How do you ace the initial interview?
What are the 5 most common interview questions and answers? There are hundreds of possible interview questions that you might encounter in your job search. But you must know five (5) interview questions in the initial interview to get hired. These are the questions that every interviewer asks, regardless of the industry, role, or level. Furthermore, they aim to test your knowledge, skills, motivation, and fit for the job and the company.
Additionally, I will explain why these questions are asked by an interviewer, what the interviewer is looking for, and how to avoid common mistakes. However, it would be best to refrain from copying the answers below verbatim, as they might not reflect your experience and skills. You can use them as a guide and adapt them to your situation and style.
Q1: Tell me about yourself.
E: This classic opening question allows you to emphasize your relevant skills and credentials. A good answer should be concise, specific, and relevant to the role and the company.
A: For example, “I have always been passionate about teaching and learning languages. I also have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English education. I have over seven years of experience teaching English as a second language to students of different ages and levels, both online and offline. Apart from this, I have obtained several certifications, such as TESOL and TEFL, to enhance my professional skills and knowledge.
Teaching English is about imparting grammar rules and vocabulary and fostering communication, creativity, and cultural awareness. As well as that, I use different methods and materials to make my lessons engaging, interactive, and fun. Not only do I tailor my lessons to the needs and interests of each student, but I also provide regular feedback and support to help them achieve their goals.
I am always eager to learn new things and improve myself as a teacher. Mainly, I attend workshops, webinars, and courses to keep up with the latest trends and developments in English language teaching. Also, I enjoy collaborating with other teachers and sharing ideas and best practices. I am confident that I can bring my enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication to your school and contribute to the success of your students and your team.”
Q2: Why do you want to work for us?
E: This question assesses your motivation, interest, and fit for the company and the role. A good answer should demonstrate that you have researched the company, its values, goals, and culture and have an apparent reason for wanting to join them.
A: For example, “I want to work for you as an English teacher because I am passionate about education and language. I have always loved teaching and learning new languages, and your school offers an excellent opportunity for me to do both.
According to your website, your school has a diverse and multicultural student body, which I value and appreciate. I have experience teaching English to students from different backgrounds and cultures. As well as that, I enjoy adapting my lessons to their needs and interests. Moreover, I have a TEFL certification and a master’s degree in education, which have helped me develop my skills and knowledge as an English teacher.
On top of that, I admire your school’s mission to provide quality education and foster global citizenship among your students. Indeed, I share your vision of empowering students to communicate effectively, think critically, and appreciate diversity. I would love to be part of your team and contribute to your goals with my enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism.”
Q3: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
E: This question evaluates your self-awareness, honesty, and suitability for the role. A good answer should highlight your strengths relevant to the job requirements. Besides, it should provide specific examples of how you have used them in the past and acknowledge your weaknesses without dwelling on them or making excuses. Notably, mention how you are working on improving your weaknesses or turning them into strengths.
A: “Some of my strengths as an English teacher are creativity, adaptability, and communication. I like to design engaging and interactive lessons that cater to different learning styles, multiple intelligences, and preferences of the students. I can also adjust to situations and challenges that may arise in the classroom, such as technical issues, behavioral problems, or diverse needs. Moreover, I have good communication skills that help me express my ideas clearly with my students, colleagues, and supervisors in spoken and written English.
One of my areas for improvement as an English teacher is time management. Sometimes, I spend too much time on certain activities or topics, which can affect the pacing and coverage of my lessons. To improve this skill, I have been using a timer and a lesson plan to keep track of the time allocated for each lesson segment. I have also been seeking feedback from my colleagues and supervisors on optimizing my time management and prioritizing the most critical learning objectives.
Q4: How do you handle stress and pressure?
E: This question tests your resilience, adaptability, and coping skills. A good answer should demonstrate that you can handle stress and pressure positively and constructively without compromising your performance or well-being.
A: For example: “I handle stress and pressure by staying calm, focused, and organized. I try to anticipate potential challenges and plan for possible solutions. I also prioritize my tasks according to urgency and importance and set realistic deadlines and expectations. When I feel overwhelmed or stressed, I take a break to relax and recharge or seek support from my colleagues or manager if needed. I also practice healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, eating well, and sleeping enough. These help me maintain my physical and mental health and better cope with stress and pressure.”
Q5: How do you deal with conflict or criticism?
E: This interview question is designed to assess your interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and professionalism. A good answer should demonstrate that you can respectfully deal with conflict or criticism without taking it personally or reacting defensively.
A: “I deal with conflict or criticism by listening actively, empathizing and understanding the other person’s perspective, and expressing my views clearly and respectfully. I try to find common ground and a win-win solution that satisfies both parties. Moreover, I welcome constructive feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve myself as long as they do it politely and helpfully. Lastly, I also take the feedback seriously and apply it to my future work.”
To summarize, let me answer the question, “How do you ace the initial interview”? The initial interview lets you make a positive impression and demonstrate your value to the company. By preparing well, you can increase your confidence and demonstrate your value to the employer.
As you embark on your job search journey, remember your friendly tip: “The initial interview is your opportunity to shine and show what you’re made of. Don’t let it go to waste, but don’t let it intimidate you. It’s just the beginning of a wonderful adventure.”
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. You can also check our YouTube videos for job-related, inspirational, and motivational videos. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one. Best of luck with your job hunt!
