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EXPERIENCE:
INTERVIEWING SKILLS
INTERVIEW
QUESTIONS
Make
sure that you practice answers to the following sample questions.
Be sure to provide specific examples and to focus on the positive
at all times. Remember that your answers should not sound memorized,
but rather organized and well thought out. Experienced interviewers
can tell the difference between sincere answers and those read
out of a book. Keep in mind that for all questions the best
answers are honest answers.
-
Tell
me something about yourself.
This is the opportunity to sell yourself and bring to
light your distinguishing attributes. An example: I thrive
on challenges and change, and consider myself to be very flexible.
Tell the employer something not found in your resume that
you would like him or her to know, such as your abilities
or accomplishments. Do not talk about family, hobbies, etc.,
unless they directly relate to the position.
-
What
do you know about our company?
Make
sure to do your research before the interview.
- Why
do you think you might like to work for this company?
Be honest. Research the company and its products and/or
services so that your answer reflects your career goals as they
relate to the company's goals.Show
a desire to actually do the job. For example: I would
like the opportunity to use my strong teamwork skills in this
position.
- How
would your skills benefit this organization?
Briefly focus on the needs of the company as they pertain
to the position for which you are applying. State why you believe
you are qualified for the position and be confident that you
are the person for the job - try to state facts and figures.
For example: I have been named employee of the month three
times in the past year, and I am sure that I can make the same
kind of contribution here.
- What
is your major weakness? What are your strengths?
Attempt to turn your weaknesses into strengths and explain
what steps you have taken to do so. You also can use weaknesses
that can be categorized as strengths, such as being a perfectionist
or an overachiever. Try
to have your requirements relate directly to the requirements
of the position for which you are interviewing.
- Why
should I hire you instead of another candidate?
Focus
on the qualifications for which the employer is looking and
the responsibilities of the position; stress how you fit these
qualifications.
- Do
you prefer working alone or with others?
The
interviewer is looking for a sign that you are confident and
able to work without supervision, yet at the same time that
you can work as part of a team and value other's opinions.
- What
characteristics do you think are necessary to be a success in
your field?
Mention
the characteristics that match with the position for which you
are applying.
- How
do you react to criticism?
Make
sure that your answer reflects your willingness to listen and
improve upon your work performance.
- What
do you expect from a supervisor?
Be
honest and realistic; stay positive and do not go into past
negative experiences.
- Describe
your ideal job.
Try
to have your answer reflect the qualifications of the position
for which you are applying, yet maintain honesty.
- What
are your future career goals?
Answer this question assuming that you will still be with
the company, even if you don't intend to be.The interviewer
may be interested in someone who is flexible to the idea of
internal movement or in someone who will stay with the company.
You do not need to give a specific title or position. A general
idea is sufficient. For example: I see myself helping the
organization reach its corporate objectives by using my technical
experience in an upper-level position.
- What
led you to choose your field of study?
Have your answer demonstrate the thought put into the decision-making
process. Stay away from answers that revolve around monetary
compensation or convenience.
- What
courses did you like best? Least? Why?
Stay away from blaming professors for your dislike of the
course -this shows immaturity and a lack of shouldering responsibility.
Emphasize those activities where you gained transferable skills,
such as communication and organizational skills. Employers
like well-rounded candidates.
- What
extracurricular activities did you enjoy the most and why?
This is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership abilities
and your involvement in outside activities. Emphasize those
activities where you gained transferable skills, such as leadership
and time management skills.
- How
do you work under pressure?
Make
sure that you can demonstrate your ability to “get the job done”
by using past experiences as examples.
- What
three things are most important to you in a job?
Hopefully the job you are interviewing for offers these
things, so try to relate them to why you chose this company
over any other (e.g. good working conditions, a growing company,
excellent staff, etc.) Do not mention money.
- What
would your references say about you?
Try
to think of qualities in yourself that you know would apply
to the position for which you are interviewing.
- What
are your salary requirements?
This question is not usually asked at the first interview,
but if you are asked, make sure you have researched salaries
for the industry and the position for which you are interviewing.
Always give a range so that the decision is open to negotiation
(usually an annual salary range is appropriate). “I am willing
to give 100% and work very hard in this position. I hope to
be paid fairly in relation to my skills, abilities and commitment”.
Or
“I
really want to be paid in relation to my skills, abilities and
overall contributions. I am willing to work hard and give my
best. I have done some research, and I have learned that other
organizations value this kind of position between $___ and $
___”.
- What
would you like to know about us? (Do you have any questions?)
Always make sure you have questions to ask – this shows
an interest in the job. Ask at least three questions (before
the interview, memorize at least five questions so that if they
get answered throughout the interview, you have some to use
as back up.)
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