| We have all undergone job interviews at some point in | | | | Try not to make derogatory statements about your |
| our lives but, even | | | | previous employers or |
| so, not everyone knows how to pass job interviews. | | | | negative comments such as: I needed more money. |
| What follows are some | | | | Generic answers like: |
| common questions and tips on how to answer them | | | | I'm making a career decision by applying at this new |
| the right way:The most common question you will be | | | | job, are better.Another common question is: What are |
| asked is: Tell me about yourself. | | | | your strengths? Use this lead to |
| As an open-ended interview question, this is your | | | | play up the positive traits you possess in connection |
| opportunity to play up | | | | with the job you |
| your positive work habits and your qualifications. It | | | | are applying for.The interviewer may then ask you: |
| would be best to | | | | What are your weaknesses? Try not to |
| devote your reply to facts about your work and | | | | dwell on your answer to this question. Buffer your |
| career. A skillful | | | | weak points by |
| interviewer will know how to use this one question | | | | pointing out a strength that compensates for it.The |
| alone to bring out | | | | interviewer is interested in your problem-solving abilities |
| more information about you than a series of questions | | | | when he |
| would. Try to keep | | | | says to you: Tell me how you overcame a major |
| your answer to a maximum of one minute long, | | | | problem in your |
| inclusive of a description | | | | past or current job. You will have to explain how you |
| of your most recent position and what you are | | | | solved the problem |
| hopeful to do next.After answering this question briefly, | | | | and show pride in your skill in doing so.A killer question |
| choose to stay silent or follow-up | | | | which you might be asked is: What sets you apart |
| with this question: Is there anything else you wanted | | | | from |
| to know? Listen | | | | the other applicants who are applying for this position? |
| well to the reply of the interviewer so that you will | | | | It is best to |
| know just what he or she | | | | devote your answer to highlighting your skills, |
| would like to hear from you.Do not rush into giving an | | | | experience, and |
| answer immediately to any question. | | | | presentation as you have no inkling of what the other |
| Interviewers are aware of your anxiety and will want | | | | applicants might |
| you to think first | | | | have to offer. Learn to match what you can bring to |
| before answering. However, try not to wait too long | | | | the table to what |
| between answers or | | | | the organization needs since this is key to clinching the |
| you will seem like you are stalling. Interviewers select | | | | job. Determine |
| open-ended | | | | the key elements of the position and how you can |
| questions just to see what you can come up with so | | | | add value to the group.It is highly likely for interviewers |
| do not ramble on while | | | | to ask more creative questions than |
| trying to determine your real answer.The next most | | | | these but these are the basic and most common. By |
| common question interviewers like to ask is: why do | | | | using these guide |
| you | | | | questions, you will be more prepared to hurdle that |
| want to leave your present job?" Or why did you | | | | interview and |
| leave your most recent | | | | get the job for yourself.Dave Poon is an |
| position? These are dangerous questions that should | | | | accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in |
| be treated carefully. | | | | Careers. |