It’s always wise to be ahead of the game and to be totally prepared for any question that could come your way during an interview. In this article you’ll find some frequently asked interview questions and tips on how to answer some of them. Don’t sound like a robot and be sure to tailor your answers to you and to the job for which you are applying.
Tell me about yourself?
Don’t give your life story. Briefly give an overview of your education, previous job experiences, and how your experience and/or education will be useful in the position for which you're applying.
What are your strengths?
Talk about strengths that are related to the job you are interviewing for. A great way to understand your strengths is by reading Now Discover Your Strengths and Go Put your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham. These books provide an online strength finder test so you can understand what they are and how to use them.
What are your weaknesses?
Respond in a positive way: When I am impatient, I work harder. Sometimes I get so involved with the work that I forget to take lunch or a break. I’m such a perfectionist; it is hard to delegate the job to someone else. Simply reassure the interviewer that you are aware of your own weaknesses and they would not have a negative impact on your job performance. Give an example of a weakness that you overcame and explain how you learned from it.
Where do you want to be in 5 (or 10 or 15) years? What do you want to do with your life?
When you answer this question, be honest, but ambitious; it would be all right to include your family, but focus on career/professional goals.
Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor?
This question reveals your ability in handling conflict, and whether or not you are able to maintain professionalism, respect and dignity in resolving the conflict. If you truly have NOT had a conflict, explain how you would handle it if you had one.
Why should we hire you?
The answer to this question will reveal your opinion about your own abilities, and why you are the best candidate. You may explain what makes you unique and above other candidates.
How would you describe your ideal job? What are your professional goals?
Your description of your ideal job/professional growth should sound like the job you’re interviewing for, and further your skills and knowledge within the industry.
Would your rather work with information or with people? Do you prefer to work within a group or alone?
You may respond by providing your strengths in both areas. Don’t bring up the weaknesses.
What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have? How do your friends or coworkers think about you?
The interviewer wants to know how you will get along with other people, and how you see yourself as a manager.
Why is your GPA not higher?
You must answer positively to enhance your value: being involved with extra curricular programs such as the school newspaper, sports team, having a job on-campus, and therefore taking on too many responsibilities will help you by admitting you made a mistake but you learned from it. It is important not to make excuses.
Knowledge Of The Company
Do as much research on the company you are applying to as you can. The internet is a great resource for this. Look at press releases, annual reports, management bios, company mission, vision and values. You will have no problem answering these questions if you become familiar with the company’s background.
You must have thoughtful responses to these questions that are not self-serving. The answers should be specific to the job, your decision-making skills, and the goals you have in your career. Be sure your responses demonstrate sound decision-making processes.
- Why do you want to work within this industry?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why are you interested in our company?
- How will your skills and knowledge improve our company?
Your Goals And How You Like To Work
These questions may seem simple, but don’t get caught off guard. There is nothing worse than looking unsure or searching for an answer at a job interview.
- What motivates you?
- What are the awards you have earned?
- What did you like about your last position and what didn’t you like?
- What were your favorite classes? Why?
- What is the last book you read, or movie you saw? Did you like it? If so, why?
- Who were your favorite professors? Why?
- How will you deal with an irate client/customer?
- Why did you choose this career?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- How do you plan to achieve your goals?
By being completely prepared for a job interview you will appear more confident and intelligent.
Have you been asked other questions at interviews? What are your secrets to success in interviewing. Let iGrad know so we can share it with the rest of the community.
Contribute
Want to contribute by becoming an iGrad author yourself? Let us know!