Job Interview Question and Answer
Suggestions
Here is a list of some common interview questions with some suggestions on the best way to respond to them. If you need to prepare for an interview fast or need more help, Click Here!
Job interview question
answer suggestions that will help you ace your interview.
Q: Tell me about
yourself.
This is probably the most common and most challenging interview question.
The best way to answer this question is to briefly describe skills and/or
experience you have that are RELEVANT to the job you are interviewing for.
This is NOT a time for rambling discussions about your personal life, education,
or personal interests. Keep your answer brief and focused on what you have
or do that relate to the job. Keep your answer short, less than 90 seconds.
Q: What are your
strengths as an employee?
ALWAYS keep the job you are applying for in mind and describe strengths you
have that match the job. Remember, the interviewer is looking for someone
with the skills necessary to do the job and if you can show them that your
strengths match, you're the ideal candidate.
Q: What are some
of your weaknesses as an employee?
This question trips up
many candidates who don't take the time to think about the best answer before
an interview. For this question, don't start confessing all your personal
weaknesses and flaws! The best way to respond is to describe a "nonfatal"
weakness along with the steps you are taking to grow and develop beyond it.
Everyone has a weakness and if you show you are aware of yours along with
how you are working to overcome it, you'll make a good impression.
Q: Why should I
hire you?
The best way to answer this question is to describe for the questioner
how your skills and experience make you an ideal match for the job opening.
This is one of those places where preparation is important because if you
aren't clear about what you have to offer or you aren't clear about the job
you are applying for, you can't properly answer this question and you blow
this opportunity to ace the interview.
Q: Tell me about
the worst boss you've ever had.
Use caution when answering this
one and always keep in mind the rule to NEVER badmouth or criticize anyone
you worked for or worked with in any previous job. Answer this question my
softening the negative qualities about the "bad boss." It also helps
to explain the negative qualities in by putting a positive spin on them. For
example, if that boss was a micromanager who was always looking over your
shoulder, you can explain that you would have preferred if they allowed you
to work more independently. This type of answer does the double job of answering
the question in a positive tone and letting the interviewer know what qualities
you prefer in a boss.
Q: Do you prefer
to work with others or by yourself?
The answer to this question depends a great part on the job you are applying
for. For example, if the job requires you to spend the majority of your time
alone and you answer that you prefer to work with others, your interviewer
will assume that you won't be happy in the job. Of course, it helps to keep
in mind that nearly ALL jobs require some interaction with others so it's
best to show some flexibility even if you have a definite preference.
Q: Where do you
want to be in X years?
The "cute" answer for this question is "I want to have your
job" but only a few hiring managers want to hear a candidate be this
aggressive. Your best way to answer this question is to fit your answer to
what you know about the job. For example, if it's a sales job, an aggressive
answer might be best. If the job is a type where there is little advancement,
an answer that shows ambition might disqualify you. Make your answer is appropriate
for the situation, the job, and your personal goals.
Q: What salary
(wage) are you looking for?
Unless you are already clear on the salary or wage for the job, it's best
to put this discussion off until later in the interview process. You need
the opportunity to learn more about the job to make sure you ask for enough
pay to do it! You don't want to ask for a certain amount then discover that
the job required much more than you first thought because it's very difficult
to go back later and ask for more money. You also want an opportunity to show
how you are the best candidate because if you really are, you are in a better
position to negotiate for a higher starting salary. One good way to answer
this question is with an answer like "I need to know a bit more about
the job before I can say for sure, what salary range are you expecting to
pay?"
There are many, many
more interview questions and many more variations on these basic questions.
If you want to ace your interview, here are some great books that will help
you. Click on the book to read more.
If you need more help preparing for an interview,
Click Here!
