"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. Keep it professional, not personal.
"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, or what are
your areas of expertise?"
If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should
be able to imagine what skills the company values. List them,
and then give examples where you have demonstrated these skills.
"What is your major weakness?"
Be positive; turn a weakness into 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. Do not focus on titles, but responsibilities. Do
not lead the interviewer to think you want his/her job. 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: " What are you planning on paying the best candidate?"
"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.
Your Qualifications
· What can you do for us that someone else can't do?
· What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?
· What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
· Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown
initiative.
· What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
· What is important to you in a job?
· What motivates you in your work?
· What have you been doing since your last job?
· What qualities do you find important in a coworker?
Your Career Goals
· What would you like to being doing five years from now?
· How will you judge yourself successful? How will you
achieve success?
· What type of position are you interested in?
· How will this job fit in your career plans?
· What do you expect from this job?
· Do you have a location preference?
· Can you travel?
· What hours can you work?
· When could you start?
Your Work Experience
· What have you learned from your past jobs?
· What were your biggest responsibilities?
· What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs
relate to this position?
· How does your previous experience relate to this position?
· What did you like most/least about your last job?
· Whom may we contact for references?
Your Education
· How do you think your education has prepared you for
this position?
· What were your favorite classes/activities at school?
· Why did you choose your major?
· Do you plan to continue your education?
