What Do These Ten Interview Questions Really Mean?

Date Posted: 05/23/2016

During an interview for an overseas job, many questions are asked of applicants. Some of them are very easy to answer and some are odd to try to answer. Here are the top 10 interview questions!

What are your weaknesses?

This is a classic interview question for jobs overseas because it is uncomfortable to answer! No one wants to talk about what they aren’t good at. There is another purpose to this question, it tests you to see if you are improving yourself. Answer with examples of how you are improving weaknesses in yourself by learning or using a skill.

Why should we hire you?

This is another common question interviewers ask. They are testing if you can answer this question confidently and precisely. To answer, you should relate your skills and past work to the needs of the job you are applying for.

 Why do you want to work here?

 The employer knows you want/need money, buy why this position or company? The interviewer wants to know what you know, think and how you feel about the company.  Study the company’s website so you are prepaid.  Give them examples of why you want to be there and how the position will be enjoyable and beneficial to you.

What are your goals/where do you see yourself in five years?

This question tests if you are committed to the position or company and really want to work abroad.  To answer, discuss how the position interests you and that you wish to advance in the company to a higher position and gain more responsibility.

Why did you leave your last job?

This question is fairly straight forward; overseas employers want to know why.  Do not answer this question with, “I was bored”, or anything like that. Answer this question by discussing attributes that the job abroad you are interviewing for has that your old position did not offer you. You could also describe benefits and experiences you will gain in the new position that the old one did not have (i.e., opportunity for promotions and gaining experience abroad).

Tell us about yourself/what can you do for us that the other applicants can’t?

This question is asked to see if you can tie-in your passions and interests with the position you are interviewing for. Do not tell them your name or past work, they have that on your resume. Tell them what you enjoy and how the position is linked to that and what makes you unique over other applicants.

What are three positive things that your last boss would say about you?

This question is a way to brag about yourself using someone else’s words. Do not make things up here, if possible tell them things your previous boss has said. Focus on comments that past bosses have made that relate to your application. For example, “My boss tells me that he is happy since I am friendly and get along with all my colleagues”. You can show that you are reliable without seeming cocky.  Just keep in mind that when they call your prior boss they will likely ask, so do not make things up.

What salary do you expect?

This can be a tricky question because if you answer too high you could kill your interview. This question can be used in a few ways. It can test your confidence, your research, and how you handle awkward situations. To be prepared for this question you need to do a few things. First, before the interview, research what people in this position normally get paid in your area based on experience. Normally you can find a range, a low-to-high pay scale in the Workabroad website. Second, know what you want. Thirdly, be willing to negotiate a little, flexibility is a great strength.