Always take time to prepare for an interview in advance. Review commonly asked questions and develop possible answers to give you an edge over your competition.

Tips for answering an interviewer's question

  • Listen carefully. If you're not sure about a question, ask for clarification before answering.

  • Think about what you want to include in your response to fully answer the question before you begin to speak.

  • Answer honestly.

  • Always stress the positives and your successes, stay away from negatives.

  • Remain on track and do not ramble or give unnecessary information.

  • Maintain eye contact and be aware of proper posture..

 

Common Interview Questions

Personal

  • Can you tell me about yourself?

  • How do you measure success?

  • What motivates you?

  • Tell me about your short range and long range goals?

  • What was your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment?

  • What are some of your weaknesses?...
    .....
  • What constructive criticism have you received from employers?....

  • Is there anything else that you would like to tell me about yourself?

 

Work Experience

  • Why are you looking for another position?

  • Why do you want to work here?

  • What do you know about our company?

  • What do you think you can contribute to our company?

  • What is your leadership/management style?

  • What did you like most and least about your current position?.
    .........
  • What are some of the problems you have encountered in your past positions?.
    ......
  • How did you solve those problems? .
    ......
  • What do you expect to gain from this position that you did not gain from your past positions? .......

  • Why should we hire you?.

 

Questions that you should ask the interviewer

  • What qualifications are you looking for?

  • What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?

  • What are some examples of what others have achieved in this position?

  • Can you prioritize the responsibilities of this position?

  • Do you forsee these responsibilities and priorities changing in the near future? If so, how?

  • What will be the greatest challenge in the position?..........

  • Can you tell me about the people who have held this position in the past and what made them succeed or fail?

  • Why aren't you filling this position from within? .......

  • What is your management/leadership style?.......

  • What are the company's strengths and weaknesses? ..

  • How much travel is involved? .......
For more information on interviewing, click on the amazon.com link below and query for "employment interviewing." You will find a number of helpful reference books.