10 Common Job Interview Questions for Freshers

How should you prepare to answer?

Facing an interview is a tough job for many. More so it is more challenging, when it is job Interview for the freshers. Most of us aren’t familiar to talking eloquently about our strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and goals, especially while sitting across with a judgmental stranger. Even if your communications skills are fantastic, you are probably making mistakes in your job interviews.

There can’t be one-size-fits-all job interview answer scripts. That approach doesn’t work. I’m sharing with you insight into the hiring manager’s thought processes and what they’re looking for – along with some strong example answers for inspiration.

Question-1: Tell Me about You! 

The 1st Common question of any Job Interview is TELL ME ABOUT YOU.

Whether you believe it or not, at this very moment, you have the potential and ability to accomplish extraordinary things in your lifetime. Often, all we need to be successful in life and act on that potential is to simply know how to get started.

To be successful in a Job Interview as a fresher, your first job interview can be challenging, and you may wonder what kinds of questions you are required to answer. Your performance in this critical stage determines the outcome of the final selection process. While each job has a unique set of responsibilities, preparing the answers for the most common interview questions for freshers can help you make a good impression. In this post, I will share with you the common interview questions for beginners and provide examples for how to answer them.

Why this question is being asked!

While this sounds like a fairly general enquiry, the interviewer wants to know how you would communicate about a topic that only you can describe well. Here, the goal is to show them what is not already mentioned in your resume. It is a good opportunity to tell them about your skills with a personalized answer without cramming too much information.

Example: Since my schooling, I have taken part in several social service activities, such as volunteering to teach to the street children. My participation and success in state and zonal level Table tennis championships taught me the spirit of Team work and prepared me for challenging assignments. Thanks to my experiences, I have a broader perspective of life and profound respect for hard work.

How to prepare for answering this question

a) Before the interview, Browse the company website, know about the business, projects and products of the company. Also explore about the top people working in the company.

b) Read the job description a few time

Read the job description a few times and note the specific keywords and phrases the company has used. You can also list the qualities and skills you possess that match the job requirement. By including these in your interview response, you can get the recruiter's attention and make a positive impression at the beginning. 

c) Prepare a precise introduction

It is important to keep it precise, not longer than one or two minutes. Make sure that you are not repeating the exact points you have already mentioned in your resume. Instead, discuss the qualities and skills that complement the resume and match the job requirements. 

d) Practice being articulate with your answer.

Before the interview do practice as it will make you feel confident. You can video record yourself, review how you sound and appear, and take steps to fix your tone and body language. Try to talk as if you are in conversation with the interviewer. Remaining honest can provide the right cues to the recruiter about your sincerity.

e) Be Professional in your response

Keep your answers focused on what you have done work-wise or hope to achieve in your career. Refrain from discussing anything personal.

Sample Response

My name is Ratikanta Jena and I completed a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from NIST Brahmapur, Odisha in 2022. I have always been interested in managing people, and that is why I have worked as a customer relations executive earlier. I have knowledge of search engine optimisation and digital marketing, and I keep myself informed about the trends and developments in the digital space. I hope to pursue a long-term career with your company since I believe I can contribute to the organisation and team in this position. I look forward to many opportunities for my professional development with your company.'

DOs and DON’Ts:

It is a good idea to share information about your personality with your interviewer—but not personal details. Avoid mentioning personal information such as marital status, children, political or religious affiliations, etc.

Focus on strengths and abilities that you can support with examples but not those which can’t be quantified. Do not list multiple, vague strengths without supporting examples.

Discuss high points that are relevant to the position Do not summarise your resume word for word.

Save topics for the final stages of the interview process. Do not rush into conversations regarding what you are looking for in the role or how the company can benefit you. 

Takeaway 

Fundamentally, “Tell Me about yourself” really boils down to “What do you want the interviewer to remember about you?” Answering this opening question effectively gives you the power to make a good first impression and structure the rest of the interview to your benefit. In the next blog I will share other Job interview Question. You are most welcome with your comments and queries.

Author: Dr. Sabyasachi Rath, Dean, College of Management & Liberal Arts, NIST