When preparing for a job interview, we often try to determine what questions the job interviewer may ask. While you can’t expect to anticipate every question that may be thrown at you, there are some commonly asked questions that you’d benefit from thinking through prior to going to the interview.
Tell me about yourself.
Although this request sounds quite simple, it does require some thought. You will most likely have only 2-3 minutes to provide a response, so it is critical to figure out what is important to share. Consider the job you have applied for and then share a succinct overview of your most relevant job experience and skills. Don’t ramble.
What are your top three strengths?
Vary your response to this question according to the job opening. Ask yourself what the hiring manager is searching for in a candidate and then analyze your strengths to find a match. For example, strengths pertinent to a finance position might not be the same for an event planning position. You have multiple strengths, but your response must demonstrate your strengths are a good fit for the position.
What are your top three weaknesses?
Proceed with caution when providing an answer to any question about your weaknesses or development areas. Don’t be tricked into sabotaging your chances of getting the position by jumping into a impromptu response. Provide answers in technical areas of the job that aren’t critical to success. For example, “I would like to gain more experience in XYZ and have been working to develop my skills by conducting research in my free time. This approach demonstrates that you are self-aware and working to develop or broaden your skill set. Be careful not to provide a weakness that is really a strength. Interviewers see right past this approach and it doesn’t come off as a genuine answer. For example, “I am such a perfectionist that I sometimes pay too much attention to detail”. This type of response is very cliché and in most cases won’t help you make a good impression.
What makes you a good candidate for this position?
Your answer to this question should be tied directly to the job requirements. Take a look at the job posting. What required and desired qualifications are listed? How can you tailor your response to this questions such that you demonstrate your prior work experience and skills are a perfect match for the opening? The key here is to practice your response so that you make a big impact with minimal words. Also, throwing in your knowledge of the company and your desire to add value and contribute to the organization’s mission let’s the interviewer know you’ve done your homework.
What would your last or current boss say about you?
This question is not as difficult as it first sounds. Think back to your prior performance reviews throughout your career. What positive statements did your manager make about your performance, work ethic, work quality, interpersonal skills, etc. Think of times that you have been recognized or awarded for your accomplishments or given accolades by a customer or peer. What were the circumstances surrounding the event and what would those individuals say about you, should they be asked?
Do you like working as a team member or on your own?
Although you have to consider the nature of the open position, most companies are looking for individuals who can work well with others. Your response to this question will either demonstrate or detract from your ability to be a valued team player. When responding to this question, ensure you have at least one example to share related to working well on a team.
What makes you want to work for this company?
This is the time to show the interviewer you have conducted research and understand the company. What is the company’s mission? What are the most significant recent achievements the organization has made? How do these things tie in with your career goals and interests? The goal is to show the interviewer you have the desire and commitment to be a valued member of the organization.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
This question is purely intended to understand your career goals. Companies want to know that they aren’t just hiring for a single position, but are making a good investment in the company’s future. Your answer should demonstrate your desire to grow and develop in both the current opening and future positions.
Why did you leave your last job or why are you looking to leave your current job for this position?
This question can be tricky. While you don’t want to be dishonest, you certainly don’t want to open up a can of worms by bashing your prior or current employer. Your best bet is to tie your response into personal growth and career development. No one can blame a person for looking for continued career progression. Be careful not to leave the interviewer with the impression that you aren’t loyal or tend to quickly jump ship.
What is important to you in a manager or boss?
This question is simple. Think of any good leader you’ve had in the past. What were the characteristics? For example, a good communicator who set’s a clear vision for the team, but empowers individuals to achieve goals and complete assignments. Regardless of your chosen answer, don’t use this as an opportunity to bash a prior manager. Trash talk isn’t becoming.
How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?
The interviewer wants to ensure you won’t blow your top when encountering a difficult situation. It is helpful to share a specific stressful or high-pressure circumstance that you were faced with and how you reacted or handled the issue.
How do you prioritize to meet multiple concurrent deadlines?
The interviewer is looking for good organizational skills and ability to multi-task. As with the prior question, a good response will provide a specific example of a real-life situation you encountered and how you achieved success. It is also useful to share your general approach for staying organized and on top of assignments.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
This is your opportunity to brag. Don’t hold back, but do ensure your answer is related to the position for which you are interviewing. It isn’t likely that an accounting firm will care about your dog being named “best in show.
Do you have any questions for me?
Have at least two questions prepared to demonstrate your interest in learning more about the company or position. Some good examples are, “What is the most challenging aspect of the position” or “What do you find most rewarding about working for this company”.
It is useful to keep these commonly asked job interview questions in mind when preparing for your interview. However, each interviewer will take a different approach and your best bet is to prepare based on your knowledge of the job description, the company and what you bring to the table.
