Common Interview Questions
Although it can be difficult to know what exactly to expect, here are some of the most commonly asked interview questions. Prepare your answers in writing before hand, and practice how you will answer them verbally. Conduct a mock interview with a friend, practice in front of a mirror, or videotape yourself. The more prepared you are, the more poised and confident you’ll be.Remember, when answering questions, focus on how your accomplishments benefit the company.
Tell me about yourself.
Employers ask this question for a variety of reasons. Some may want to hear a brief summary of your work experience (including your current job), while others use it as an icebreaker to get a sense of your personality. Many human resources professionals recommend keeping it brief, stating two professional accomplishments and one personal fact. What you choose to say, and how you say it, says a great deal about you.
What are three of your strengths?
Employers ask this question because they want to know what your strengths are, but more importantly, they want to know if you’re capable of discussing your strengths. Now is not the time to be bashful. Emphasize strengths that can be directly applied to the job.
What is your greatest weakness?
Most of us would like to respond, ” I don’t have any,” but that’s not what the interviewer wants to hear. After all, who doesn’t have a weakness? However, be cautious. Think about what you want to reveal. Pick a weakness that is not important in this job, or one that you have taken steps to strengthen. Always try to transform your weakness into a strength.
What are your most significant accomplishments in the workplace? Outside the workplace?
Emphasize accomplishments that are most relevant to the job. Don’t waste time talking about details that would not be of any use to the employer. Be as specific as possible without revealing too much about your former employer. Don’t downplay your achievements; instead, mention any difficulties you may have had and how you overcame them. If you are asked to describe a personal accomplishment, mention something you’ve accomplished outside of work that is related to your professional development.
What attracted you to the company/position? Why do you want to work for us?
Interviewers ask this question to find out how much you know about the company. Having done your company research, talk about the needs of the company or business and how your skill set can contribute to their goals. Talk about your work experiences and how they have prepared you for this particular position. Also, point out your own career goals.
How do you feel about your current/last position? Likes? Dislikes? What was your reason for leaving?
Interviewers ask this question because they want to find out if you were successful in your last/current position. Avoid terms such as illness, quit, personal reasons, fired, or didn’t like my supervisor. Remain positive; never badmouth a former employer. Use positive reasons such as pursuing degree, relocated, or simply state you are seeking an opportunity to better your professional growth.
Describe a conflict with a manager or coworker. How was it resolved?
Everyone has experienced workplace conflict at some point. The interviewer is assessing your ability to solve problems and interact with others. Don’t use this as an opportunity to say negative things about your former manager…state the problem and describe steps you took to resolve the issue. Do not state that you have never had a conflict: it is too unbelievable.
What are your career goals? How do you see yourself in five years, ten years? Have they changed? If so, how?
While interviewers like candidates who are focused, they ask this question because they want to find out if you’re likely to stay with the company for a while. Don’t proclaim that you’d like to be promoted within a year or that you see this position as a way to get your next job. Try to keep your answer brief and focused on how your career goals are in alignment with the company’s needs.
Why are you changing jobs/careers?
If you are in fact changing careers, be prepared for this question. Interviewers will want to know if you have thoroughly researched your new career, and are not switching jobs on a regular basis. Stress how your skills can transfer to your new career.
Tell me about the best supervisor you’ve ever had. What qualities made them the best? Tell me about the worst supervisor you’ve ever had. What qualities made them the worst?
Interviewers want to find out how your work style fits with the management style of the company. Be sure to emphasize positive experiences. If you have to mention a worst case, try not to dwell on it. Instead, mention the strategies you developed in order to work under less-than-perfect circumstances.
Are you interviewing with other companies?
Interviews might try to find out if they need to act quickly. Don’t mention any specifics. Say that you are extremely interested in the company, but are keeping your options open.
Will you relocate?
Interviewers may be asking if you would relocate, or they may be testing your flexibility and a willingness to consider new things. Be honest in your answer. If the job seems perfect and you are very interested, say you may need some time to think about it and would be open to discussing the possibilities.
What kind of compensation/salary are you seeking?
Usually, a first interview is not the time to discuss salary. An interviewer may just be testing you to see how you react. At this point, it’s best to say that it’s negotiable or that you’re interested in a competitive salary.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Leave your response!
You must be signed in to post a comment.