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