Interview is a greatest opportunity for job applicants to prove that he is the best person for the job! Practice your responses so you
sound positive, and clear, about your circumstances and your goals for the
future. Be enthusiastic and confident when responding to questions. Don't rush
your answers, but don't ramble on and on, either. Try to avoid using unnecessary words and repeating yourself or annoying phrases.
Most questions will relate either to your ability to do the
job or to the type of employee you will be. Here are 15 most commonly
used questions with their best and suitable answers:
1. Tell me about yourself
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to
have a short statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound
rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that
relate to the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest back
and work up to the present.
2. Say something about your previous organizations?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer
to a major problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors,
co-workers or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad.
Keep smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an opportunity,
a chance to do something special or other forward-looking reasons.
3. What do you know about this organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the
organization before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they
are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?
4. Why do you want to work for this organization?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on
the research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely important
here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career goals.
5. What kind of salary do you need?
A loaded question. A
nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not
answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this
position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell
you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide
range.
6. What will you do for this organization?
You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a
chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed.
Give a little advance thought to this relationship.
7. Why should we hire you?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs.
Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.
8. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good
examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills,
Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional
expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude....
There are numerous other good possibilities; Loyalty, Energy, Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player,
Expertise, Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver...
9. What is Your Greatest Weakness?
When you're asked what your greatest weakness is there are
several different ways you can answer. Analyze the key skills and strengths
required for the position you are interviewing for and then come up with an
honest shortcoming which is not essential for success in that job. For example
if you are applying for a technical job, you might share that you are not
particularly adept at conducting group presentations.
I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to
perhaps spend a little too much time checking it. However, I've come to a good
balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first
time.
10. Why Are You Leaving Your Job?
Regardless of why you left, don't speak badly about your
previous employer. The interviewer may wonder if you will be bad-mouthing his
company next time you're looking for work. You may answer positively i.e.
- I was commuting to the city and spending a significant amount of time each day on travel. I would prefer to be closer to home.
- To be honest, I wasn't considering a move, but, I saw this job posting and was intrigued by the position and the company. It sounds like an exciting opportunity and an ideal match with my qualifications.
- This position seemed like an excellent match for my skills and experience and I am not able to fully utilize them in my present job.
- I recently received my degree and I want to utilize my educational background in my next position.
11. How Do You Work Under Stress / Pressure?
Examples of good responses include:
Stress is very important to me. With stress, I do the best
possible job. The appropriate way to deal with stress is to make sure I have
the correct balance between good stress and bad stress. I need good stress to
stay motivated and productive.
I'm not a person who has a difficult time with stress. When
I'm under pressure, I focus, and get the job done. I'm the kind of person who stays calm under pressure, and
handles stress fairly easily.
12. What Are Your Goals for the Future?/ Where you see yourself after 10 years?
The best way to respond to this question is to refer to the
position and the company you are interviewing with. You want to connect your
answer to the job you are applying for instead of discussing your goals about
your family or personal life.
13. What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
Be prepared to tell the interviewer how much you earned at
each of your prior positions.
Make sure that what you tell the interviewer matches what
you listed on your job application. Refresh your memory prior to the interview
by reviewing your salary history, so, you can speak in detail and accurately.
Don't exaggerate or inflate your earnings. Many employers will check references
and confirm your salary history prior to making a job offer. A discrepancy between
what you reported and what the employer says could knock you out of contention
for the job.
14. What were your responsibilities in previous Organization?
The best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities
in detail and to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Try to tie
your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new
position. That way, the employer will see that you have the qualifications
necessary to do the job. Focus most on your responsibilities that are directly
related to the new job's requirements.
It's also important to be honest. Don't embellish your job,
because you don't know who the hiring manager will be checking with when they
check your references.
15. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? What type of projects will I be able to assist on?
