Smart Answers to Interview Questions

Smart Answers to Interview Questions

Many interview questions are open-ended and require personalized and detailed answers that provide the employer with a good idea of your professional abilities and skills. There are ways to provide two- and three-part answers to make them sound professional and intelligent. In this article, we discuss what smart answers are, common interview questions with sample smart answers, as well as helpful tips.

What are smart answers to interview questions?

Smart answers to interview questions usually follow the STAR method. This method is a structured way to respond to common behavioral interview questions by specifically discussing the situation, task, action and result for each answer you provide. The answers should be detailed and specific but should exclude unnecessary information and rambling.

When you give smart answers to interview questions, it is also important to avoid providing examples that display your negative qualities. However, you may provide answers about negative results and how you handled them to show the interviewer your strengths when faced with adversity

Common interview questions with smart answers

Here is a list of interview questions with sample smart answers to assist you in answering interview questions more effectively:

• Why should we hire you?

• What is your greatest strength?

• Tell me about a previous accomplishment you are most proud of.

• Why are you leaving your current job?

• Tell me about yourself.

• What motivates you?

Why should we hire you?

The best way to answer this question in a smart way is to focus on the interviewer and what you can bring to their company. You can do this by sharing how you meet the criteria they set and tell them about two or three qualities that you possess that they may not know they need. It is also important to think about any lessons you may have learned in the past that apply to what the company is currently experiencing.

Example: "I have been a bank manager for over four years and I have over 300 hours in leadership training with a focus on emotional intelligence in the workplace. I know that motivating and encouraging employees using emotional intelligence helps them to exceed company goals and increases their overall satisfaction at work. As a leader, I believe I can help the team members at your bank reach their potential and reduce employee turnover by establishing an open and honest workplace. I can do this by taking the time to communicate objectives, train effectively and anticipate potential issues that prevent productivity."

What is your greatest strength?

Most often, interview candidates think the answer to this question is their greatest overall strength. However, your answer should focus on your greatest strength that benefits the employer the most. Think about what the employer is looking for and what would make them believe that they should hire you now as opposed to later. This should be a three-part answer where you list the strength, provide proof of the strength and then describe how the strength is relevant to the job you are interviewing for.

Example: "Mediation is one of my major strengths. I have been working in human resources for six years, and I've learned the best ways to mediate manager-to-employee relationships using effective sociological and psychological techniques that make people feel heard, understood and acknowledged. My former employer had many issues with employees quitting due to micromanaging. I was able to facilitate and mediate conversations with several managers and employees to work out the best ways for them to work together. This resulted in a 30% increase in employee retention."

Tell me about a previous accomplishment you are most proud of.

When you are asked to tell the employer about your achievements, it allows you to brag about some of the greatest accomplishments in your career. The smartest strategy you can use to answer this question is to provide a recent accomplishment that communicates your ability to do well in the position they are hiring for.

Example: "I have accomplished many things in my career, however, the most recent one that applies to this job is winning top sales consultant in the state at my previous company. Our branch was struggling to meet sales goals the previous year and this was a challenge because many new branches were opening in our area. I suggested a new marketing technique that would allow us to gain more qualified leads. The technique was implemented and I began managing my time more effectively to handle the influx of leads and closed 45% of the leads I pitched to."

Why are you leaving your current job?

This question should be answered in a neutral or positive tone. You never want to bash your former manager or company. The best way to answer this question in a smart way is to bring out a reason that the hiring manager is not concerned about. For instance, growth opportunities, career change or moving are less likely to raise flags for an employer.

Example: "My current job has been a great learning experience and I have developed many skills during my three years with XYZ company. I am seeking a new opportunity with your company because it appears to fit well with the direction I would like to take my career. I have heard great things about this organization and I'm excited to develop my expertise further with this opportunity."

Tell me about yourself.

This question is one that may cause concern. However, there is an easy way to answer it by thinking of it as an invitation to share the things about yourself that are important to the hiring managers' decision to select you. This should be a two-part answer that describes your qualifications and why you are interested in the position with this particular company.

Example: "I am currently a social media marketing director for TLR Marketing Firm. Over the last five years, I have completed my graduate education while working full time. I have progressed through positions such as marketing assistant, social media marketing specialist and social media marketing director.

I have had the opportunity to learn a variety of techniques that enhance social media marketing campaigns in conjunction with my team of exceptional marketing executives. I enjoy leading and empowering my marketing team to strive for the best. Last year, I was named "best in marketing" for excellent results on social media engagement and customer conversion. I believe my experience has trained me to take on a role at this company and I hope to further develop my skills at this celebrated institution."

What motivates you?

The interviewer typically asks this question to get a sense of the drive you have to produce results. They need to know if you are self-motivated or if you require a great deal of outside motivation. The best way to answer this question is in a thoughtful and honest way.

Example: "I am highly motivated by deadlines. I find that when I have a set date for something to be completed I am more productive and I finish the work before the due date. For example, I worked on a large project last year and I set several deadlines for small tasks leading up to the completion of the project. This helps keep me motivated and results in me completing the project on time."