Frequently Asked Interview Questions

Your resume looks fabulous, and you've been gettingemployee has areas in which there are opportunities
tons of calls from companies that want to interviewfor growth, but it's important to have an answer
you. Your interview preparation should include lookingprepared that you'll feel good about when the
at the employer's Web site in order to familiarizeinterview is over.
yourself with the specifics of the business. However,Why did you leave your last job?
keep in mind that employers already know about theirIf you were terminated from your last position or you
company, and therefore are most interested in learningleft due to personal conflicts, this is another question
about YOU during an interview. Here are somefor which you should be prepared. Lying in an interview
questions interviewers love to ask:can be grounds for future termination, so it's important
What is it that appeals to you about this position?that you find a way to represent yourself both
As you apply for different jobs, it's a good idea tohonestly and professionally.
save the job description for each position with aWhat are you looking for in your next job?
recognizable file name. Before your interview, you canThis type of inquiry makes it sound as though an
review the job description and give some thought toemployer is interested in your personal wants and
not only what makes the job interesting to you, butinterests, but that's sometimes not the true reason for
also why your qualifications offer a good fit. Employersthe question. Employers often use this question to rule
use this question to determine whether you'reout people who are looking for something other than
genuinely interested in the opening-or just trying to findwhat their opportunity provides. For instance, if you are
a job... any job.asked this question by the hiring manager for a busy
What would your previous supervisors or coworkerspolice department, and you answer that you're looking
say about you?for a peaceful, calm working environment, you will
If you've never thought about other people'sappear to be a poor fit. Your answer to this question
perspectives of your work, this question can catch youshould be in line with something the employer can offer
off guard in an interview. Prior to your interview, takeyou-like the opportunity to grow with the company or
some time to remember any compliments previousto perform community service with coworkers.
coworkers have given you, or strengths your previousPreparation is the key.
supervisors have noted during performancePeople who have to present themselves in front of
evaluations. Then, rather than speculating on whatothers spend a lot of time preparing. Just think about all
previous coworkers might say, you can offer athe prep time put in by pageant contestants, legal
concrete story from the past.witnesses, or political candidates. An interview is your
What are you still working on as a professional?chance to present yourself in the most favorable light
This is a simple rewording of the traditional, "What arepossible. It's important to prepare-and to have great
your weaknesses as an employee?" It's good to haveanswers ready for the tough questions.
an answer ready to go for this question. Every