Part III Let’s Talk Business

Common Job Interview Questions

By rehearsing interview questions, you’llbecome more familiar with your own qualificationsand will be well prepared to demonstrate how youcan benefit an employer. Some examples:

"Tell me about yourself."

Make a short, organized statement of youreducation and professional achievements andprofessional goals. Then, briefly describe yourqualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

"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 andwith enthusiasm. Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you learnedabout the job, the company and the industry through your own research. Talk about how yourprofessional skills will benefit the company. Unless you work in sales, your answer shouldnever 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 nothave any problems, simply give a reason, such as: relocated away from job; company went outof business; laid off; temporary job; no possibility of advancement; wanted a job better suitedto your skills.

If you did have problems, be honest. Show that you can accept responsibility and learnfrom 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?"

If you have sufficiently researched the organization, you should be able to imagine whatskills the company values. List them, then give examples where you have demonstrated theseskills.

"What is your major weakness?"

Be positive; turn a weakness into a strength. For example, you might say: "I often worrytoo 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 howyou 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. Lethim know that you are ambitious enough to plan ahead. Talk about your desire to learn moreand improve your performance, and be specific as possible about how you will meet the goalsyou 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 professionalexperience. For example, hobbies such as chess or bridge demonstrate analytical skills.Reading, music, and painting are creative hobbies. Individual sports show determination andstamina, while group sport activities may indicate you are comfortable working as part of ateam.

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, happierand more productive.

"What salary are you expecting?"

You probably don’t want to answer this one directly. Instead, deflect the question back tothe interviewer by saying something like: "I don’t know. What are you planning on paying thebest candidate?" Let the employer make the first offer.

However, it is still important to know what the current salary range is for the profession.Find salary surveys at the library or on the Internet, and check the classifieds to see whatcomparable jobs in your area are paying. This information can help you negotiatecompensation once the employer makes an offer.

"What have I forgotten to ask?"

Use this as a chance to summarize your good characteristics and attributes and how theymay be used to benefit the organization. Convince the interviewer that you understand thejob requirements and that you can succeed.

Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse.

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?