The goal of a job interview is to sell yourself!
Many of the same questions are asked by interviewers again and again. Therefore, the best way to sell yourself and have a successful interview, is to prepare answers that are honest and tell the interviewer what they need to hear. The good interviewers know which questions to ask to find out not only about the applicant’s skills, but also about how the applicant thinks and how dedicated she/he is to getting the job done.
Below you’ll find typical interview questions and tips and examples to help you give a good answer. Always make sure that you are answering the interviewer’s question: don’t be afraid to ask for clarification!
- Why are you leaving your present job?
Maintain one response. Don’t change answers during the interview. Give a ‘group’ answer if possible – «Our office is closing». Another possible answer is «We agreed to disagree.»
- What do you know about us?
Know their services and products, the size and revenue² of the company, their reputation and goals, their history and philosophy. Use key words from their website to show interest and knowledge. Don’t say you do not know much … you should say that you would like to know more.
- Why do you want to work for our company?
Tell them that you want to be part of a project; that you would like to solve a company problem; and/or that you can make a definite contribution to specific company goals.
- What can you offer us that someone else cannot?
Relate your past successful experiences in previous positions to situations that might be similar in the prospective company. Talk about how your experience and skills will be useful in the new job.
- What do you look for in a job?
Keep your answer opportunity-oriented. Talk about the opportunity to perform3 and be recognized. Be positive: talk about what you want, not what you want to avoid.
- How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic and say six months to one year.
- You may be overqualified or too experienced for the position we have to offer.
Say that strong companies need strong people, and that experienced employees are at a premium today. You can mention that the employer will get a faster return on investment because you have more experience than required. Emphasize your interest in a long-term commitment4.
- Why are you leaving your present job?
Maintain one response. Don’t change answers during the interview. Give a ‘group’ answer if possible – «Our office is closing». Another possible answer is «We agreed to disagree.»
- Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.
Be honest. Possible answers are: “a place people are treated as fairly as possible.” Or “a company in which I can develop my skills”.
- How would you evaluate your present company?
«An excellent company that gave me many fine experiences.» It is important not to speak badly about past employers or bosses. Doing this tends to reveal more about you than about those who are the objects of your comments.
Glossary
- To ramble (v): to speak a lot and in an unorganized manner: to speak with many digressions and tangents (If you ask Jim, he’ll talk and talk for hours. He always rambles)
- Revenue (n): income; money received from property, business or investment (The company’s revenue increased by double despite the recession.)
- Perform (v): to begin and carry through to completion; to do (Claire is a very hard worker. She always performs her duties at work)
- Commitment (n): the act of promising to fulfill a responsibility (Marriage is a serious commitment.)
