| Nearly everyone has had to go on a job interview at | | | | stating: I felt that I had reached my peak at my past |
| least once in their lives. But noteveryone knows what | | | | job and wanted to move into another position that had |
| to answer to questions fired at them during the | | | | growth possibilities.o The interviewer is probing into |
| interview. Thisarticle lists sample answers to the top | | | | what motivates you when he asks: When did you feel |
| ten questions interviewers are known to askduring a | | | | the most satisfaction from your work? |
| job interview. | | | | You could say: I derived a great deal of satisfaction |
| But first, you have to realize that your job interview | | | | from my work as a freelance writer because I was |
| unofficially starts the momentyou answer that call | | | | able to practice what I learned through all my years as |
| from the organization you are applying to. Thus, you | | | | an amateur writer in my college newspaper.o Try to |
| have to makea good impression on whoever is calling | | | | summarize your skills, traits and experiences to show |
| even if they turn out to be just a secretary orassistant. | | | | your uniqueness when you answer this question: What |
| Treat the caller as though he or she is a VIP at the | | | | makes you stand out from the other candidates for |
| organization because younever know if that person will | | | | thisposition? |
| help determine if you get the job or not.o The top | | | | Answer: I have a strong background in writing about |
| interview question interviewers are likely to ask is: | | | | politics due to my years asa reporter for my college |
| what are your weaknesses? | | | | newspaper and I am good at conducting in-depth |
| You must remember to put less emphasis on your | | | | interviews. Thiscombination permits me to create |
| weaknesses and stress your strengths | | | | strong writing that truly digs deep into the heart of |
| whenanswering this question. Also, try to emphasize | | | | thetopic.o Name three positive things your previous |
| your professional rather than personaltraits. You could | | | | employer would comment about you. |
| say: I recently took short courses in word processing | | | | This is your opportunity to promote yourself using |
| for computerssince I felt I was lacking in that respect.o | | | | quotes from your old boss: The editor I had at the |
| Another leading question is: why should we hire you? | | | | Daily Inquirer, a leading daily, said that my writing is |
| You must consolidate all your years of experience into | | | | excellent, that she can depend on me to meet |
| your answer, which might go something like this: I have | | | | deadlines, and that I get along well with my colleagues |
| been working as a freelance writer for many years | | | | at the paper.o You need to prepare in advance for |
| and have a track record for meeting my deadlines. I | | | | this question (What salary would you like to be |
| am confident I can be a valuable contribution to your | | | | paid?)by asking around for the going rate in your locale, |
| organization.o You could be asked: why do you want | | | | and by being aware of your walk-awaypoint or |
| to work here? | | | | bottom line. If the employer gives you a range first, well |
| This means the interviewer wants to know that you | | | | and good. But if not,you might reply: I am sure you will |
| have thought carefully about your reason for joining his | | | | pay me a reasonable amount when the time comes |
| organization rather than having randomly selected it. | | | | todetermine that. Into what price range would you put |
| You might say: I have chosen key organizations with | | | | me, considering my background?o The last possible |
| mission statements that coincide with my own values, | | | | question you could be asked is: If you could choose, |
| whose activities are appealing to me, and this | | | | what animal would you like to be? |
| company ranks highly on that list of organizations.o | | | | This is the type of psychological question that |
| What are your goals? | | | | determines whether you canthink quickly. The answer |
| This question requires you to divide your answer into | | | | to this depends on the impression you would like to |
| short-term goals and intermediate goals instead of just | | | | leave withyour interviewer because you have to |
| pointing towards the distant future. You could answer: | | | | determine what kind of personality would get the |
| My short-term goal is to get hired by a growth-oriented | | | | workdone at this position. |
| organization. My long-term goal will hinge on whether | | | | By no means are these all the possible questions you |
| the organization will let me grow into a position of | | | | could be asked by your interviewer. |
| responsibility someday.o Why did you leave your job? | | | | However, it is always best to be prepared so study |
| Or: why are you leaving your present position? | | | | these questions carefully and try to beready with your |
| You must place your departure in a positive light by | | | | answers before the big day comes. |