If you have an interview scheduled, congratulations on making it to the next step! It is time to do some research so that you are prepared for any question the interviewer may ask.
Start by reviewing the job description and requirements and really thinking about how your background and experience fit into the role. Learn as much as you can about the company by visiting the company’s website and doing a search of the company on the Internet. If you know someone who works at the company ask them for some insight. Learn about the people who will be interviewing you by looking them up on LinkedIn and/or reading anything they have published on the Internet.
Here are ten common questions you may be asked and how to best respond to them.
One of the first things an interviewer may say is “Tell me about yourself.”
The interviewer is really looking for a general summary of why you are a great fit for the job. Frame it that way by briefly describing your present role, how you got there, what you have accomplished for the company, and where you want to go. You can mention fun facts about yourself, talk about where you grew up, your education, your interests, hobbies, motivators, and experience. Most importantly, stay on target with anything you say by demonstrating how it relates back to the job. Evidence of discipline, teamwork, and leadership will be very desirable to them.
Why should we hire you?
This is a very direct question, so you must be prepared for them to ask you this by researching the company before the interview to know what they want. They want to know you can do the work and deliver great results, better results than others would, and fit in with the team. Say “I” not “we” and use numbers when giving examples of successes, such as skillsets, teamwork, having gone above and beyond, having shown initiative and results. Mention positive things co-workers and/or bosses have said about you.
If it is an in-person interview or video interview, look the part by dressing professionally and appropriately for the type of job that it is. Throughout the interview, maintain good posture, natural eye contact, and speak clearly and professionally.
What are your greatest strengths?
This question is your opportunity to let them know what qualifies you for this job and sets you apart from the competition, and what it will do for them. Provide up to 3 strengths with stories to back them up.
What is your greatest weakness?
This can be a tricky question. Whatever you say, make sure to turn it around to be a strength. You can talk about skills you’ve improved upon and weaknesses you have worked on. Some examples are that you work too hard and need to remind yourself to take a break once in a while, that you take on too much responsibility and are learning to delegate, or that you are a perfectionist but have learned to sometimes temper this in order to complete a project on time. Most importantly, be genuine with what you say and show self-awareness.
Why do you want to leave (or have left) your current job?
Put a neutral or positive spin on your answer to this question. You may say that you seek a job with a better fit, or a company with a better fit with regards to industry, company size, or your skillset. If a budget cut or a merger led to you being laid off, a reasonable employer will understand that it is not your fault, so mentioning this as the reason why you are no longer with a company should not reflect poorly on you.
What are your salary expectations?
Do not as a candidate bring up the subject of salary. Let them bring it up first. If and when they do ask you about your salary expectations, provide them a salary range that you would be comfortable with for the job. Remember that several states have recently passed laws that protect you by not requiring you to provide employers your salary history.
Why do you want this job? Why do you want to work for this company? What do you know about this company?
These three questions are all related. Research the web and social media to learn as much as you can about the company, the position, the people, and the competition. Understand what specifically appeals to you and demonstrate why you are someone who would thrive in the company’s environment.
How do you handle stress and pressure? Tell me about a difficult situation you overcame.
Look back over your experience and think about a project, a deadline, a collaboration with your team, or an interaction with a customer that felt stressful and pressured. For example, think about what you specifically did to complete the project successfully within an acceptable time frame, satisfy a difficult client, or work successfully with a team that was comprised of different personalities, opinions, and objectives. This will help them understand what you do when things don’t go smoothly and difficult situations arise. Show you are more focused on finding solutions by spending more time describing the solution than the problem.
Conclusion
While it’s human nature that people do simply want to work with people they like, they also seek to employ those who have the skills for the job, can hit the ground running, take the initiative, and want to stay for the long haul. Research and preparation for the common interview questions above can go a long way in beating the competition and proving that you are the perfect fit.