One of our previous blogs titled, Interview Do’s and Don’ts, outlined some tips for successful interviewing. One of the tips was to practice, practice practice! So I thought I’d provide some examples of the most frequently asked questions in order to provide a framework for a practice interview. Here goes!
What are your strengths? It is almost guaranteed that this question will be asked. Try to list some strengths that you have that pertain to the job you’re applying for. (ie: Don’t go on and on about what a great painter you are if you’re applying for a job in retail.)
What are your weaknesses? It’s easy to get tripped up on this one. Of course you don’t want to portray yourself in a negative light, but whatever you do, DO NOT say “I have no weaknesses”. Don’t do it. It’s BS and you know it; we all have weaknesses. However, you definitely should not just blurt out all of your actual weaknesses either. What I would suggest is bringing up a weakness that you once had but have since defeated and mention that although it was once a weakness, you see no way that it will hinder your abilities to adequately perform your job. Another big no-no is saying something like “I work too hard”, or “I am a perfectionist when it comes to getting the job done”. That is also BS. "Working too hard" is not a short-coming and it will be clear that you’re trying to disguise a strength as a weakness. Employers hear this all the time and it comes off as patronizing and disingenuous. You're much better off just being honest!
Tell me about yourself. This is not really a question, and it can be difficult to come up with a way to reply to such a broad request. Talk about your interests and ambitions that relate to the company or job you are applying for. Keep it short and sweet and only talk about what relates to this job and your career goals.This is not the time to tell your life story. Sorry, but they’re probably not interested in how you made the honor roll in the fourth grade. It's best to stick to the relevant facts. And this is the perfect opportunity to slip in some interests and skills you have that make you a good candidate for the job!
Why are you interested in working for our company? This is why it is absolutely necessary to do your homework! Make sure you research the company and find out as many details as you can about the job you’re applying for and formulate a response to this question in advance.
Where do you see yourself in 5 (or 10) years from now? What they’re really getting at here is; Does this job relate to your desired career path? Do your long-term career goals match up to what is expected for this position? Or even; Are you applying solely because you need a job? Are you going to quit in a year or two? Show that you’ve put some thought into your career planning and that you have professional goals. Please, don’t say something ridiculous like, “I don’t know.” This is your chance to express your intentions and ambitions.
Why is there a gap in your employment history? Eeek. This is a tough one. This depends entirely on your situation. Definitely prepare a response if you are someone who has had a period of time without work or schooling. This is an uncomfortable question and you don't want to be caught off-guard. Maybe you were caring for a sick relative, or maybe you got laid off and had a difficult time finding work. Maybe you took some time off to travel. Or maybe you just didn’t feel like working. (If that’s the case, you should really think of some other way to put it.) Try to emphasize the positive in the situation and be sure to mention any volunteer work or anything you did that shows you were still being productive.
Why do you want to leave your current job? Maybe you saw this new position as an opportunity to further your career. Maybe this particular job is more on the path of your presumed career. Maybe you got laid off. Maybe you hated your last job, so you quit. Maybe you got fired? Whatever you do, do not trash talk your last employer/company. It seems like a no-brainer but people definitely do that in order to explain why they left or got let go. Discuss the positives that came out of your last position and bring attention to why you are the perfect fit for this position. If it somehow comes out that you were fired, relax. It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. Things happen. Explain that you understand why your former employer let you go and that you have addressed and resolved whatever issue you had and how you will be a better employee because of it!
Why should we hire you? Definitely come prepared for this one. I would suggest reviewing the job description and expectations and discussing how you fit the mold for those expectations. This not only shows that you did your homework and that you know your stuff, but you’ll have the opportunity to highlight specific skills that fit with each description.
There are many more questions that may potentially be asked of you and I would suggest running through the most asked questions and thinking of some answers before you go in for your interview. Make sure you don’t sound too rehearsed, though. Review just enough to be prepared without sounding disingenuous. And remember; dress to impress, hold your head up high, and never let ‘em see you sweat! You got this!
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