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