You sent out multiple resumes, cover letters, and landed your first interview. The only thing left standing between you and your new career are the dreaded interview questions. Below are a few of the most commonly asked interview questions, and how you should focus on answering them.
What are your weaknesses?
Minimize attention to your weaknesses and emphasize your strengths. It is imperative to keep away from personal qualities and focus on your professional traits. For example, “I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter of information.” An example of what you are doing to actually succeed would also be helpful.
Why should we hire you?
It is important to summarize your experiences. Don’t downplay your successes. An example would be “With eight years of experience working in the retail industry and my proven record of growing sales at each store I manage shows that I could have an impact on your company. I am confident I would be a great asset to your team.”
Why do you want to work here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates that you have given this some thought. They do not want to hire someone looking for a job, they want someone who will be an asset and grow with the company. An answer might be “I’ve selected companies whose mission statement is in line with my values and where I know I will be excited about what the company does, and your company is at the top of my list of desirable choices.”
What are your goals?
It is best to talk about short-term and immediate goals rather than long winded future aspirations. A good answer can be “My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company that I can grow and continue with. “
Why did you leave (or why are you leaving) your current or previous job?
If you are unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context. It is the same with a current job. Do not focus your attention on negativity or what you didn’t like about your previous job. Keep your answer positive and do not give too much information. For example, “I managed to survive a number of years of downsizing and this last round unfortunately included my position.” Another example might be “After a year at my current job, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused where I can be beneficial.”