How to Answer Singapore’s Most Common Interview Questions

So, you finally got a reply from your dream company — they arranged an interview to learn more about you and how you can contribute. All you need to do is be yourself and answer as honestly as you can, right?

Not quite.

Nailing a job interview is more than just sincere and honest answers about how suitable you are for the role. The first interview sets the impression on your potential employers. It showcases who you are as an individual and gives the interviewers some insight into how you can contribute and whether you are the right fit with their team and company values.

It can be easy to get overwhelmed and find yourself at a loss for words at job interviews, whether it is your first or your 10th. But practice makes perfect. Thinking of possible interview questions and coming up with drafted answers can make a world of difference.

But be sure to do your own research about the company and what the job demands. This way, you can feel more prepared for the interview.

“Tell me about yourself”

This is a good chance for you to show your interviewer that you are great fit for the job. Tell your interviewer more about your academic history, employment information and interests, and align your answer to the position you are applying for as much as possible. Avoid disclosing personal and private information that is irrelevant to the company and the role.

Do not limit yourself to just talking about your work experience and qualifications — your interviewer can easily find all that information from your CV. Instead, include examples of what you enjoy doing outside of work that's relevant to the job. This way, your interviewers will get a sense of how informed you are, as well as your passion for the role and industry.

“What are your strengths/weaknesses?”

This is where research about the company and the job description comes in. Think about what type of characteristics would best suit the position you are applying for and pick two or three that relate to you. Use evidence from past experiences to back up your strengths.

When it comes to your weaknesses, talking about them can be tricky. The key is to be as honest as possible, demonstrating self-awareness as well as a desire to improve yourself. Everyone has flaws but what sets you apart is how you use your flaws to your advantage. However, bear in mind that your weakness should not be something that is critical to the job you are applying for.

Be as honest and sincere, but avoid coming off over-apologetic as it might make you look unprofessional.

“What attracted you to our company?”

Do your research about the company, focusing on things such as its working culture and its internal offerings like training programmes, opportunities for rotation etc. You can demonstrate your knowledge about the company, and how its corporate values and interests align with yours.

While you do not have to come up with a very specific career path, it would help to set realistic goals to show your interviewer that youare driven, ambitious and interested in a long-term car

“What are your goals in the next 5 years?”

While you do not have to come up with a very specific career path, it would help to set realistic goals to show your interviewer that you are driven, ambitious and interested in a long-term career in this company. This would be beneficial to your career plans too.

“What business challenge have you faced and how did you overcome it?”

Pick a business challenge that you were able to overcome using a skill that best relates to the job you are applying for. Explain to your interviewer the approach you took, including your thought process and actions. Try to incorporate as much problem-solving skills as possible.

Even if you were not able to fully resolve the issue, tell your employers what valuable lessons the experience has taught you. It gives some insight into how you took those lessons and applied them to other circumstances. You're also showcasing your sincerity, adaptability, and also a willingness to learn from hardship.

“What can you contribute to the role and the company?”

Examples of previous accomplishments would be a great way to demonstrate what you could possibly achieve in this job and add value for this company in the future. Align your contributions with the demands and expectations of the job description — it'll be good if you have some statistics to substantiate your contributions. Make sure you do not brag about your achievements as this might come off as arrogant and egotistical. Nobody likes working with a conceited fellow.

“Do you have any questions?”

Interviews are not just a one-way street; you are there to learn more about the company as much as the interviewer is there to find out more about you. Take this opportunity to ask your interviewer thoughtful questions, such as how this position has evolved (if it is not a new position) or how the company defines success. Also, find out more about the career progression, company culture, work-life balance and salary. Take the opportunity to also show your determination and interest in the company.

Having no questions might be a bad sign as it implies that you are not interested in the company. Be sure to ask intelligent questions that can help you obtain a better understanding of the corporation and business culture.

Being the truest version of yourself with professionalism and grace is the way to go in any job application process. Wear the best traits on your sleeve while being friendly, humble and engaging.

If you're looking for more career advice, visit MyCareersFuture for articles to help you on your career journey.

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