Posted By: Jessica Holbrook In: Job Seeker - Interview Here are some questions interviewers love to ask...
Your resume looks fabulous, and you’ve been getting tons of calls from companies that want to interview you. Your interview preparation should include looking at the employer’s Web site in order to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the business. However, keep in mind that employers already know about their company, and therefore are most interested in learning about YOU during an interview. Here are some questions interviewers love to ask:
What is it that appeals to you about this position?
As you apply for different jobs, it’s a good idea to save the job description for each position with a recognizable file name. Before your interview, you can review the job description and give some thought to not only what makes the job interesting to you, but also why your qualifications offer a good fit. Employers use this question to determine whether you’re genuinely interested in the opening—or just trying to find a job … any job.
What would your previous supervisors or coworkers say about you?
If you’ve never thought about other people’s perspectives of your work, this question can catch you off guard in an interview. Prior to your interview, take some time to remember any compliments previous coworkers have given you, or strengths your previous supervisors have noted during performance evaluations. Then, rather than speculating on what previous coworkers might say, you can offer a concrete story from the past.
What are you still working on as a professional?
This is a simple rewording of the traditional, “What are your weaknesses as an employee?” It’s good to have an answer ready to go for this question. Every employee has areas in which there are opportunities for growth, but it’s important to have an answer prepared that you’ll feel good about when the interview is over.
Why did you leave your last job?
If you were terminated from your last position or you left due to personal conflicts, this is another question for which you should be prepared. Lying in an interview can be grounds for future termination, so it’s important that you find a way to represent yourself both honestly and professionally.
What are you looking for in your next job?
This type of inquiry makes it sound as though an employer is interested in your personal wants and interests, but that’s sometimes not the true reason for the question. Employers often use this question to rule out people who are looking for something other than what their opportunity provides. For instance, if you are asked this question by the hiring manager for a busy police department, and you answer that you’re looking for a peaceful, calm working environment, you will appear to be a poor fit. Your answer to this question should be in line with something the employer can offer you—like the opportunity to grow with the company or to perform community service with coworkers.
Preparation is the key.
People who have to present themselves in front of others spend a lot of time preparing. Just think about all the prep time put in by pageant contestants, legal witnesses, or political candidates. An interview is your chance to present yourself in the most favorable light possible. It’s important to prepare—and to have great answers ready for the tough questions.
Comments
Posted by: Maureen
Since I have been through a number of interviews of late, and sadly not received any offers; I have been wondering what exactly I am doing wrong. Seeing the responses to the questions you presented has made me realize that I just haven't prepared adequately. Granted I have been attending school to upgrade my marketability and when possible I am doing volunteer work to show that I am being active; but no jobs seem to be presenting themselves.
Posted by: Jasmine Moran
Thank u this gave me an outline to prepare myself for future interviews, GREAT TEMPLATE!!
Posted by: nabil
valuable information that I used in prepariation for my job interviewthank you
Posted by: Vicki On: 7/12/2010 10:59:29 AM
You are giving great information however these examples give 'what' to say but 'not' how to say it. Some real examples of responses would really be helpful. For example, if you were terminated - how to you 'word' that to the HR person?
Posted by: Robert On: 7/12/2010 1:26:23 PM
Once I get an interview, I do well until they figure out my age which is 62. That seems to be a problem I can't overcome. I don't look 62, I don't act or think 62 but that is of little consolation. Your questions are right on. Nice Job.
Posted by: Gregeory On: 7/12/2010 3:06:43 PM
Very succint and valuable suggestions. Very much appreciated
Posted by: Hector On: 7/12/2010 10:23:39 PM
This information is very good to know please continue doing things like this for us and thanks for the tips.
Posted by: Paula1 Knapp On: 7/23/2010 4:23:45 PM
Preparation is definitely the key.
Posted by: Jose G. On: 7/24/2010 12:32:25 PM
Great article but some explicit or actual answers would help. For example, the question regarding your weaknesses is a very hard question to answer. I don't think I have any weaknesses but am constantly told I should have one answer ready. That's fine but an actual example is never given. Some guidance would be helpful.
Posted by: Linda Race On: 7/24/2010 5:46:09 PM
This is great to know, I always seem to get caught off guard and struggle for an answer even though I feel confident going in. This information covers a lot of avenues. Thanks
Posted by: cynthia lewis On: 7/25/2010 3:29:02 PM
I have attended quite a few interviews in the last two months having prepared and answered well as per their expectations, but still no positive response. Is local experience more valuable?
Posted by: Joyce On: 7/25/2010 7:52:24 PM
Great preparation!I have sometimes struggled, other times was prepared and question(s)asked!Thank you!
