Common Job Interview Questions – Be Prepared

Probably one of the most stressful situations after speaking in front of a large audience is sitting for a job interview. You want to make a good impression and let the interviewer know without a doubt that you are the right person for the job. Don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Like every good Boy Scout will tell you, the key is to be prepared!

Common Job Interview Questions

A big part of your preparation will be reviewing some of the more common job interview questions and practicing how you will answer them.

Here is a list of 10 of the more common questions asked when going on a job interview:

1. What are your strengths?

2. What are your weaknesses?

3. What would your previous supervisor/manager say about you? What would they say are your strengths/weaknesses?

4. Name an accomplishment you are most proud of.

5. Describe a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.

6. What is your understanding of the position?

7. Describe a time you disagreed with your boss and how you handled it.

8. How do you handle disagreements with co-workers? Or What types of personalities do you find it most difficult to work with?

9. Why are you interested in working for this company? Or What do you know about our company?

10. Why should we hire you?

Most likely you will be going to more than one interview before you find that dream job at the company that is the right fit for you. Be sure to review these questions before each interview as you will want to tailor your responses as needed to the specific industry and/or company culture (Are they more corporate and traditional? Is this company more cutting edge?) You’ll want to do your homework. But most of all, you’ll want to be honest, be yourself and be prepared!

How To Answer Job Interview Questions

Going for a job interview is one of the most stressful things a person can do. Here are some helpful tips for how to answer job interview questions. Hopefully these tip scan help put you at ease and land you that job!

Job_Interview_Questions

 

Q.) Tell me about yourself.

A.) Be brief. Keep your answer to 30 – 45 seconds max or you will lose the interviewers attention. Summarize your skills and experiences that will make you stand out and show why you are the best person for the job.

Q.) What about this job interests you?

A.) The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you have given this position some thought and that you have knowledge of the company. Make sure you research the comapny, and the position, before you go to the interview.

Q.) What are your strengths?

A.) This is the one question you know you will be asked. List three or four proficiencies such as your ability to learn quickly, determination to succeed, positive attitude, your ability to relate to people and achieve a common goal. Also, any skills you may have that relate to the job, such as being highly proficient in Excel.

Q.) Have you ever had a conflict with a colleague or superior? If so, how did you handle it?

A.) I think everyone at some point has had a conflict at work whether with a superior or coworker. I’ve found that when I am in a difficult situation it helps to communicate with the other person, understand their reasoning and try to work out a collaborative solution whenever possible.

Q.) What are your salary expectations?

A.) I will need more information about the job and responsibilities before we can discuss salary. I would appreciate it if you could give me an idea of the salary range that you have budgeted for this position.

Remember, at the end of the interview always  thank the Interviewer/s for their time and ask when you can expect to hear back from them. It also helps you stand out to send a brief email the next day thanking them for taking the time to meet with you, and expressing your sincere interest in becoming part of the company.