Prep for the Top 10 Interview Questions
Too many job seekers stumble
through interviews as if the questions are coming out of left field. But many
interview questions are to be expected. Study this list and plan your answers
ahead of time so you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence.
1. What
Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded
question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your
strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional
traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a
more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very
helpful."
2. Why
Should We Hire You?
Summarize your experiences:
"With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my
proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in
your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."
3. Why
Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening
for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending
out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected
key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know
I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high
on my list of desirable choices."
4. What
Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk
about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the
distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a
growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company
goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."
5. Why
Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state
your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two
rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction
in the workforce, which included me."
If you are employed, focus on
what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to
look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."
6. When Were You Most
Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you
were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was
very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and
their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."
7. What Can You Do for Us
That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This
will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize
concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and
the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my
knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."
8. What Are Three Positive
Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You?
It's time to pull out your
old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag
about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that
I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he
likes my sense of humor."
9. What Salary Are You
Seeking?
It is to your advantage if
the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in
your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would
be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount.
In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?"
10. If You Were an Animal,
Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of
psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a
bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a
lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it
take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?
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