Posted by: PATRICIA RAIH On: 7/25/2010 10:21:08 PM
I found that prior to an interview it is a good idea to check out the company's website to learn more about the company so you can incorporate your knowledge during your interview showing you are interested in the company and that you are prepared to discuss what they do and how your skills and experience would be an asset to their company. :-)
Posted by: Maria-angeles Rogles On: 7/26/2010 8:13:59 AM
Good information, however, I am 63. I have worked all my life, have held top level bilingual executive positions, great computer skills, get along well with people, etc., yet I am not selected for jobs and it is clearly due to my age. Not fair at all.
Posted by: Sara On: 7/26/2010 10:12:16 AM
Thanks for the tips. However, I would also like to see examples of how to say something such as a termination.
Posted by: Kathy P. On: 7/27/2010 5:16:48 PM
Inquiring about how to explain to an interviewer/company about having to many jobs in to short a period of time, one being that I quit after only one and half months without a 2 weeks notice. How would I honestly explain that without lying and have a chance of being hired, believing that I would definitely plan on being around indefinitely?Kathy P
Posted by: Julie B. On: 7/27/2010 11:20:43 PM
How do you tell a possible employer about your weaknesses and still come out looking like a good prospective employee? If you have trouble with punctuality, dealing with conflict in the workplace, prioritizing your work, or paying strong attention to detail, do you (and how) tell the interviewer that? What if you were fired for one of those reasons? Can you turn it into a positive statement by saying it was something you learned a lesson from in some way? What if you were fired unjustifiably? How much info do you give about the situation that precipitated the firing?
Posted by: Ken On: 7/28/2010 2:27:42 AM
Always good to have a reading available online to know how things operate. Time effectively spent makes success, hard to avoid!
Posted by: Terrina Clewell On: 7/28/2010 2:46:53 PM
I wish I could have read these tips before my last interview. I was prepared for other questions but not these. These questions were the exact same questions I was asked.
Posted by: Sherry J. On: 7/29/2010 9:58:27 AM
Thanks for the input on the age factor. I too am up in age (57), I don't look it nor feel it, but I feel that age is definitely the problem. I have a lot of knowledge and training in several areas, but can't get past the age issue. I would rather hire someone with this background than someone with no on the job training and knowledge, especially in this forever changing world.
Posted by: Bryan S. On: 7/30/2010 11:31:00 AM
I'd love some input on how to answer the question of why you're looking for a new opportunity. I have been looking for a new job (in this economy, no less!) as the result of losing a political battle. And I didn't take sides, but was rather the scapegoat for my boss's weakness in the face of another manager that was impossible to please (and I later found out was against my being hired in the first place, so he made sure that no matter what I did it just didn't pass muster). You can't 'trash' your old boss, or the politics, etc., but how do you answer being demoted/fired due to something completely out of your control w/o sounding like you're just trying to 'get even' or whiny or whatever? Any suggestions?
Posted by: Patricia Sherman On: 8/2/2010 3:06:23 PM
This is not helpful to an individual who is 65, like me. Once they know my age, they are no longer concerned about my goals or what I anticipate from the job, etc. It's a very sad commentary for our country that intelligence and experience are much less important or valued than youth and no experience. Employers want to mold individuals to what they want and they do not want already formed opinions, just blank slates. Little do they realize that a nurse who is my age molds a lot easier than a youthful nurse who has no knowledge of a situation from any prior patient contact. I am extremely willing to learn anything the employer wants, and no, it doesn't take me longer to learn it because of my age. I will be skillful and a dynamic member of any team once the employers out here can get past age discrimination! I have to work and I am so tired of being bypassed. Shame on employers that are so narrow-minded and ignorant! I am a RN, and a CMOA. I type 80wpm, can do medical coding and transcription, and I'm a darn good teacher. E-mail me and give me a chance to try out one of your interviews. You may just hire me.
Posted by: shrikant On: 8/3/2010 8:26:05 AM
reading this is in itself is great learning experience, so next time .......introspect before interview, thanx for ur guidance
Posted by: chris v. On: 8/5/2010 1:08:33 PM
Unfortunately, in this country age is not valued nor respected. I am a Corporate Trainer with years of experience, having successfully trained and mentored hundreds of employees in both operations and soft skills. I have applied for several positions that perfectly fit my skill set, yet at 62, I do not even get the opportunity to interview. It is a reality folks, that age discrimination is alive and well!
Posted by: John P. On: 8/5/2010 2:29:04 PM
Several mention problems due to age 57-65. I hope you youngsters have better luck than I at age 71.We may mention older work ethic, dependability(I haven't missed a day sick since '98),More varied experience,
Posted by: Cing On: 8/7/2010 4:41:02 PM
Chris you are absolutely right about the age discrimination. I am 54 and have over 10 years ofexperience. I have been searching for a position in accounting since January of this year, I knowthat does not sound like a very long time. It isfrustrating competing with other canidates thatare fresh out of college or younger than I am. Good luck to you and other wiser workers!
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