Job interviews.
Simply hearing about a job interview makes us anxious then how are we supposed to prepare for it?
Well the first thing you need to understand is that yes there are some common job interview questions but most of them actually depend on the interviewer's personality. Now you might be confused and ask, “But isn’t an interview supposed to be professional? How does personality come into play?”
Here’s the thing: every individual and every company approaches work differently. While the skills they look for might be similar across industries, how they assess those skills varies. So before you head towards your next job interview, keep these points in mind:
1. Keep the Basics in Check
This is the most common advice you’ll hear when preparing for a job interview and rightfully so. As the employers today put increasingly more emphasis on your actual skills than your degree, during a job interview, they might test you by asking you to demonstrate your skills, respond to a hypothetical situation, or simply answer technical questions.
So, if you're preparing for job interview questions and answers, especially for freshers, start by reviewing your core knowledge and practicing how to apply it.
2. Employers Don’t Expect You to Know Everything
Even if your basics are in place, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about questions you can’t answer. You might wonder, “What if I don’t know the answer?”
Here’s the thing: employers don’t expect you to know each and everything. A job interview is a platform to assess not only what you know but how you think and learn. Not knowing one or two answers won't ruin your chances. However, not knowing any of the basics? That’s a different story.
So again: focus on strengthening your foundation before worrying about complex interview questions.
3. Don’t Overestimate or Underestimate Yourself
We’ve all heard it before confidence is key. But what’s equally important is self-awareness. In every job interview, your ability to accurately evaluate yourself can be crucial to set you apart.
Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and align them with the role you’re applying for. This is especially important when they ask about your strengths and weaknesses, a common question in both fresher and experienced interviews.
4. Your Soft Skills Matter
Although most job interviews are short, they give the interviewer a glimpse into your personality. And your soft skills, communication, time management, and adaptability play a key role in your first impression.
While some workplaces prioritize creativity, others follow strict systems. Just because you don't fit into one company’s culture doesn’t mean you won’t fit anywhere.
Understanding and improving your soft skills for job interviews can go a long way in unlocking the right opportunity.
5. Job Interviews Depend on Experience and Role
Not all job interviews are the same. Interviews for freshers, mid-level roles, and senior professionals differ not only in tone but also in the type of questions asked.
So tailor your preparation accordingly. A fresher might be asked about their academic projects and goals while an experienced candidate may be given situational tasks or performance-based assessments.
6. Nervous?
Here’s the thing: being nervous doesn’t mean you lack confidence. It simply means you care. Use that nervous energy to stay alert, listen carefully, and respond mindfully.
Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Once you’ve worked on your mindset and preparation, it’s time to look at some commonly asked job interview questions and answers.
1. Tell Me About Yourself
This is often the first question in any job interview. Keep it concise. Focus on your background, experiences, relevant training and skills.
Tip: Practice a self introduction for a job interview to build fluency and clarity.
2. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Be honest but strategic. Choose strengths that align with the job. For weaknesses, pick something real but manageable and explain how you're working on it.
Example:
Strength: “I’m great at time management.”
Weakness: “I struggle with delegation, but I’m learning to trust team collaboration more.”
3. Why Should We Hire You?
This is where your preparation is showcased. Mention how your skills match the job description, your passion for the role, and how you can contribute to the company’s goals.
Example:
“I believe my blend of creativity and communication, along with my past experience in similar roles, will help me contribute meaningfully to your team.”
4. What Are Your Salary Expectations?
They may ask this directly or phrase it differently. Research the average salary for the role beforehand. Be honest but flexible.
Example:
“Based on my research and the responsibilities of the role, I’m expecting something in the range of NPR [amount], but I’m open to discussion.”
Preparing for a job interview in Nepal or anywhere doesn’t mean memorizing perfect answers. It means understanding yourself, knowing the role, and being prepared to communicate your value.
