| Remember taking exams in school? How many times | | | | businesses must make difficult decisions when times |
| did you think to yourself, "If only I knew what questions | | | | are tough. |
| were going to be on the test, I could get an A." Getting | | | | Resist the temptation to bad-mouth your previous |
| interviewed for a job is the equivalent of a verbal test. | | | | employer. Any negativity will seem unprofessional, |
| And if you know what questions you'll be asked, then | | | | even if your statements are valid. |
| you can prepare and do well. Below are the 10 most | | | | You can say that you appreciated the opportunities |
| common interview questions and guidance on how to | | | | you had at your last job and you hope your next job |
| approach answering them. | | | | will give you similar chances to grow. If possible, share |
| 1. Tell me about yourself. | | | | some specific examples of how your prior employer |
| This interview question isn't as open-ended as it | | | | allowed you to develop your abilities. |
| sounds. The employer wants to know about your | | | | 6. Are you competitive? |
| professional experience, so don't launch into a lengthy | | | | While some people might think it's best to answer "no" |
| discussion about personal subjects. Avoid disclosures | | | | to this interview question, many companies do value a |
| such as age, marital status, hobbies, etc. as they're not | | | | competitive nature, especially if you're applying for a |
| relevant at this point and can only serve to disqualify | | | | sales position. As long as you don't come across as |
| you from further consideration. | | | | ruthless or combative, a competitive spirit is an asset. |
| Instead, talk about your work and educational | | | | One way to answer this question is: "I can be |
| background. Use the information listed on your resume | | | | competitive, but I'm also a team player. I've worked in |
| as potential talking points. Keep your answers to the | | | | groups and recognize that what we accomplished |
| point and watch how the interviewer responds. You | | | | was far greater than what I could have done on my |
| can expound on those topics which seem to catch his | | | | own." |
| or her interest. | | | | 7. What do you like to do in your spare time? |
| 2. Why did you choose to apply for this position? | | | | This interview question provides you with an |
| You can answer this interview question easily if you've | | | | opportunity to show your personality. You can |
| done your homework. Your research about the | | | | describe your hobbies and interests. Of course, avoid |
| company should have provided specific details about | | | | mentioning any activities that could be considered |
| the organization's products, history, mission and | | | | controversial or immoral. Also steer clear of any |
| philosophy, all of which can be reasons you chose to | | | | subjects that could cause the interviewer concern |
| apply for the position. | | | | about your commitment to the job, such as your |
| The interviewer is really asking why you should be | | | | all-encompassing care of an elderly relative or your |
| considered for the job. So use your past work or | | | | dedication to competing in marathons around the |
| educational experiences to show that you are a good | | | | country. |
| fit and would be an asset to the company. | | | | 8. How do you handle stress? |
| Don't mention salary, even if that happens to be the | | | | Nearly every job involves some sort of pressure. The |
| real reason you're applying for the job. Employers | | | | employer wants to know if you're going to rise to the |
| want people who are excited about the work and the | | | | challenge or run out the door screaming when things |
| company. Money shouldn't appear to be your primary | | | | get tense. The best way to answer this question is to |
| motivator. | | | | say that you handle stress well. But don't leave it at |
| 3. What are your strengths? | | | | that. Provide a specific example of how you handled a |
| The interviewer is giving you permission to toot your | | | | stressful situation. The story you tell will serve as |
| own horn, so don't be too modest. Focus on those | | | | evidence of your cool under fire and your |
| strengths that the company would value such as | | | | problem-solving ability. |
| communication and leadership skills. You can also talk | | | | 9. What are your salary expectations? |
| about your ability to problem-solve, handle stress and | | | | This is a tough question because you don't want to |
| get along well with others. Ideally, you want to also | | | | give a number so high that you knock yourself out of |
| supply an example or two that demonstrate these | | | | contention for the job. And you don't want to give a |
| strengths. | | | | low number that essentially leaves money on the table. |
| 4. What are your weaknesses or areas of | | | | Prior to the interview, you should have done some |
| development? | | | | research to determine the going rate for the open |
| The obvious answer would be to say you have no | | | | position. You can be sure the employer has done so. |
| weaknesses, but your answer won't sound believable. | | | | If possible, try to get the employer to throw out the |
| Let's face it; everyone has areas that could use some | | | | first figure. If the employer is vague or evasive in |
| improvement. | | | | answering, then give a range of your salary |
| Of course, you also don't want to give the employer a | | | | expectations based on your credentials and |
| weakness that's so significant as to disqualify you as a | | | | knowledge of the field. |
| candidate. The best way to get out of this question is | | | | 10. Do you have any questions for me? |
| to use a weakness that may also be viewed as a | | | | Asking questions of the employer shows your interest. |
| strength. | | | | It's also your opportunity to find out more about the |
| For example, "I need to get better at delegating. Often, | | | | company and the individual position so you can decide |
| I try to do everything myself, and that's not always the | | | | if it's right for you. Be sure your questions reflect |
| best use of my time." | | | | substance. Don't ask something trivial like how long |
| Another tactic is to explain how you're working to | | | | your lunch break will be. |
| overcome your weakness. For example, "I'm not as | | | | You should prepare a few questions in advance |
| familiar as I should be with Photoshop software. Lately, | | | | based on your research of the company prior to your |
| I've been doing online tutorials to improve my technical | | | | interview such as: What is the size of the company in |
| skills." | | | | terms of sales volume and number of employees? |
| A different strategy is to mention a minor flaw, such | | | | What are the company's strengths compared to its |
| as, "I can be too outspoken at times, but I'm working on | | | | competition? And, what are the main responsibilities of |
| choosing my words more carefully and being more | | | | the position? |
| diplomatic." | | | | In answering any interview questions, keep in mind that |
| 5. Why did you leave your last job? | | | | the employer is trying to learn more about your skills, |
| Employers are often curious about your past situation | | | | experience and personality to decide if you are a fit |
| because it can be a good indicator of how you'll | | | | for the open position. To be likeable, make good eye |
| perform in the future in a new job. The best approach | | | | contact and wear a pleasant expression throughout |
| is to be honest, but upbeat, and don't give unnecessary | | | | your meeting. Listen with interest to the interviewer |
| detail. | | | | and comment appropriately. Be a natural, but |
| If you were laid off, say that you wish you could have | | | | professional version of your true self, and you stand a |
| stayed, but that you understand that sometimes | | | | good chance of getting a job offer. |