In preparing for a job interview it is important to list and
plan your answers ahead of time so that you don’t panic when the
time comes. Jotting down some of the possible questions and then
figuring out the best answer for each will help to boost your
confidence.
There are ten interview questions that often
times are the downfall of job seekers, especially if they are
caught off guard. These top ten questions are ideal to be used
when practicing for a job interview. The top ten questions are:
What are your weaknesses?
The best way to answer this
question is to minimize your weakness and emphasize on your
strengths. Mention professional traits that you deem as your
weakness rather than concentrating on negative personal
qualities. Likewise, it would be best to mention that you are
doing something to improve yourself professionally in order to
correct your weakness.
Why should we hire you?
This is another overwhelming question which can make any
interviewee panic. An ideal way to handle this question is to
start with summarizing your working experiences which may be
important to the company. Remember be confident and show that
you really are looking forward to becoming a part of the
company.
Why do you want to work in our company?
The purpose of the interviewer for asking such a question is to
make certain that you as the applicant are really interested in
the job and not just simply applying because there is a job
opening. As an applicant you have to convince the interviewer
that you are serious and very much interested in the job you are
applying for.
What are your goals? Or where do you see
yourself five years from now?
It is better to answer this
question with reference to short-term and intermediate goals
rather than talking about some distant future. It is also
advised to involve the company in discussing your professional
goals. For instance, say that you see yourself as becoming a
part of the company and helping it in achieving it goals and
missions. Most interviewers asked this type of question to gain
insight on the real motive of an applicant since there are some
applicants who will just make a company their training ground
and then after they have gained some experience leave to search
for another job.
Why did you leave or why are you
leaving your current job?
This is another question used
to weigh the professionalism as well as the ability of an
applicant to stay on a job. As an applicant it is not nice to
say anything negative about your current or previous employer
since it may reflect a badly on you. This will also create a
“big question” in the mind of the interviewer why you are making
such discriminatory remarks regarding your previous job. To
prevent falling into this trap just say that you are looking for
additional opportunities to enhance further your professional
knowledge.
When were you most satisfied in your job?
Again, be very careful in answering this type of question since
this will reflect a lot about you as a potential employee. A not
so convincing answer may cause you to lose the chance of getting
that job you want. Try to answer this question without any
prejudice to your previous job, and concentrate more on
discussing things that motivate you professionally. This will
create the impression that you are a good employee since you
refrain from creating any bad remarks regarding you previous job
plus this will provide your future employer with ideas on how to
motivate their employees.
What can you do for us that
other candidates cannot offer?
Some applicants usually go
blank when asked this question for fear that they may answer
inadequately. Be confident and concentrate on discussing your
positive traits and work qualifications that you deem as
important and relevant to the job you are applying for.
What three positive things would your last boss say about you?
Simply tell them of your positive traits both as a person and as
an employee which are noticed not only by your previous employer
but likewise by your co-employees. Think of positive remarks
that your previous boss may have told you and read through any
performance related assessments you may have had for
inspiration.
How much salary are you seeking? Or how
much salary are you expecting?
When an interviewer asks
you your salary requirements, it usually means they like you and
considering hiring you to become a part of their company.
Some employers would even ask your salary history from your
previous jobs. This will provide them with an idea of how much
you would consider asking from them. A safe way of answering
such a question is to ask for a salary that is similar or close
to what you is previously receiving. Or simply tell them that
you are willing to receive any amount that is rightfully
commensurate to the position or the job you’re applying for.
If you were an animal, what can of animal would you be?
This question is geared more on knowing the personality that you
have. Try to think of animals that are not harmful but rather
exhibits good qualities that match with the type of position you
are applying for.
About the Author:
Stu Pearson has an interest in Finance, Business and Technology
related subjects. If you are interesting in finding out more
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