Technology is now on our side, it can help us do better in interviews. Artificial intelligence is now mature enough to help us get interview feedback before the real interview.
To ace your next interview as a fresh graduate you need to do two things and the good news is you can do both on this page. Firstly, read through the best answers for common fresh graduate interviews then take a practice interview to see how well you can do in a real interview.
After reading, take a free mock interview and you will get detailed feedback about your personality and skills from artificial intelligence software.
A job interview for fresh graduates is a chance to highlight important information on your resume and leave a positive impression on the employer. Make sure that you go to a job interview fully prepared and you will be able to secure the position.
Practice makes perfect and after reading the best answers for fresh graduate interview questions, at the end of this article, you can practice unlimited times by taking a free fresh graduate mock interview. You will be asked real questions and get feedback from artificial intelligence about your interview skills and personality.
Interview Questions for Fresh Graduates
Here are ten standard interview questions that are most likely to be asked in a job interview.
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Interview questions for fresh graduates
Introduce yourself
The first and most common job interview question you will get is to tell the interviewer about yourself. It is an invitation to share not just your qualifications and experience but also details about your work ethic. An invitation to introduce yourself gives you the perfect opportunity to shine a light on things that make you perfect for the job.
Tip: While giving the introduction try to avoid just reciting things that are mentioned in the CV.
It is also not safe to assume that the interviewer has read the CV so it is safe to share the most significant highlights of your educational and professional career. After talking about the past, you should also mention your aspirations.
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What is your five-year career plan?
It is not an easy question to answer. Five years is a long time and it is not easy to give a definite answer and employers know it. People often tend to focus on personal goals, but a good answer should include the role you expect to play in the company. The question aims to ascertain the loyalty of potential employees.
While answering this question, try to focus on the points that the recruiters want to hear. You should:
- Highlight the significant impact your presence can have on the company
- Share your skills
- Showcase your knowledge
- How you plan to advance your career by improving your skills
Tip: Do not name a specific job title you would want to be in five years as the title may not be a part of the organization.
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How much do you know about the organization?
Whenever you go for a job interview make sure that you know about the company because it lets the employer know you are serious about the job.
Tip: Everything you need to know about the company is going to be available on the website.
Make sure you are aware of the following things about the company:
- History
- Background
- Values
- Mission
- Services or products
Tip: To stand out from the competition you should also read recent press releases and news articles.
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Why do you want the job?
The hiring process is long and strenuous, so the company is cautious while hiring. They want to make sure they are hiring the right person, so they always ask why you want the job. The purpose of the question is to understand the candidate’s motivations.
To answer this question correctly some research is required. Understanding the reasons why other employees are working there and things that make the company a good workplace and you will have a good answer.
Tip: It is better to steer clear of reasons that are not career-related. Never mention personal reasons.
List your greatest strengths
It seems like a simple question, but it is not easy to list your strengths without sounding overconfident and obnoxious. With this question, the recruiter is allowing you to shine.
The best way to give an impressive answer is to look at the job description and highlight the strengths that are essential for performing the job. Back up the strengths with facts and figures, for example, a certificate you have been awarded for your skill as it will validate your claim.
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What are your greatest weaknesses?
The recruiters are interested in finding out your weaknesses as they want to make sure that the weaknesses do not become a hurdle in performing your duty. Admitting you have weaknesses shows you are genuine and honest.
Here are a few tips for sharing your weaknesses without sounding incompetent.
- Read the job description carefully and select a weakness that does not affect your performance. If the job description requires you to work alone and have one-on-one meetings, then you can mention public speaking as your weakness as it is not a skill required for the job.
- You should choose a skill that is not required for the job and then mention that you are looking to improve and polish the skill. It shows that you can take feedback and you are up for a challenge.
- Turning the weakness into a strength is also going to improve your prospects of getting hired. You can mention that you are a perfectionist and it often results in staying in the office longer than anyone else.
What is the reason for switching your job?
Never say anything negative about your company because your opinion says more about you than the organization you are leaving. It is better to focus on new opportunities you are seeking to gain new career heights.
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Describe how you overcame a difficult work situation
The recruiters ask this question to test your skill and knowledge. They want to know that you are capable of solving complex problems.
Tip: Choose an example that helps you highlight the skills that are essential for the job you are applying for.
The STAR method is perfect for choosing the right example.
- Start with the Situation
- Mention Tasks that need completion
- Describe the Actions you are going to take to complete tasks
- Shine a light on the positive results you have accomplished
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What salary do you expect?
It is a crucial question because recruiters need to know they can afford you. Before sharing salary expectations get some research to get an idea of average salaries for the position you are applying for. Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself to find the perfect answer to this question:
- What is your financial situation?
- How much are you willing to negotiate?
- What is going to be a fair increase from your current salary?
What makes you a perfect hire?
The question offers an opportunity to show that you are a perfect choice for the job. Repeat the skills you have and add any additional ones that you might have missed before. Show them that you are the candidate who meets their needs and is going to be a valuable asset for the company.
Summary
The success of a job interview depends significantly on how you answer questions during a job interview. It is paramount to be prepared, discreet, and careful while answering the questions.
Sam Najar, MBA
MBA from the Australian Institute of business. Over a decade working for IBM Australia and Oracle Europe and the Middle East. Worked on Artificial Intelligence technology for many years and believes that technology can help everyone better understand his/her personality and find the job they deserve.
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