By rehearsing interview questions, you'll become more familiar
with your own qualifications and will be well prepared to
demonstrate how you can benefit an employer. Some examples:
"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.
"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?"
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. 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: "I don't know. What are you planning on paying
the best 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 what comparable jobs in your area are paying. This
information can help you negotiate compensation 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 they may be used to benefit the organization.
Convince the interviewer that you understand the job requirements
and that you can succeed.
Here are some other job interview questions you might want
to rehearse.
