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!
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!
These are excellent points. I haven’t, thankfully, had to go on a job interview in a long time. If I did I think I’d make a copy of these questions and practice, practice, practice!
This is so true. I don’t know how many times I choke up and get nervous when I go to an interview. This was a helpful reminder, since I haven’t gone for an interview for some years. Throughout my job hunt I found jobs have asked at least half if not more, of theses very questions. Thanks for getting me prepared and making things less stressful for me.
Job interviews can be one of the most stressful things you have to do in your life. This could be the final career you do for a year, 5 years, maybe even 10 years. I feel as though you need to have a sense of confidence to answer these questions because no employer wants to hear “I don’t know” or “I’m not that great.” You need to be able to build yourself up.