Congratulations!

You qualified for the job interview. What’s happens next ? Am I prepared? What if I look stupid?

A great resume and business attire can only get you so far in this process. If you made it this far using a resume that was not truthful,  be sure to correct any flaws in your resume. Employers will find out at the interview, if in fact, you lied on your application and on your resume. Do not be surprised if they have done a cursory background investigation before your job interview.

Employers want to see your interview skills, your technique, confidence and most of all the knowledge you have about this particular job opening. Ready? Take a deep breath and relax. It isn’t as bad as you think. Let’s start with interview tips and some answers to the top 10 interview questions that will get you that job.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is not an invitation to tell your perspective employer how much you weighed at birth or what you did over the weekend. This question is to find out about why you are right for this job. Your answer should be a quick summary of your best qualities and why they are relevant for this position in their organization. Once you have determined your answer, write it down and practice saying it ahead of time. This will make your answer come out more relaxed and natural.

2. What do you know about our company?

You hopefully have done your homework before now, which should have included researching the company thoroughly. You can’t go into an interview not knowing about the company that you are hoping will hire you. The Internet is a wonderful tool for research. Take advantage of all that information and make sure you are up to date on recent articles and accomplishments of this company.

3. What did you like and dislike about your previous job?

Wow! Are you stressing now or what? This is not a trick question. It’s a chance to highlight the positive aspects of your past job. Respond with the good points from your former job that corresponds with the position you are seeking with this new company.

You should give one quick answer to the “dislike” question. Don’t say that there was nothing you disliked about your previous job. If you say that then you will be seen as untruthful, because after all, you are interviewing for a new job! You could say that the previous company was a smaller company and you were looking to be a part of a growing organization to achieve your future goals.

4. Why should we hire you for this position?

Don’t just say, “Because I am the best person suited for this job.” You need to explain that your skills and experience, along with the knowledge of this position will make you the best candidate for the job. Describe what makes you unique and how you can bring those traits to the position to become a valuable employee. Describe some of your previous accomplishments in a similar type job.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

This question is to find out if you have career goals and if you plan on staying with the company. Sometimes a perspective employer will not want to take the time and money to incorporate you if you will not be staying with the company for long. You should think carefully before answering this question because it could make or break the interview. Describe your goals to become more involved in the organization as you enjoy your work as a new employee. State that you are always open to trying things outside of your job description.

6. Do you prefer to work alone or as a team?

This is to see how well you can work together in the workplace with existing employees. You should say that you definitely are confident enough to take on assignments alone but would fit right in working as a team member. Hearing and considering points of views from others, to make a proper decision, is something that you have enjoyed in previous jobs.

7. What do you consider your weakness?

This should be dealt with briefly enough to state your weakness but more to highlight what you are doing to improve on your weakness. Some might consider being demanding or aggressive to be a weakness, but that could be turned around to highlight the fact that you are a go-getter and like to push forward to make sure tasks are completed on time.

8. What are your strengths?

Pick 2 or 3 of your best strengths and elaborate on them. These could be things like your ability to comprehend new programs and ideas, your positive attitude and how you enjoy working with others to achieve a common goal in the workplace. Give some examples that showcase these qualities.

9. Why did you apply for this job?

A definite answer not to say is that you are applying because you are not happy at your current/previous job. Your research will give you all the information that you need to answer this question. You state that you are looking to advance in this industry and with this organization you feel that can be easily accomplished. Your goals match well with the company. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow in your field.

10. How do you feel about working long hours and weekends?

Surely you won’t answer this question with a bold statement of how you only want to put in your 40-hour workweek and the weekends are out because that’s your party time! The correct way to approach this question is to say that you would be open to working longer hours to achieve a specific goal or important project. Occasional weekends could be arranged if the need should arise. Stress that you strive to get your work done during regular business hours, but understand the occasional need to sacrifice some of your personal time for the betterment of the company.

25 Responses to “Interview Questions”