Do you have any questions?

Asking informed questions shows initiative and indicates that you are truly interested in the position. You might ask job-specific questions about the team, a day in the life, the company, the culture, or any other general questions. Some great examples are: What would a typical day or week look like for the role being offered? Can you tell me about the team I would be working with? What is the best part about working for the company in your opinion?

“Craft a standout elevator pitch to ace your responses to interview questions — a brief, impactful story of your career, skills, and strengths that leaves a lasting impression”.

If you’re new in the job market, explore our other job-seeking tipsJob Seeker Career Advice page or download our full Interview questions Guide with loads of important insights and tips to help you be successful in your next interview.