Career Change - Top 10 Interviewing Questions Employers Always Ask

1. So tell me about yourself?attitude.
Remember, the interview is about you and you are the6. Do you like being a team player?
expert. Set the stage for success by focusing on yourAbsolutely, teamwork is essential for success. Market
most marketable skills and strengths. Deliver youryour people-skills in terms of how you communicate
commercial with natural sincerity and enthusiasm. Keepeffectively with an increasingly diverse population. Give
responses relatively brief (about two minutes or less)a specific example of how your writing, speaking or
and job-related.listening skills contributed to the success of a program
2. What are your strengths?or project in the last year.
Support your strengths with specific examples, and7. How would others describe you?
focus on how you saved time and money orThis question can be tricky, so prepare by focusing on
improved sales and service, i.e., Last November I wasyour key employment traits. Honesty, dependability, and
voted Employee of the Month for outstandinga positive attitude are highly valued today. Remember
customer service at XYZ Company.to put your best foot forward and project a credible
3. What are your weaknesses?image.
Avoid appearing defensive. Identify a common8. What do you want to do in five years?
weakness and turn it into a strength, i.e., Sometimes IRespond with a plan that outlines steady progress and
become impatient when there are delays out of myincreasing responsibility, i.e. Everything is changing so
control... but I think wanting to complete the job on timerapidly in this field... but my plan is to continue learning
is also a strength.and gaining experience so that one day I can move on
4. What has prepared you for this job?to the next level.
Focus on your education, training and work experience.9. Why do you want this job?
Provide examples of how you have successfullyPosition yourself as team-player who can be counted
managed similar tasks in the past. Note: Research theon to do a professional job. Match your education,
company in advance to find out as much as you cantraining and experience to the position. Offer compelling
about the position. Request a job description and ifreasons as to why they can't afford not to hire you!
possible, visit the company before interviewing.10. Do you have any questions?
5. How well do you work under pressure?YES! Show your interest, enthusiasm and confidence
Assure the interviewer you can handle multipleby asking - among other things - about a typical
assignments, and keep your cool. Share an exampleworkday, priority projects and on-the-job training. And
of how you have managed a stressful situation in thealways let the interviewer raise the issue of salary and
past by being well-organized and having a positivebenefits first.