The ten common job interview questions – And how to properly answer them!

Are you foreign language speakers? Do you speak French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese or maybe even English? Are you Olim Chadashim and you're excited towards your job interview in Israel?

We're here for you! With our guidance, you'll know what to expect from your job interview and you'll be able to start working in no time! 

So, what are the most common questions we're likely to be asked during a job interview in Israel? 

1. Have you heard about our company before?

Sometimes, you'll find yourself applying for a position in a company you've never heard before, for various professional or personal reasons.Perhaps you're olim chadashim that just came to Israel, maybe you're a foreign language speaker that is more familiar with the Italian / Spanish / Arabic / German / English / Russian / Japanese / Chinese / French companies. In this case, it's very much recommended to google the company before, so you'll have some knowledge about what they do, how they do it, and generally who are they as a company. It's part of your job search process. Showing your interviwer that you are familiar with the company and you took the time to find out more about them – will shed a positive light on you and will make the interview much more friendly.

2. Why do you want this job?

A pretty simple question, but it could affect the outcome of this interview and your chances of getting hired and getting the job. The company, and its representation – the interviewer – cares to know that you really are interested in this position and it's not something you're just trying out or want to get more details about. Make sure the interviewer understand that you really are interested in the position and hopefully getting promoted and florish within the company.

3. Tell me a litle bit about yourself.

Tricky. The interviewer has your CV, so they know everything that needs to be known about your professionaly, but now you're being asked to elaborte on yourself on a personal note. That could be easier, but remember – the interviewer is not your friend. You need to create a positve interaction with the interviewer, and you should focus on your positive sides and habits. Be eloquent and don't talk too much, though.

4. What is your greatest weakness? 

Probably one of the scariest but most candid questions you'll be asked during a job interview. Be sure you're honest about yourself, but obviously, not too honest. Replying with a 'I don't have any weaknesses' or 'I can't think of any' would make you look arrogant at best or not honest at worst. Also, answers such as 'I work too hard' or 'I'm to comitted too my career' will also sound like you're prudish and not being honest. Answer with a real weakness, but add that you're working on it and it's totally fixible. Something like 'I get nervous talking in front of big crowds' would pass a reasonable answer.

 5. Why should we hire YOU to do this job?

You should turn into a marketing specialist when it comes to selling yourself to the interviewer. Don't trust your accomplishments or your detailed CV to suffice. Your body language, interaction with the interviewer and your character will all be taken in consideration whether you're a good fit to the job or not. Provide the interviewer with a few good (and relevant) qualities to the job, do it with a smile and with reason so it will be ridiculous not to hire you – you're the best match to fit the job – and you better believe it yourself. 

6. What would your manager say about you? 

This is a great opportunity for you to elevate your skills and what you bring to the table. You can discuss your best qualities again, this time from your previous boss's perspective -  for example – my manager would say I'm an excellent team-player who can also get the job done while working independently. Don't forget you may be asked to provide the interviewer with a list of recommenders from your last workplaces, so stick to the truth and don't compliment yourself in an excessive way. 

7. Why exactly are you leaving your current place of work?

Honesty will be highly appreciated – replying with 'I've reached the capacity of my role in the company' is totally acceptable. Don't use this opportunity to bash your last employer and workplace, it will only make you look bad and disloyal. 

8. Where do you see yourself, career wise, in 5 years from now?

It's a reasonable question. The interviewer will try to see if you're really serious about this job and not just curious about it or not ready to make a career related decision. Make the interviewer feel like you're aiming for a long term position here, so emphasize you're very interested in working for the company.

9. What are you salary expectations for this job?

This is a crucial question that has a direct effect on your chances to get the job. If you'll ask for a higher salary than what the company is willing to offer, you may be considered too 'expensive' and they will decide to continue with someone else. That being said, if you'll ask for a lower salary than what they expect you to ask for, it may look like you're underrating yourself and your skills and that may make you look bad. Prepare yourself to answer his question – don't be caught off guard and be ready with a proper answer. You can check it beforehand and also ask about the salary during the job interview. If you choose to ask about the salary, do that only after you've asked about the job itself and its responsibilities

10. Final Question – Do you have any questions for us?

It's always recommended to ask the interviewer questions about the job and or the company. If you reply with a simple no it may look like you're not very interested in the job or in working for the company, which is not the impression you want to leave on the interviewer. Ask anything that's relevant to the job. You can always prepare some questions before hand so you'll have a general idea of what you're going to ask. Make sure your questions are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Are you a foreign language speaker? Do you speak German / English / Spanish / Arabic / Russian / Japanese / Chinese / French?  For more tips and useful articles, check out our blog section!