Top 3 questions by UAE employers at interview

You may prepare yourself many days ahead of a job interview, but in the end it all boils down to three questions that most candidates are asked during the interview process; even though it may be worded differently, according to leading experts in the recruitment industry.

Emirates 24|7 spoke with some experts in the industry and the most common questions that employers ask revolve around the strengths/weakness of the candidate, why she/he is suited for the job and what can she/he add to the prospective company.

However, these may differ as roles become more complicated.  “I need to stress that [interview] questions are by no means exhaustive, and, depending on what the company needs to identify during the interview, the questions will vary.

“The style of interview, the kind of position, and the seniority of the candidate will guide the exact questions that will be asked.

“It is not correct to make simplistic generalisations when human talent is concerned,” said Konstantina Sakellariou, Partner, Marketing & Operations Director at Stanton Chase.
Here are the top questions that experts believe you may be asked during an interview.

James Sayer, Associate Director at Robert Half UAE While there are different nuances by industry and individual, applicants should be prepared for the following questions in every job interview:

- Describe your greatest strengths and weaknesses. This question is designed to not only allow you to boast about your accolades, but to also allow you to reflect upon those areas where you may need improvement. It is important to be honest while also explaining the steps you plan to take to improve your weaknesses.

- Why do you want to work for our company? This is your chance to prove your knowledge about the company, its industry position and its competitive advantage.

With so many tools on the web – from websites, social media feeds, news articles and search engines, you should be able to wow your interviewer with your knowledge, including how you will add value to the organisation.

- Do you have any questions? The answer to this question is always ‘yes’. Like above, this is your chance to cover any questions that you think the interviewer has missed that will present you in a favourable light.

It will also allow you to find out information to help you make the decision on whether you want to take the job. One word of advice, however – don’t ask about remuneration within the first or second interview as this may give employers the impression that you are only motivated by financial remuneration.

Konstantina Sakellariou, Partner, Marketing & Operations Director at Stanton Chase The three important questions in interviews focus on:

- What did the candidate achieve in his/her previous position(s) that is relevant to the position for which he/she is interviewed?

- How did he/she achieve these results and what was exactly his/her personal contribution to the achievement?

- What are some of the main lessons from past experiences that he/she would reconsider and change future positions?

- Why would he/she wish to explore the specific new opportunity, what are they looking for and how do they believe they will achieve it in the new position?

Suhail Masri, VP of Sales at Bayt.com

It is known that some interview questions are common among most employers and do not depend on the country per se, such as:

-  Tell me about yourself, your strengths/weakness and your greatest accomplishments.

-  Why are you applying for this particular job? What makes you qualified for it?

-  Why do you want to work for us? Why should we hire you?

Shane Phillips, MENA Regional Practice Leader, Financial& Professional Services at Stanton Chase Why do you want to work here?  This is a question about your personal vision and it should match the vision and direction of the company.

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