Interview
questions and answers can only be predicted and prepared for to a certain
extent. There are endless variations and no way to know every question in
advance. But that doesn't matter. Because you know there will be unexpected
questions, you will not cringe or freak out when they pop up, as some
applicants will. Instead, you will turn them into opportunities to shine even
more brightly.
No
one knows you better than you. Memorize a list of your best features, your best
selling points. Use every opportunity and unexpected question to mention these.
Realize
that sometimes what you say isn't as important as how you say it. Be confident,
enthusiastic, and remember to smile often.
QUESTIONS
YOU SHOULD ASK
Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you
have any questions for me?"
Candidates who do not have questions show a lack of
initiative and give the impression that they have minimal interest in the
position. Stand out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions!
Have
your questions ready in advance. Relate them to the company or its
accomplishments/challenges (your research of the company will show and further
impress the interviewer). Don't ask any question that shows that you have not
done your research about the company.
Do
not ask questions related to you, such as "When will I be eligible for my
first raise?" or "How often will I be subjected to a performance
review?" Don't bring up money. (You can do that after you are offered the
job.)
In
addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here
are some sample generic questions:
What do you enjoy
most about working here?
Be
sure the person you ask actually works for the company. Some organizations,
especially public agencies, have interview panels in which employees from other
agencies participate.
Is there anything
I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?
If
they do mention something that's bothering them about you, such as lack of
specific experience, this gives you a last-ditch effort to change their opinion
about you. If you've thought about your possible weaknesses in advance, you
should have a prepared answer to those weaknesses. For example, "I know I
have limited experience in this field, but what I lack in specific experience I
make up for in enthusiasm and desire to excel. I'm a fast learner and I'll work
harder than anyone else to be a top producer on your team."
When do you
expect to make your final decision?
Be
sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that
interested, and you need to know when to follow up.
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Job
Interview Questions & Answers
Although
many candidates dread them, job interview questions are wonderful things! They
are your greatest opportunity to prove to the interviewer that you are the best
person for the job!
The
key is to give better answers than anyone else.
Be
enthusiastic and confident when responding to questions. Don't rush your
answers, but don't ramble on and on, either.
Try
to, um, avoid, like, using unnecessary words, right? And um, repeating yourself
or, like, annoying phrases, you know?
A
good technique is to write out your answers to the questions you anticipate,
then edit them to make them more concise. Then practice your polished answers
out loud, over and over. If you can have someone help you do a "mock
interview," that would be the best way to do this.
Most
questions will relate either to your ability to do the job or to the type of
employee you will be. Here's one that is very commonly used to help the
interviewer learn about both:
"Tell
me a little about yourself."
When
responding to this request, you should focus on both your personal and
professional values. Always be honest, but talk about your best traits only,
especially those that relate to the position for which you are applying.
Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of. Here's an
example:
"I'm
an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public
information tools and techniques. I've developed comprehensive communication
plans for major public events, written dozens of articles accepted by worldwide
publications, and created specialized educational programs for adults and
students. I am always eager to learn new methods and procedures, and have
implemented continuous improvement techniques in my past positions that saved
money and increased productivity. I like working with people and enjoy group
projects, but am also a self-starter who doesn't mind working on my own. I'm a
volunteer with the local chapter of Special Olympics and enjoy participating in
community events. My goals are to complete my Master's Degree and broaden my
experiences with community relations."
Remember
to tailor your response to the specific job. By studying the job announcement,
you'll get a good idea of the skills and experience being sought. Work those
into your response.
Consider
this your own personal commercial. If the interview consisted of only this ONE
chance to sell yourself, what would you say?
"What
do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"
Choose
one example from your past that was important to you and helped the company you
worked for. Give specific details about what you did, how you did it, and what
the results were. Try to pick an accomplishment that relates to the position
for which you are applying. Employers like to hear about accomplishments that
reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or enhanced a company's
reputation.
"What
is your greatest strength?"
This
is a great chance to highlight your best skills. Don't pick just one, focus on
your top three or four. Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building
skills, and organizational skills. Determine which strengths would fit best
with the position for which you are applying. For example, if the job
announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say:
"I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management.
But my greatest strength is my ability to effectively handle multiple projects
and deadlines."
"What
is your greatest weakness?"
Be
careful with this one. Most interview guides will tell you to answer it with a
positive trait disguised as a weakness. For example, "I tend to expect
others to work as hard as I do," or "I'm a bit of a
perfectionist." Interviewers have heard these "canned" answers
over and over again. To stand out, be more original and state a true weakness,
but then emphasize what you've done to overcome it. For example: "I've had
trouble delegating duties to others because I felt I could do things better
myself. This has sometimes backfired because I'd end up with more than I could
handle and the quality of my work would suffer. But I've taken courses in time
management and learned effective delegation techniques, and I feel I've
overcome this weakness."
IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element
of the position!
"How do
you handle stressful situations?"
Give
some examples of stressful situations you've dealt with in the past. Tell how
you use time management, problem-solving or decision-making skills to reduce
stress. For example, tell them that making a "to-do" list helps. Site
stress-reducing techniques such as stretching and taking a break. Don't be
afaid to admit that you will ask for assistance if you are feeling overwhelmed.
If
it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.
"What
is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"
Try
to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your
particular work group. The bigger the problem, the better. Give specific
examples of the skills and techniques you used to resolve this problem.
Emphasize the successful results. Be generous in sharing credit if it was a
team effort, but be sure to highlight your specific role.
"Have
you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle
it?"
This
is a likely question if the position for which you are applying requires
supervisory duties. Explain how you used problem-solving skills, listening
skills, and coaching skills to help the employee. If those techniques turned
the employee around, be sure to say so. If those techniques failed, tell how
you followed the company's policies and what the end result was.
"Why do
you want this position?"
Here's
where your research about the company will help you stand out among the other
candidates. Explain how you've always wanted the opportunity to work with a
company that... provides a vital public service, leads the industry in
innovative products, whatever... find something specific about that company
that you can tie in with your answer. Explain how your qualifications and goals
complement the company's mission, vision and values (use specific examples). If
you are applying for a position in a company for which you already work, explain
how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've
gained from your current position, and will be able to increase your
contributions and value to the company through your new responsibilities.
"Why
are you the best person for this job?"
As
with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this.
Don't try to say you are the best qualified person, because you don't know the
qualifications of the other applicants. Instead, emphasize several reasons why
you should be hired. For example: "I've got extensive experience in [name
the appropriate field] and have the specific skills you are looking for. I'm a
fast learner who adapts quickly to change and will hit the ground running. I'm
dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will
provide top-quality results with minimal oversite. I'm an outstanding performer
who takes pride in my work. You won't have any regrets when you hire me."
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