Job Interview Questions and Great Answers
Job Interview Questions and Great Answers
Q1 – How long have you been looking for a job? (Concern – is there something wrong with?)
A1 – “After I was let go from my previous job, I took the break to take a little time to assess my career goals and where I was going with my life. I have just begun my search in the previous few weeks. I have a definite objective in mind and have been selective concerning the positions I contemplate. Your business and this situation are of significant interest to me.”
Q2 – How did you get ready for this career job interview? (Concern – are you interested enough to do a little research?)
A2 – “When I found this position posted on the net I was instantly attracted. I checked out the company site as well as the mission statement, looked at the bios of company founders and executives, and was impressed. After I had the job interview appointment, I talked with associates and acquaintances in the industry. Also, I’m sure I’ll find a lot more during today’s meetings.”
Q3 – What is your salary expectation for this job? (Concern – Can we manage to pay for you? Can we get you for less than budgeted?)
A3 – “I’ll want more information with reference to the job as well as the responsibilities involved before discussing salary. Can you provide me an idea of the range budgeted intended for this position?”
Q4 – How do you keep current and knowledgeable about your job and the industries that you have worked in? (Concern – Once you get the job do you continue to learn and develop – stay challenged and motivated?)
A4 – “I pride myself on my ability to stay on top of what is happening in my trade. I do a lot of reading – the business section of the newspapers and magazines. I belong to a couple of professional organizations and network with colleagues at the conferences. I take classes and seminars whenever they are of importance, or offer fresh information or technology.”
Q5 – What types of individuals do you have difficulties working with? (Concern – ability to be flexible and work in a diverse atmosphere?)
A5 – “In my previous three jobs I have worked with men and women from vastly diverse backgrounds and cultures. The single instance I had trouble was with people who were being dishonest about work issues.
Q6 – We expect you to work more than 8 hours a day. Do you have a problem with that? (Concern – are you a work-aholic or a person who requires balance?)
A6 – “I have no trouble working lengthy hours. I have worked 12 or 14 hour days. What I have found works for me is to work smarter, not necessarily for a longer time. My target is to get the job completed, whatever that calls for, in the most efficient manner.”
Q7 – When have you been most pleased in your career? (Concern – what motivates you?)
A7 – “The job prior to the one I am currently at, was my most satisfying experience for me. I worked in a wonderful team setting. There was a lot of camaraderie. I worked with a group of four people and we did some truly creative thinking. It is that style of setting I would like to be involved in again.”
Q8 – Why do you want this job? (Concern – are you using the shot-gun approach to job search or do you in fact realize what you desire?)
A8 – “I’ve been especially careful about the organizations where I have applied. As soon as I saw the advertisement for this opportunity, I recognized I found what I was looking for. What I can bring to this job is my knowledge, and knowledge of the industry, along with my ability to connect and create customer relationships. That, along with my versatility and organizational competencies, makes me a perfect match for this opportunity. I perceive a few challenges in the future of me here, and that’s what I thrive on. I have what you need, and you have what I want.”
Q9 – We are ready to put together an offer. Are you prepared to accept today? (Concern – we do not desire you to go away and deliberate about it and change your mind – we desire you.)
A9 – “Based on my research and the information I have gathered throughout the job interview process, I feel I am in a place to consider an offer. I do, nevertheless, have a personal policy that I give myself at least 24 hours to make key life decisions. I could let you know by tomorrow.”
Job Interview Tips You Should Know
Job Interview Tips You Should Know
First, make sure your job resume is in good order. You can hire a professional resume writer if you want a great presentation or study some online resume writing tips if you want to have full control over your CV.
Once your resume is out there, the next thing you should do is prepare for possible interviews.
Job Interview Tip
1 – Know the Company.
It is good business etiquette to know as much as you can about the organization to which you’re applying.
2. Prepare for Questions.
Our second interview tip is crucial. Be prepared to answer questions about the company and about yourself. There’s nothing more awkward than being stumped, flustered, and speechless. Avoid saying “Uhh” or “Ahhh” too much. Answer confidently by being knowledgeable about yourself, your goals, your skills, your achievements and what you can bring to the table.
3 – Prepare Your own Questions.
Employers are impressed if you ask good, intelligent questions. Demonstrate that you really want to understand the nature of your work so that you can function better in the organization.
4 – Look Good.
You must be well groomed when showing up for an interview. Get a haircut if you need one; buy a new suit if your old one looks too tatty. Take a bath and iron your clothes. If you’re a woman, wear moderate make-up and tone down the perfume.
5 – Be Punctual.
Tardiness is bad and will immediately put a damper on things. Leave early so you will get to the office early. Don’t waste your interviewer’s time by showing up late. If you really want that job, you must demonstrate responsibility and be determined to keep appointments.
6 – Shake Hands Firmly.
A good handshake shows you are confident and willing to engage. Always make eye contact when shaking hands; this coordination can accomplish much in establishing positive vibes.
7 – Don’t Overdo It.
Avoid unnecessary body movement; don’t fidget. Keep still and punctuate your points with limited hand gestures. Don’t ever point your fingers, especially at the person talking to you.
8 – RELAX!
Many people panic at interviews and start biting their nails, toying endlessly with their wedding ring, drumming their fingers, or jiggling their legs. Stay calm, breathe deeply, and think of happy memories. Don’t worry yourself sick about something that can be dealt with positively if you just take time to relax.
9 – Listen Closely.
Pay attention to what is being said. Maintain eye contact. If you mishear a word, don’t be afraid to clarify rather than pretend you understood what was said.
10 – Communicate Clearly.
Speak clearly and choose your words carefully, use words and ideas that make sense and can be easily understood. Avoid being superfluous.
11 – Don’t Ever Talk Negatively. About Your Current/Previous Employer.
This is very important – don’t be negative, especially when it comes to your previous employers or colleagues. It will only show that you have a tendency to bad-mouth other people and that’s not something to advertise when gunning for a job. Always be positive and enthusiastic.
12 – SMILE!
Smiling is important.
Common job interview questions
why do you want to work here?
what qualities do you think will be required for this job?
what can you contribute?
why do you want to work for this company?
what interests you about our product/service?
what do you know about this company?
do you consider yourself successful?
are you willing to work overtime?
explain how you would be an asset to the organisation?
The Career Test, Taking The Mystery Out of Career Choices
When researching career choices, often one of the first things you may stumble upon is the Career Test. Just as there are a variety of career choices out there; there are a variety of career tests as well. Knowing which career test is suitable for you is an excellent first step in making the right decision. Here are some things to keep in mind when researching your career choices.
All Career Tests Are Not Created Equal
“Career Test” is a generic term for what can be a variety of assessments. Some measure interests, some measure skills or strengths, some measure learning styles, and some may even measure personality traits. The kind of career test you take will determine the type of career choices you receive.
Following are some commonly used career tests and how they can help you make your career choices.
Strong Interest Inventory
This is a popular assessment tool, which assesses your interests and then compares those interests with people working in different careers. By taking this career test you also find out which of the six “Occupational Themes” best align with your interests, such as: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or Conventional, as well as suggested occupations for each.
How This Career Test Can Help You Make Career Choices: Taking this test gives you access to suggested occupations in your dominant themes.
Strengths Finder
How This Career Test Can Help You Make Career Choices: Understanding your unique strengths can help you focus your research on areas you might not previously have considered. Knowing your strengths can also deepen your interview skills.
Learning Styles
There are many online assessments geared towards helping you find your unique learning style.
How This Career Test Can Help You Make Career Choices: Understanding the methods that work best for you can help you make decisions more effectively, as well as gain a greater understanding of the types of work environments that will best suit you.