How to Answer Typical Interview Questions
Posted In: Interview Tips · By: Ian Dimerman · Date: 9 Aug 2007
The key to effectively answering job interview questions is to understand the purpose of the questions. It's hard to respond to statements like "Tell me about yourself" if you don't know what the employer wants to know!
Questions About You and Your Skills
Tell me (us) about yourself.
What do you consider your most important abilities?
What are your strengths?
Why should we hire you?
What five words would you say describe you best?
Have you had any experience in this type of work?
The interviewer wants to know what makes you different from other applicants, and how well your qualifications match the requirements of the job. To answer this type of question well, you have to be able to describe your skills and abilities and how they relate to this particular job. Emphasize the appropriate aspects of your background, experience, accomplishments, and characteristics. For example, if you know the job requires patience (to deal with dissatisfied customers) or persistence (to solve problems), focus on those characteristics and describe situations in which you have demonstrated them.
Questions About Your Interest in the Company
What is it about our services or products that interests you?
What is your understanding of the nature of the job and the company?
Why did you apply for this job?
What do you know about our company?
Why do you want to work for our company?
The interviewer is trying to find out what you know about the job and the company, and if you understand the organization. You will certainly stand out from other applicants if you can answer this type of question well-so make sure that you have done some research on the company before the interview! State what you have found out about the company and its operations (from year-end reports, newspaper reports, or other documents; and from people who deal with the company), and why you are interested in the job. Emphasize how your skills would meet the company's needs.
Questions About Previous Employment
Why did you leave your last job (or want to leave your present job)?
How much were you absent from work in your last job?
What was your last employer's opinion of you? your opinion of your boss/previous employer?
Why were you fired?
The interviewer is fishing to find out if you had problems with previous jobs or employers that would eliminate you from consideration for this job. Focus on the positive - your desire to learn new skills, assume more responsibility, seek new opportunities, and grow and develop. Avoid getting emotional, and don't apologize or make negative remarks about your performance on the last job, the job's requirements or benefits, or the employer.
Questions About Your Commitment to the Job
Why have you changed jobs so many times?
Are you thinking of going back to school or to college?
What are your long range goals?
Don't you think you are over-qualified for this job?
The interviewer wants to know if you are prepared to stick around. Talk about your career plans, but show that this job is not just a short stopping point to your long-range goals. Mention the challenge of the position and its relation to your career plans. Give a reasonable explanation if you have changed jobs many times - let the employer know you won't quit after a short time. If you are over-qualified for the position, stress your adaptability and flexibility, and your willingness to assume more responsibility.
Questions About Your Ability to Fulfill Job Requirements
What would you do if...?
Are you willing to relocate? retrain?
Do you prefer working by yourself?
Can you work under pressure?
Do you like routine work?
What kind of boss do you prefer?
How do you react to criticism?
What salary are you looking for?
Directly or indirectly, these questions are designed to find out how well you can satisfy the requirements of the job. Answer tactfully and honestly. When interviewers describe situations and ask how you would respond to them, demonstrate your skills and knowledge to the best of your ability. If the questions are more direct and you can satisfy the requirements, talk about your willingness and give examples of your ability. If you cannot or would not satisfy the requirements, say so. There is no point in taking a job and then having to quite because you are not wiling or able to do it!
The salary question requires special attention. If you have done some research and know the typical salary range for this type of position, quote a salary range (not a specific number). If you don't know the typical range, avoid discussing salary until a job offer has been made. Say that the salary would depend on the nature ad scope of the duties and responsibilities.
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