| Job interviews are a stressful time. A good applicant | | | | how loyal the interviewee will be. |
| prepares for the interview by studying typical job | | | | 4. Why did you decide to pursue a new job? |
| interview questions so that he or she is not caught off | | | | This may also mean "what are you looking for in a |
| guard during the interview process. Knowing what the | | | | job?' This is another well-rehearsed question among |
| interviewer is expecting as good answers is important | | | | most job applicants. Stay positive in answering this |
| in acing most any interview. I have taken the liberty of | | | | question. Most often, this question can be reworded to |
| making a list of all the typical basic interview questions | | | | throw even the well-prepared applicant off course. |
| and how the interviewer may interpret the | | | | 5. Which do enjoy the most: working alone with |
| interviewee's answers. Be advised that these are just | | | | information or working with other people? |
| the standard questions, other questions can be asked, | | | | The correct answer here is "both". In today's |
| and so of course it is good to be well-prepared. | | | | workplace most of the focus is designed around a |
| 1. Can you tell me a little about yourself? | | | | "team environment" mentality. The interviewer wants |
| This most often is the most common question which | | | | to know that not only do you work well by yourself, |
| sets the successful path of the interview. Most often | | | | but that you understand that the work you do is |
| the interviewee has a well-prepared answer. What the | | | | contributes to the overall success of your co-workers |
| interviewer wants to hear is summary of strengths, | | | | and team. |
| major achievements, and career goals. This is the | | | | 6. I see that you've been unemployed for the past |
| interviewer's time to cross reference the interviewee's | | | | months. Why did you leave your last job, and what |
| resume to ensure the answer to this question matches | | | | have you been doing since then? |
| up. | | | | The answer to this question should be one that proves |
| 2. What interests you about this job and what skills | | | | to the interviewer that the time unemployed has been |
| and strengths can you bring to it? | | | | used wisely. For example, were you seeking |
| A good answer to this question should allow the | | | | employment or seeking an advanced degree? The |
| interviewee to show that he or she has really done his | | | | interviewer is looking for a spotty work history. A good |
| or her homework. The interviewer wants to know | | | | applicant should use the time during unemployment |
| specifically what skills and strengths that the | | | | wisely and productively. |
| interviewee has in respect to the job being applied for | | | | 7. How do you handle conflict? Can you give me an |
| and not overall skills and strengths. A good way to | | | | example of how you handled a workplace conflict in |
| combat this is to study the current company job | | | | the past? |
| description and even doing internet research for the | | | | The interviewer wants to know if you were |
| job to see how other people describe the job | | | | reasonable while still standing up for what was right or |
| description and what skills and strengths make one an | | | | ethical. This, too, is a rehearsed question among most |
| ideal candidate for the job . The interviewer wants to | | | | applicants, so again be prepared for the interviewer to |
| hear what you have to contribute to the job. | | | | want more specifics. Even the easiest-going employee |
| 3. Can you tell me a little about your current job? | | | | has faced conflict in the workplace. Saying that you |
| The interviewer wants a summary of current duties | | | | never have been in a situation with conflict makes you |
| and responsibilities. The thing that the interviewer is | | | | seem dishonest or delusional. |
| looking for is if the interviewee takes personal | | | | Again remember these are some of the basic |
| accountability. Personal accountability is taking the | | | | questions and are not a standard template etched in |
| responsibility for our own mistakes without placing the | | | | stone. Get prepared, get plenty of rest, and eat a good |
| blame on someone else. The interviewer is also | | | | breakfast before the interview. This will allow you to |
| listening for bad-mouthing and placing blame on the | | | | remain focused during the interview. |
| employer. This question allows the interviewer to see | | | | |