Answering
Key Interview Questions
There are four key components to successfully
answering interview questions:
- Preparation
- Give short, concise, specific answers
- Demonstrating ability to perform the job
- Exhibiting personality traits that present
you as the ideal worker
Employers want candidate with assurance and able
to do the job. Keep in mind that the ideal worker
is productive, gets results, and has a success-oriented.
Match those traits with key answers.
Here are the key interview questions:
Tell me about yourself.
This is an open-ended question
often asked to help break the ice in the interview.
The important thing to remember is to keep the
answer job-related.
Why are you interested in working
for this company?
This will show the employer
that you've done your homework. State the positive
things you've learned about the company and how
they fit with your career goals. This shows the
employer that you cared enough about the interview
to prepare for it.
Tell
me about your education.
Even though your resume includes
this information, some employers like to have
you expand on the subject. Mention your grade
point average and good attendance record. Include
all classes, seminars, workshops and on-the-job
training you've attended that support your job
goals.
Why have you chosen this particular
field?
This is one way to discover
your enthusiasm and dedication to your career.
Describe your best/worst boss.
This could be a trap. Don't
present a negative picture of any past employers.
If given a choice, always talk about your best
boss. If pressed to describe the worst boss, pick
a work-related characteristic that can be stated
in a positive way. For example, "I had a
supervisor who was vague when issuing assignments.
I learned to ask questions so that I knew what
was expected."
In a job, what interests you
most/least?
This will give the employer
another gauge for measuring how well you will
fit the job opening.
What is your major weakness?
Always turn this into a positive!
State a weakness and turn it into a positive by
showing how you overcame the weakness. "In
the past, it's been difficult for me to accept
criticism from my peers. However, I've learned
to value and solicit this input and it's improved
my job performance."
Give an example of how you solved
a problem in the past.
It's important to be able to
show the process you go through when presented
with a problem. State the problem and the steps
you followed to reach the solution.
What are your strengths?
This is the time to describe
the skills you've identified that will most effectively
"market" you as an employee.
How do others describe you?
Another way for the employer
to ask this would be, "How would you fit
into this work group?" If you aren't comfortable
with this question before the interview, call
some friends and/or ask people you've worked with
how they'd describe you.
What do you consider the most
important idea you contributed or your most noteworthy
accomplishment in your last job?
Give examples of ways in which
you saved the employer time, money or developed
an office procedure that improved efficiency.
Where do you see yourself in
three years?
Telling the interviewer, "In
your job!" isn't a good idea. Do indicate
that you hope to acquire sufficient skills and
knowledge within that time to make a positive
contribution to the company.
All interview
questions are really the same question--Why are
you the best person for the job?
Think about something you
consider a failure in your life, and tell me why
you think it happened.
Failure implies error. Answers
that point to a negative should conclude with
a success. For example, "In my last job,
I was given an assignment to coordinate all travel
plans for an international conference. About halfway
through the process, I realized I had not gathered
enough information to help attendees make good
travel and lodging decisions. I had to take time
out to do the research which put me under a severe
time crunch. I learned to do my research sooner.
I haven't had the problem since."
"I dropped out of school at age 17 to work
for a fast-food employer. I later realized I couldn't
make enough money to raise my family. I returned
to school in the evenings and acquired clerical
skills so I'm now qualified to do this job."
How do you think you will fit
into this operation?
This is the time to express
your interest in the job and knowledge of the
employer. The more you know about the operation
the easier this question will be to answer.
If you were hired, what ideas/talents
could you contribute to the position or our company?
This is another great opportunity
for you to sell your skills. By giving examples
of past accomplishments, the employer can visualize
your contribution to his/her company.
Give an example where you showed
leadership and initiative.
Even if you haven't had the
title of lead worker, supervisor or manager, give
examples of when you recognized a job needed to
be done and you did it.
Give an example of when you were
able to contribute to a team project.
Unless you've lived in a total
void, you've been part of a team. Teamwork is
used in sales because both parties have to state
their needs and expectations, then negotiate the
sale. Families, community activities and school
all require teamwork.
What have you done to develop
or change in the last few years?
This shows a willingness to
be challenged and to improve. Employers are looking
for people who are willing to continue learning.
Talk about formal and informal educational opportunities
you've pursued. Mention books and periodicals
you've read related to your field of interest.
Do you have any questions for
me?
By asking questions, you again show interest
in the job. Listed on the next page are some questions
you may want to ask at your interview.
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