| When preparing for your next job interview, you'll want | | | | weakness. You may say, "I don't speak a second |
| to have top-notch answers to the 8 most common | | | | language," or "when I start a project, I can't focus on |
| interview questions. These answers provide a guideline | | | | anything else until I get it done." This shows that you |
| to follow, and the most important thing to do is be | | | | are dedicated and hard working. You never want to |
| yourself when answering these common interview | | | | truly bash yourself when answering this common |
| questions. The sincerity that will come through will do | | | | interview question. That isn't the point. Making a positive |
| more to impress the interviewer than anything you | | | | seem negative is the trick. |
| have to say. | | | | 5. What is the most important thing to you in a job? |
| Given that, here are the 8 most common interview | | | | If there is something really important for you to have in |
| questions: | | | | a job, be honest and say it. Remember, a job interview |
| 1. Tell me about yourself. | | | | is a tool to reveal the best fit for the company. If |
| Perhaps this the most famous and common interview | | | | something is really important to you that the company |
| question of all interview questions. "Tell me about | | | | doesn't offer, it is best to reveal it now. Out of all the |
| yourself" is the gateway to just about anything you | | | | common interview questions, this is the one where you |
| wish to say. When asked the question, the interviewer | | | | really need to follow your instincts. |
| doesn't want to know where you were born or what | | | | 6. What are you career goals? |
| color your hair is. This question prompts you to show | | | | Employers ask this interview question because they |
| the interviewer why you are qualified for this job. Your | | | | want to see what positions you might grow into if you |
| answer may reveal some of your greatest | | | | were hired. The company may be looking for a |
| achievements or how your past experience might | | | | candidate they can groom into their next Senior VP. |
| relate to the job you are applying for. | | | | However, if you are only looking for a job to cover |
| 2. Why would I hire you? | | | | you for the next couple of years, it might not be the |
| For this common interview question, you need to | | | | best match. |
| realize that the better answer you give, the easier it is | | | | 7. Do you have any questions for me? |
| for the employer -- It's up to you to give the employer | | | | Do your research ahead of time and if you truly have |
| a reason to hire you. This is a great time to tell the | | | | a question, ask it. When you ask legitimate, relevant |
| interviewer about any past work experience that is | | | | questions, you show the interviewer you put in time to |
| relevant to the job you are applying for. You might say, | | | | research beforehand. However, don't ever ask |
| "When I was working at my previous job, I did (fill in | | | | questions just to ask questions or to look good. The |
| with specific duty or responsibility). I feel that this | | | | interviewer will sense your lack of authenticity right |
| experience will allow me to excel at this position I am | | | | away and that may hurt your chances. Make the time |
| applying for." This helps the interviewer picture you in | | | | to think of an intelligent question about the job before |
| the position, and is a great answer to this common | | | | hand. You may ask, "what is a typical day like for this |
| interview question. | | | | position?" You can also ask, "What opportunity for |
| 3. What are you strengths? | | | | advancement does this position have?" |
| The first thing you should do is figure out 2-3 things | | | | 8. Why did you leave your last job? |
| about yourself that you really like about yourself and | | | | Whatever the reason was, tell the story of why is |
| elaborate. This should put you in good shape to | | | | was mutually beneficial for you to leave the company. |
| answer this commonly asked interview question. | | | | Never blurt out, "I got fired," and end it at that. It makes |
| Always support your strength with a real-life example. | | | | you look bad and can even make the interviewer feel |
| For example, you may say you are dedicated. You | | | | uncomfortable. Prepare an honest story with a logical |
| should back this up with the time at your last job | | | | reason that doesn't reveal too much personal |
| where you had an important project due and worked | | | | information or company gossip. If you did get fired, you |
| extra hours to make sure it got done, for instance. | | | | can use this as an opportunity to discuss what you |
| Now the interviewer has better insight into your work | | | | lessons you learned and what you would now do |
| ethic and how you conduct yourself in pressure | | | | differently. |
| situations. | | | | Now you have top-notch answers to the 8 most |
| 4. What are your weaknesses? | | | | common interview questions. Keep practicing your |
| When answering this common interview question, you | | | | answers and nail your next interview! |
| always want to give an answer that isn't really a | | | | |