Top 8 Personal Interview Questions [Complete Guide]
Did you know that 75% of recruiters rely on behavioral questions in interviews to assess the soft skills and employability of a candidate? Thus, knowing how to tackle such personal questions becomes crucial to successfully pass any job interview. While it may seem daunting to answer subjective questions correctly to impress the recruiter, it is nothing you can’t ace with a little practice. In this article, we’re going to help you understand how to handle those personal interview questions like a total pro.
8 Common Personal Interview Questions and Answers
Personal interview questions matter because they provide deeper insights into a candidate’s character, communication skills, and suitability for a role. They go beyond the resume, revealing one’s attitude, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills. Let’s discuss some personal interview question examples that often pop up in interviews.
#1. Tell Me About Yourself
This is usually the first question in any interview. It’s your chance to share a little about your professional journey. Highlight experiences and skills that relate to the job you want.
Answer: “I am a self-driven Software Engineer with one year of professional experience. After graduating from ABC University, I worked at Blue Tech, where I got to develop an ed-tech app. Now, I’m excited to bring my skills to a more superior role with your company.”
Here’s a detailed guide on how to answer the tell me about yourself interview question.
#2. Strengths and Weaknesses
When talking about strengths, focus on the qualities that would make you a good fit for the job. For weaknesses, be honest and talk about a problem that you are currently trying to improve. Avoid mentioning a big character flaw that you can’t improve quickly.
Answer: “My organizational skills are my biggest strength. I am able to stay on top of projects and meet deadlines with ease. As for a weakness, I used a shy away from public speaking, but I’ve been taking courses to improve. Now, I’m a lot more confident.”
Here’s how to answer what are your strengths and weaknesses in an interview.
#3. Why Do You Want to Work Here?
This question helps the employer understand how well you know the company’s history, day-to-day functioning, and mission.
Answer: “I did some research and I’m impressed with the innovative projects your company is working on. Plus, I love the collaborative approach you have. I’m eager to contribute my skills and be part of this creative environment.”
Take a closer look at how to answer why you want to work here.
#4. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
This question is asked to gain insight into your long-term goals and how you envision your professional development.
Answer: “In five years, I hope to take on more leadership responsibilities and even spearhead some exciting projects. I see myself growing alongside the company and making a positive impact.”
Take a look at how to answer the question of where do you see yourself in 10 years.
#5. Tell Me About a Challenge You’ve Overcome
This is your chance to show how good you are at solving problems. Give an example of an issue that arose at your previous workplace, explain how you handled it, and talk about what you learned.
Answer: “Once we received an update from the client the day before the deadline and based on the fact that we had been working on the project for 3 months it seemed impossible to update the report quickly. However, my team and I came up with a game plan and divided our workload strategically to meet the deadline. This incident taught me the power of teamwork and determination.”
Also, learn how to answer what makes you unique.
#6. What Are Your Salary Expectations?
It’s important to approach this question with consideration for the base salary set up by the industry standards and the unique skills and expertise you bring to the role. Showcasing how you’ll bring value to the company when justifying your salary expectation.
Answer: “Based on the industry standards, my skillset, and experience, I think that a salary package of ₹5 LPA is ideal for me. I think I am a good fit for this role and I can be a valuable addition to the team. I am really interested in working with your company and am open to negotiations.”
Refer to this blog to get a better understanding of how to answer what are your salary expectations.
#7. Why Should We Hire You?
This question is asked to understand what sets you apart. Highlight your strengths, and relevant experiences, and express genuine enthusiasm for the role.
Answer: “You should hire me because I possess the technical skills you’re looking for as well as a passion for this field which pushes me to learn more about it. I’m eager to contribute my knowledge and become a valuable member of your team.”
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to answer why should we hire you.
#8. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?
This question is asked to gain a deeper understanding of the company’s culture and operations. It also demonstrates your eagerness to work for the company, so, always remember to ask a question.
Answer: “I’m curious about the team dynamics and how projects are typically structured here. Can you tell me a bit more about that?”
Here’s a detailed guide on how to respond when a recruiter asks do you have any questions for me.
Prepare for your upcoming interview with this interview preparation course and increase your chances of success.
7 Curveball Personal Questions
Recruiters ask curveball personal questions to gain deeper insights about how well the candidate might adapt to unexpected situations in the workplace. Here are some curveball questions that will give you an idea of what to expect in an interview:
#9. If You Could Have Dinner with Any Historical Figure, Who Would It Be?
Pick someone you admire and explain why. It’s a chance to share your interests and personality.
Answer: “I’d love to have dinner with Marie Curie. Her dedication to science and breaking boundaries is inspiring to me.”
#10. How Would You Solve a Problem if No One at the Company Knew the Answer?
Show how resourceful you are. Explain how you’d research, ask for advice, and come up with a solution on your own.
Answer: “If I were in such a situation, I’d start by doing some thorough research and then reach out to any industry experts I could find. If all else fails, I’d brainstorm creative solutions with the team.”
#11. What Animal Do You Most Identify With, and Why?
Choose an animal that reflects your personality. Explain why you relate to it.
Answer: “I’d say I’m like a dolphin – friendly, adaptable, and always up for a challenge.”
#12. If You Could Time Travel, Where and When Would You Go?
This question is a test of your general awareness as well as your critical thinking so answer wisely.
Answer: “I’d love to visit ancient Greece during the height of philosophical discourse. Being able to engage with thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle would be incredibly enlightening.”
#13. If You Were a Fictional Character, Who Would You Be and Why?
This question prompts you to choose a fictional character that you feel a connection to. Your choice and explanation offer insight into the qualities or values you find admirable.
Answer: “I think I’d be Frodo from The Hobbit. He’s incredibly determined and courageous in the face of adversity. I admire his ability to stay calm under pressure and protect those he cares about.”
#14. If You Could Invent a New Holiday, What Would It Celebrate and How Would People Celebrate It?
This question encourages you to exercise your creativity and imagination, so try to think of a response before you check the answer below.
Answer: “I’d create ‘Innovation Day’ to celebrate creativity and problem-solving. People would spend the day working on new ideas, collaborating, and sharing innovations to inspire others.”
#15. If You Could Have a Superpower, What Would It Be and How Would You Use It?
This question is a good way for the employer to gauge what you would want to change about the world if given a chance. So, think about your answer carefully before responding.
Answer: “I’d choose the power of having limitless knowledge. It would mean I could learn and understand anything, which would be incredibly valuable in solving the most difficult problems in the world.”
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered the ins and outs of handling personal interview questions with answers. Interviews are the first interactions with your future employer, thus, making a good impression is crucial. So, remember to put your best foot forward.
Are you nervous about interviews? Gain confidence with practical tips on how to answer interview questions confidently. If you are someone who cannot WFO, then check out these work from home jobs. If you are looking to work in a big company, then take a look at these work from home jobs in Mumbai.
Now, share with us some curveball questions that you may have faced in an interview in the comments section.
