Nov 13, 2024
During a job interview, the interviewer often asks the candidate about their experience, interests, and thoughts on handling certain situations.
Behind every question, there is usually a deeper question that the interviewer is trying to uncover. For example, when they ask, "What is your biggest weakness?" what they really want to know is, "What have you done to address your weakness?" Similarly, when they ask, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" they are actually interested in understanding whether you have a clear vision for your growth and whether your goals align with the company's objectives.
Here are a few common questions, along with the underlying questions the interviewer is truly interested in asking the candidate.
| Common Question | Underlying Question |
|---|---|
| Tell me about yourself. | What makes you a good fit for this role? |
| What is your greatest strength? | How will your strengths benefit our team? |
| What is your biggest weakness? | What have you done to address your weakness? |
| Why do you want to work here? | Do you understand our company and align with our values? |
| Why should we hire you? | What unique value do you bring to our company? |
| Where do you see yourself in five years? | Do you have a clear vision for your growth and does it align with our company? |
| What are your salary expectations? | Are your expectations in line with our budget and the market? |
| What do you like to do outside of work? | Are you well-rounded and do you have interests that contribute to your well-being? |
| How do you stay updated with industry trends? | Are you proactive in keeping your skills and knowledge current? |
| Describe your ideal work environment. | Will you thrive in our company's culture and setting? |
| How do you handle ambiguity? | Can you make decisions and act effectively when information is incomplete? |
| What is your approach to risk-taking? | Are you willing to take calculated risks for potential rewards? |
| How do you measure success? | Do your values and metrics for success align with our company's goals? |
| What role do you usually take in a team? | How do you naturally contribute to team dynamics and success? |
| How do you handle criticism? | Are you receptive to feedback and able to use it constructively? |
| What is your approach to networking? | Are you capable of building and maintaining professional relationships? |
| How do you ensure quality in your work? | Do you have a process for maintaining high standards and attention to detail? |
| What is your decision-making process? | Are you analytical and thoughtful in your approach to making decisions? |
| How do you handle unexpected challenges? | Can you adapt and find solutions when faced with unforeseen obstacles? |
| What is your approach to continuous learning? | Are you committed to personal and professional development? |
| How do you balance work and personal life? | Can you manage your time effectively to maintain productivity and well-being? |
| What is your approach to conflict resolution? | Can you navigate disagreements and find mutually beneficial solutions? |
| How do you handle multiple priorities? | Are you able to prioritize tasks and manage your workload efficiently? |
Ming Dao School uses 1-1 coaching and group events to help high-tech professionals grow their careers and handle career transitions.
If you like to join our upcoming mock system design interview events or other coaching programs, please contact us on LinkedIn.