Top video interview questions/answers
It is common to feel pressured when it’s about cracking a video interview without knowing the video interview questions to get that ideal job. But it’s not that difficult if you know how and where to hit the hammer. You look for resources and tips from all possible sources.
It’s an art to turn every video interview in your favor. All you need to know is the specific way of answering the questions.
In this blog, we will cover some video interview questions. We will learn the approach to answer them correctly. It will help you understand the ideal way to answer similar questions that are not covered in this discussion.
With that understanding in mind, let’s get started.
Here is the list of the Most Common Video Interview Questions
1. Tell me something about yourself
This is the first question recruiters will ask you to establish a conversation. You should know they are not interested in your life story or something you did in childhood. Instead, they are looking for a good pitch.
Try to present yourselves as an ideal candidate for the job.
Introduce yourself briefly by telling your name, last job position, and previous company’s name.
Recruiters may switch to the next question by this point; if not, they continue answering that includes topics such as:
What do you like about your job, your significant achievements, how you found this job posting, and why do you think you are the best fit for the job?
Talk about your interests/passions and align them with your job profile. For example, when applying for marketing (or anything people-focused), you can say you love interacting with people, their culture, etc.
For example, when applying for marketing (or anything people-focused), you can say, “ I love interacting with people and their culture. It gives me immense pleasure knowing what exactly people want and offering them a suggestion to take them by surprise.”
2. How did you hear about this position?
Employers ask this question to know whether you have an internal connection within their organization. Knowing someone inside the organization will give you a competitive edge as employers might ask employees about your qualities and personal experience.
How to answer, if you heard about it from:
1. I heard about this job position from (your friend’s name and position in the company). They think I have the proper knowledge and personality to fit into the team. When looking at the job requirements, I felt I was the right person for it. Besides, this job comes with an extensive learning curve that I have always wanted.
2. I came across this post on an online job-seeking platform. I was looking for the position ‘x’ and found your company right away. While all posts looked almost the same, your posting stood out from the rest.
3. I have been following your website’s career page for a while now. When I finally saw an opening in my field, I applied for it right away. I have been following your company because I have read some great employee reviews on ‘glassdoor’ or any relevant website.
4. I have been working with ‘the recruiter’s name, to find a suitable job for me. They connected me with your hiring manager as they think I would be the right fit for it.
3. Why do you want to work here?
A company looks for a candidate who strongly believes in its core values and missions and can positively impact its clients or customers. So, your answer must revolve around the company’s success, work culture, and future.
- Tell them the knowledge or experiences you bring to the table.
- Tell them about some of your notable involvements in your past job.
- Tell them how you can contribute to their company’s work culture.
Example:
I had the experience of organizing international seminars. I was part of my company’s organization team to conduct international seminars for the product launch.
What not to say:
- Don’t tell them you chose them for a better pay scale and benefits
- Don’t tell them that their company is your stepping stone to success
Example:
- I want to leave my current company because the pay scale is not as good as yours.
- I want to join your company because this could be a big break in my career.
4. Why did you decide to apply for this position?
Employers ask this question to see whether you have researched their company and the job you have applied for. They are not likely to hire an employee who settles with just any job. They need an employee with well-thought-out career goals and job preferences.
Take your time to research their company and answer them by saying a specific part/s you like in their job requirements. It shows you are targeting particular needs in your job search, which means you might work hard and put more effort into learning. Finally, tell them how you can help them with your experience.
Example:
I want to become a part of your esteemed organization because I see you have been actively involved in ______ fields, which have always been my area of interest for excelling in _________ career.
5. What is your greatest strength?
Make a list of your skills and put them in three categories.
Knowledge-based skills are acquired through experience and education such as degrees, training, computer skills, etc.
Personality-based skills are your unique qualities such as being punctual, a team player, dependable, etc.
Transferable skills are the traits you bring from one job to another, such as planning, analytical problem-solving, communication, etc.
Example:
My greatest strength is my ability to stay focused on work. It helps me finish critical tasks under the deadline. It is very hard to get distracted, which allows me to deliver strong job performance.
6. What are your weaknesses?
Recruiters ask this question to know how you handle uncertainty in your job. Explain your weaknesses in a way that helps you get the job rather than lose it.
Don’t say you have no weakness, or the recruiter will think you are someone with no self-awareness or overconfidence.
Avoid statements like, “I am over-focused or obsessed over perfection.” It’s a trick that everyone has tried, and recruiters know that.
Instead, what you can do is tell them a weakness (avoid words like failure, incapable, etc.) and explain the steps you are taking to better yourself.
Example:
Although I always deliver before deadlines, I used to procrastinate on my work. As a result, I would end up working extremely long hours towards the last minute. As it started affecting my health, I started taking project management and time management, classes. I learned how to organize my projects into smaller and more manageable chunks. Now onwards, I put together a plan whenever I get a new assignment.
7. What are your salary expectations?
Hiring managers ask this question for two reasons to check:
- You are not overqualified for the job
- Whether you know your value
What to answer?
- Research about the ongoing salary in the market
- Factor in your expenses such as traveling, rent, utilities, savings, etc.
- Open to compensation such as health benefits, additional vacation days, bonuses, etc.
- Avert the question
(In case the hiring manager drops the question between the interview, deflect it by saying, let me know more about my roles and responsibilities so that I can provide accurate salary expectations.)
Example:
As per current market standards, I think the ____ package would be the ideal bet for this position.
8. Why should we hire you?
This question gives you a perfect chance to sell yourself to the recruiter. While preparing for the interview, review the job description, and make a list of requirements for the position such as skills, qualifications, traits, etc.
Example:
“Based on your job requirements, you are looking for a “job position” with strong interpersonal and technical skills. I believe my experience perfectly aligns with your requirements. I worked in a (position) for X years. I had the opportunity to work under supervision and also supervise others. I am also fluent in “Y and Y” (technical skills). I would love to bring my diverse skill sets to your company.
9. Are you considering other positions in other companies?
Interviewers ask these questions mainly for three reasons: they want to know,
- How is your job search going?
- The types of job you are searching
- If you are expecting any job offers?
Your main goal is to show them you are looking for a job similar to theirs.
Example:
I am in the early stage of my job search and have interviewed with other technology-based companies like yours. I am focusing on my job search primarily in the (specified) field.
Also read: One-way video Interview questions and how to excel
Conclusion
Sitting in a room and answering questions is overwhelming, even for seasoned professionals. However, research, and preparation in advance with a dash of confidence can surely help you ace the challenge. Don’t forget to ask some good questions to your interviewers as well. It shows your genuine interest in the position. Try not to trip over unusual questions, but think of them as an opportunity to sell yourself. Keep your tone polite and your answers crisp. Also, the questions mentioned above are asked by recruiters in one-way video interviews which are conducted via one-way video interview software.
