| The 10 Most Common Job Interview Questions |
| Too many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions are coming out of left field. But many interview questions are to be expected. So study this list, plan your answers ahead of time and you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence. Read on to learn how to overcome the most dreaded interview questions. |
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| What are your weaknesses? |
| This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful." |
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| Why should we hire you? |
| Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the travel industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team." |
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| Why do you want to work here? |
| The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices." |
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| What are your goals? |
| Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility." |
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| Why did you leave (Are you leaving) your job? |
| If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience." |
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| When were you most satisfied in your job? |
| The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me." |
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| What can you do for us that other candidates can't? |
| What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly." |
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| What are three positive things your last boss would say about you? |
| It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humour." |
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| What salary are you seeking? |
| It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?" |
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| If you were an animal, which one would you want to be? |
| ewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make? |
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| When it comes to the job interview, there are four things you need to master, being positive, being prepared, being personable, and being professional. Positive thinking means believing in yourself and your abilities. When interviewing, attitude is everything. If you know you are the best person for the job, you have a much better chance of convincing of someone else. |
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| Preparation is the second key ingredient to successful interviewing. If you come prepared and ready to get the job, you can impress the employer with your knowledge about the position, company, and product. Prior to the big day, gather all the information you can about the employer. You can do this by accessing the employer's web page, reading annual reports, and talking with people who work there. There is no excuse for a poor response to the question: "What impresses you most about our company?" |
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| Be personable. Be who you are. Laugh, make jokes if appropriate, and make small talk. Build rapport with him or her. Employers want to hire people, not robots. By showing your personality, your geniuses shine through. Not surprisingly, one of the main reasons people get hired is because they are likeable. Finally, be professional. Even if this is your first time in an interviewing situation, you can act like you are a pro by dressing conservatively, answering questions directly, and maintaining proper nonverbal communication (leaning forward in your chair and smiling). This may be their first or last impression of you, so make it a good one! After your interview, evaluate how you think you did and make notes so that you can improve your next time around. |
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