Expert · English at work and interviews · topic 53 of 59 · 18 min
Tough interview questions: strengths, weaknesses, salary
Explanation
Interviewers are not trying to trap you. Tough questions show how you think, how honest you are and how well you know yourself (आत्म-समझ). A calm, short, true answer beats a long, perfect-sounding one.
Strengths: always with proof
One of my strengths is staying calm with angry customers. In my last job, I handled the escalation desk for a year.
Say it: WUN ov my STRENGKTHS iz STAY-ing KAAM with ANG-gree KUS-tum-erz. in my LAAST JOB, ai HAN-duld the es-ka-LAY-shun DESK for a YEER
मेरी एक ख़ूबी है नाराज़ ग्राहकों के साथ शांत रहना। पिछली नौकरी में मैंने एक साल तक एस्केलेशन डेस्क संभाला।
Strength + proof. An escalation desk handles the most difficult complaints.
Weakness: real, and improving
I used to find public speaking hard, so I joined a weekly speaking club. I'm much more confident now.
Say it: ai YOOST to FYND PUB-lik SPEEK-ing HAARD, soh ai JOYND a WEEK-lee SPEEK-ing KLUB. aim MUCH mor KON-fi-dent NOW
मुझे पहले सबके सामने बोलना मुश्किल लगता था, इसलिए मैंने हर हफ़्ते वाला एक स्पीकिंग क्लब जॉइन किया। अब मैं काफ़ी ज़्यादा आत्मविश्वासी हूँ।
Changing jobs and career gaps
I've learned a lot in my current role, and now I'm looking for bigger challenges.
Say it: aiv LURND a LOT in my KUR-unt ROHL, and NOW aim LUK-ing for BIG-er CHAL-in-jez
मैंने अपनी मौजूदा नौकरी में बहुत कुछ सीखा है, और अब मैं बड़ी चुनौतियाँ चाहता हूँ।
Keep the reason positive. Never criticise your current boss or company in an interview.
I took a year off to care for my father. During that time, I also completed an online course in data analysis.
Say it: ai TUK a YEER OF to KAIR for my FAA-ther. DYOOR-ing THAT TYM, ai OL-so kum-PLEE-tid an ON-lyn KORS in DAY-ta a-NAL-i-sis
मैंने अपने पिताजी की देखभाल के लिए एक साल का ब्रेक लिया। उस दौरान मैंने डेटा एनालिसिस का एक ऑनलाइन कोर्स भी पूरा किया।
Explain a gap honestly and briefly, then show you kept learning.
Salary and notice period
Indian job terms: CTC (cost to company: the total yearly cost, including PF and bonus), in-hand or take-home salary (what reaches your bank each month), and LPA (lakhs per annum). Abroad, people say "salary" or "annual package", and CTC or LPA may confuse them. Before the interview, research the usual pay for your role and city on job sites and by asking people in the field. Then give a range, not one number.
Based on my research and experience, I'm looking for something in the range of six to seven lakh per annum, but I'm open to discussing.
Say it: BAYST on my ri-SURCH and ik-SPEER-ee-ens, aim LUK-ing for SUM-thing in the RAYNJ ov SIKS to SEV-en LAAKH per AN-um, but aim OH-pen to dis-KUS-ing
मेरी रिसर्च और अनुभव के आधार पर, मैं छह से सात लाख सालाना की रेंज में देख रहा हूँ, लेकिन मैं बात करने के लिए तैयार हूँ।
These numbers are only an example, not real market pay. Find the real range for your own role and city.
My notice period is sixty days, but I can ask for an early release.
Say it: my NOH-tis PEER-ee-ud iz SIKS-tee DAYZ, but ai kan AASK for an UR-lee ri-LEES
मेरा नोटिस पीरियड साठ दिन का है, लेकिन मैं जल्दी रिलीव होने के लिए कंपनी से बात कर सकता हूँ।
Notice period: how long you must keep working after you resign. Check your appointment letter and give the true number.
| Good questions to ask the interviewer | Why it works |
|---|---|
| What would a typical day in this role look like? | Shows real interest in the work |
| How will my performance be measured in the first six months? | Shows you care about results |
| What are the next steps in the process? | Tells you what to expect, politely |
| Avoid in the first round: only questions about leave and salary | Can sound like you care only about benefits |
I'm not sure about that, but here's how I would find out.
Say it: aim NOT SHOOR a-BOWT THAT, but heerz HOW ai wud FYND OWT
मुझे इसके बारे में पक्का नहीं पता, लेकिन मैं इसे ऐसे पता करूँगा।
Saying "I don't know" honestly, and then showing how you think, impresses more than guessing.
Thank-you note: send a short email the same day. "Thank you for your time today. I enjoyed learning about the role, and I'm excited about the chance to join your team." Three lines are enough.
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Tough interview questions: strengths, weaknesses, salary · 1/7
Hello! Today we practise tough interview questions: strengths, weaknesses and salary.
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In real life: A tough interview round (names and numbers are only examples)
Interviewer: What is your biggest weakness? Sneha: I used to find it hard to say no, so I took on too much work. Now I keep a task list and tell my manager early when my plate is full. Interviewer: Good. Why are you leaving your current job? Sneha: I've learned a lot there, but I'm ready for more responsibility, like the team lead role here. Interviewer: What are your salary expectations? Sneha: Based on my research for this role in Hyderabad, I'm looking at eight to nine lakh per annum. But I'm open to discussing the full package. Interviewer: And your notice period? Sneha: It's sixty days, but I can ask my company for an early release. Interviewer: Do you have any questions for us? Sneha: Yes. How will you measure success in this role in the first six months?
Practice (0/4 done)
Say this answer about why you are changing jobs. Sound positive.
I've learned a lot in my current role, and now I'm looking for bigger challenges.
मैंने अपनी मौजूदा नौकरी में बहुत कुछ सीखा है, और अब मैं बड़ी चुनौतियाँ चाहता हूँ।
Listen and type the sentence.
Write your answers to three questions: "What is your biggest strength?", "What is your biggest weakness?" and "What are your salary expectations?" Use an example range for the salary.
Which answer to "Why are you leaving your current job?" is best?
Quick quiz
Pass the quiz (60% or more) or mark this topic as done when you are ready.
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