Common Job Interview Questions
Following are some common interview questions. You can be better prepared by having in advance answers to some of the possible questions that might come up.
Tell me about yourself.
Describe your current and previous positions.
Prepare a brief overview of your past history that pertains to the position that you are interviewing for. It is customary to work from the most current on back. This is an excellent chance to highlight accomplishments and also guide the interviewer through your resume.
Why do you want to work here?
What about our company interests you?
What makes you qualified for the position?
What qualifications do you have that relate to this position?
Show the interviewer your interest in the company. Share what you have learned about the job, the company and the industry through your own research. This is your chance to show them your dedication to the company. By researching ahead of time, it will help them to see you as part of the team. It will also help them to be able present you to the other members of the company why you should be hired. Demonstrate how they would benefit by hiring you.
*Great ways to research the company:
A few specifics you should know: product/services they offer, corporate officers, sales, stock, competitors, press releases, new developments, recent acquisitions and partners.
Some great places to get information:
- Company’s Website
- Hoovers.com
- Yahoo.com
- Wall Street Journal
- Standards and Poors
- Local newspapers, business journals
- Direct Personnel
- Friends/acquaintances that know and have possibly worked for that company.
Why did you leave your last job?
Why are you planning on leaving you current position?
This answer should be short and positive. Remember they are looking from the employer’s point of view. They want to know that you are a good investment to them. They are looking for any red flags that you would not be beneficial to the company.
Short answers are best, such as: relocated away from job; company went out of business; laid off; temporary position, consulting/contract work looking for a permanent position, or no availability for advancement.
Just keep in mind they will be checking your references so answer honestly in the best light possible.
Do you have any employment gaps, if yes explain?
What have you been doing since your last job?
What they are looking for is stability and their return on their investment in you as their employee. If you have gaps in employment have a positive answer that shows that you are a reliable, dependable worker. Demonstrate how the time off advanced your work experience.
What are your best skills?
What traits would best describe your work
What accomplishments are you most proud of? / What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
Give me an example in your job where you showed initiative.
This is another chance to highlight why this company would love to have you as part of their team. It is important to bring out your skills. Depending on the position you are applying for, they are also looking to see how much of a “team player” you are. How would you work with others. As with the job history question, match accomplishments with the position you are applying for.
What is your major weakness?
What areas would you say needs improvement?
Be positive; turn a weakness into strength.
This question is the one that people have the hardest time with it is why they ask it. They want to know if you have any major flaws and they also want to know how you respond to negativity. Give a short positive answer and don’t over explain.
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 successfully in both situations.
What are your career goals?
What are your future plans?
What would you like to be doing in 5 years?
The interviewer wants to know if your plans and the company's goals are compatible. Make sure that you are respectful to the person of the position that is interviewing you. Saying that you want that person’s position can be interpreted that you plan to take that job from the interviewer in essence getting rid of that person (if that person is planning on staying in that position). Show initiative that your goals include being a successful part of a team as well.
A popular answer is: “Advancing with the company as the company grows.”
What salary are you expecting?
What are you salary requirements?
What are you currently making?
You don't want to answer this one directly. Your agency would have already negotiated the amount ahead of time. You can say whatever the amount is and say that it is within your range as well.
What have I forgotten to ask?
Are there any questions that you have for me?
This is a great chance to find out when they are planning on filling the position and the process involved.
Ask when they are looking to fill the position if it is currently vacant.
Ask where they are in the interview process have they gotten a large response.
What is the next step for them?
Who will make the final decision?
After the interview thank the person for their time.
As soon as the interview is over, call your agency. The agency will be talking to the employer soon after your interview. You want to discuss with them how it went whether you are still interested and any other details that will be beneficial before the agency talks with the company.