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Career Tips
Common Job Interview Questions
By rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar
with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to demonstrate how you can benefit
an employer. Some examples:
- "Tell me about yourself."
Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and
professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the
contributions you could make to the organization.
- "Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our
company interests you?"
Few questions are more important than these, so it is important to answer them clearly and
with enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learned
about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how your
professional skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in sales, your answer should
never be simply: "money." The interviewer will wonder if you really care about
the job.
- "Why did you leave your last job?"
The interviewer may want to know if you had any problems on your last job. If you did not
have any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went
out of business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job
better suited to your skills.
If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learn
from your mistakes. You should explain any problems you had (or still have) with an
employer, but don't describe that employer in negative terms. Demonstrate that it was a
learning experience that will not affect your future work.
- "What are your best skills?"
If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to imagine what
skills the company values. List them, then give examples where you have demonstrated these
skills.
- "What is your major weakness?"
Be positive; turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might say: "I often
worry too much over my work. Sometimes I work late to make sure the job is done
well."
- "Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?"
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how
you have worked in both situations.
- "What are your career goals?" or "What are your
future plans?"
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's
goals are compatible. Let him know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about
your desire to learn more and improve your performance, and be specific as possible about
how you will meet the goals you have set for yourself.
- "What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any
sports?"
The interviewer may be looking for evidence of your job skills outside
of your professional experience. For example, hobbies such as chess or bridge demonstrate
analytical skills. Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports
show determination and stamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are
comfortable working as part of a team.
Also, the interviewer might simply be curious
as to whether you have a life outside of work. Employees who have creative or athletic outlets
for their stress are often healthier, happier and more productive.
- "What salary are you expecting?"
You probably don't want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the question back to
the interviewer by saying something like: "I don't know. What are you planning on
paying the best candidate?" Let the employer make the first offer.
However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for the
profession. Find salary surveys at the library or on the Internet, and check the
classifieds to see what comparable jobs in your area are paying. This information can help
you negotiate compensation once the employer makes an offer.
- "What have I forgotten to ask?"
Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how they
may be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand the
job requirements and that you can succeed.
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