An interview session is a stage where a panel will evaluate potential candidates and select the best candidate to be placed for the position. If you are currently waiting to be interviewed by an organization, you might be wondering what questions will come up from the panel.

As of May 2021, the Department of Statistics Malaysia reports an unemployment rate of 4.5%, although just a year ago it was at a monthly all time high of 5.3%

While the numbers are looking slightly better there are still many unemployed Malaysians.

This article will share with you some common questions to help you ace your interview session. This article will be broken down into two parts. Part one of this article will cover general questions commonly asked. Below is a list of some common general questions that you can prepare yourself with.

Interview Questions on Introduction:

1. What do you know about our company?
2. What are some positive aspects you have seen from your last employer? What about the negative aspects?
3. What is the biggest contribution you have made for your last organization? Did you encounter challenges? How did you overcome these challenges?
4. What skills do you have that you think are suitable for this position?
5. What made you want to apply for this job opportunity?

Interview Questions on Communication Skills

1. Please describe how you overcame a communication barrier(s).
2. If you are given a task to do a group presentation? How would you get involved and deliver? What would you do differently?
3. What will you do if someone does not listen to you?
4. How do you manage the situation when you are dealing with an angry person?
5. Which one would you prefer? Communicating face-to-face or in writing? Why?

Interview Questions on Teamwork

1. If you encounter a conflict with your group, how would you react and what would you do to resolve the situation?
2. Describe the role you play within workgroups and why?
3. What will people think of you when they work with you?
4. Tell me about your experience working in a virtual team?
5. What is essential for a team to be successful?

If you are interviewing for an Executive Position

1. Please describe your interest in becoming (title of position)?
2. How would you proceed if the board of directors adopted a policy or program that you felt was inconsistent with the goals and mission of our company?
3. Can you share any ideas that can contribute to increasing the success of this company?
4. If you are selected for the position, what contribution will you give to the organization?
5. Tell me about your work experience and explain how you helped the organization to accomplish its goal and mission.

If you are interviewing for a Managerial Position

1. What is your philosophy of management?
2. A new policy will be implemented for the whole organization, and you do not agree with this new policy. How do you encounter this situation?
3. Why should employees seek to improve their skills and knowledge base?
4. Management requires employees to have good skills in verbal and written communication. In your own opinion or perspective, do you prefer to write a memo or talk to the employees face to face?
5. Good management will motivate an employee and encourage them to deliver the task well. From your point of view, do you find it more natural to point out where an employee is lacking? How would you go about it?

The answers will vary according to individual and objective but we hope that these questions will serve as a guideline for you on your next interview session.

If you would like to learn more about answering them, you may check out The Balance Careers site for some general answers.

Alternatively you may check out our website resources on practical information on the current Malaysian market.

Don’t forget to come back and check out part 2.

Best of luck on your next interview!