10 Most Common Job Interview Questions

Posted November 26, 2016

Online job openings can be exciting. If you are determined to do great in the virtual assistant industry, then you have to do well during the initial hiring process. If you are persistent at sending out your resume and answering job application forms, then you are highly likely to get a callback. When this happens, stay calm and do the necessary preparations for you to ace the interview. Remember, this is your chance to impress clients and win them over. To help you prepare, here are the most common job interview questions and how to answer them:

What are your skills and areas of expertise?

This is the most crucial question simply because this will make them be able to match your skills with the job description. Have your resume with you during the interview so you don’t miss out on any important information about your work experience.
What is your greatest achievement?

This question may seem intimidating at first, but you don’t have to think too hard to give a satisfactory answer. Just think of one experience at work that you can be proud of. It can be something like receiving an award or promotion. On the other hand, it could be as simple as a personal experience that speaks highly of your skills and personality. An example of this could be a time where in you were commended by a client for a great strategy that you planned and executed or how customers appreciate your excellent service.
What do you enjoy doing at work?

Clients want to know what you naturally enjoy doing. This gives them a better idea on how and where you’ll thrive. Be honest and avoid answers that seek to impress.
What are your weaknesses?

Employers want to know your weak spots so they can determine if you are a good fit. The best way to answer this is by assessing yourself. Your reply should always be followed up with a solution that you do to make things right. Again, be honest and don’t make up answers just to make an impression. Clients can see through the cliché answers such as “I am a perfectionist”, “I am a workaholic” or “I am a people pleaser.”
How can you contribute to the company?

How can you be an asset to them? Clients want to hear it from you even though they are sizing you up during the interview process already. A good tip is to research on the company beforehand and see what their business structure is like and where their business is going. By being well-informed, you can easily come up with an answer based on your skill set.
What characteristic do you possess that you are proud of?

Again, answer honestly. It could be as simple as saying that you are a cheerful person. This will give them a brief description of your personality and how it could be like working with you.
What do you like to do during your free time?

HR officers and employers want to know your hobbies and what you do for fun. There are no right or wrong answers here. Just be yourself, but keep it professional.
What was your biggest challenge in your work history, and what did you do to overcome it?

This is a great way to show them that you are tenacious and hardworking. Answer them with an experience that humanizes you yet shows strength and wisdom. Just don’t go overboard and avoid overly dramatic stories.
What is your biggest regret in your professional life?

Just like the previous question above, keep things light. State an unpleasant regret and follow it up with the valuable learning that you have gained because of it.
Why should we pick you?

This is the perfect time for your sales pitch. Make sure that you sound confident but not arrogant. Let them know what sets you apart from the rest with facts and examples about your work history to back it up.

It’s normal to be overwhelmed, nervous and intimidated during job interviews. The secret is to relax and remind yourself that the job that is meant for you will be yours. Most HR officers and employers are looking for the right fit, so do not take it personally if you aren’t chosen right away. The key is to get better at interviews so you ace the next one. Lastly, just act natural and be yourself.