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Common interview questions and suggestions for answers....

  1. Tell me about yourself.  This is an open-ended question often asked to help break the ice in the interview.  The important thing to remember is to keep the answer job related.
  2. Why are you interested in working for this company?  This will show the employer that you have done your homework.  State the positive things you have learned about the company and how they fit with your career goals.  This shows the employer that you cared enough about the interview to prepare for it.
  3. Tell me about your education.  Even though your resume includes this information some employers like to have you expand on the subject.  Mention your grade point average and good attendance record.  Include all classes, seminars, workshops and on the job training you have attended that support your job goals.
  4. Why have you chosen this particular field?  This is one way to discover your enthusiasm and dedication to your career.
  5. Describe your best/worst boss.  This could be a trap.  Do not present a negative picture of any past employers.  If given a choice, always talk about your best boss.  If pressed to describe the worst boss, pick a work related characteristic that can be stated in a positive way.  For example," I had a supervisor who was vague when issuing assignments.  I learned to ask questions so that I knew what was expected."
  6. In a job, what interests you most/least?  This will give the employer another gauge for measuring how well you will fit the job opening.
  7. What is your major weakness?  Always turn this into a positive!  State a weakness and turn it into a positive by showing how you overcame the weakness.
  8. Give an example of how you solved a problem in the past.  It is important to be able to show the process you go through when presented with a problem.  State the problem and the steps you followed to reach the solution.
  9. What are your strengths?  This is the time to describe the skills you have identified that will most effectively market you as an employee.
  10. How do others describe you?  Another way for the employer to ask this would be, "How would you fit into this work group?"
  11. What do you consider the most important idea you contributed or your most noteworthy accomplishment in your last job?  Give examples of ways in which you saved the employer time, money, or developed an office procedure that improved efficiency.
  12. Where do you see yourself in three years?  Telling the interviewer, "In your job!" is not a good idea.  Do indicate that you hope to acquire sufficient skills and knowledge within that time to make a positive contribution to the company.
  13. If you were hired, what ideas/talents could you contribute to the position of our company?  This is another great opportunity for you to sell your skills.  By giving examples of past accomplishments, the employer can visualize your contribution to his/her company.
  14. Give an example of when you were able to contribute to a team project.  Unless you have lived in a total void, you have been part of a team.  Team work is used in sales because both parties have to state their needs and expectations, then negotiate the sale.  Families, community activities, and school all require team work.
  15. What have you done to develop or change in the last few years?  This shows a willingness t be challenged and to improve.  Employers are looking for people who are willing to continue learning.  Talk about formal and informal educational opportunities you have pursued.  mention books and periodicals you have read related to our field of interest.
  16. Do you have any questions for me?  By asking questions, you again show interest in the job.  Some sample questions you could ask are....
  • What are the responsibilities and accountabilities of this position?
  • How well is the position defined?  Can its duties be expanded?
  • Would you describe an average day on this job?
  • What is the history of the position?  Why is it vacant?
  • How would you describe the ideal candidate?
  • Where does the company excel?
  • With whom would I be working?
  • What is the department's environment like?
  • When will you make the hiring decision?