Successful Interviews
Preparation for an interview is considered by some to be the most important part of your job search. The interview can be stressful, but your performance and the interviewer’s perception of how prepared you are will most likely be the determining factor on whether or not you receive a job offer.
After identifying potential candidates for a vacancy, an employer must conduct an interview to determine if you are the right person for the job. The interview is your opportunity to convince the employer that you are the best choice. Your résumé helped get your foot in the door; now you have to clinch the deal. By being prepared, you will boost your confidence, and be able to portray your value to the employer with ease.
Being prepared incorporates planning, and a variety of strategic actions on your part. Take note of some of the things you can control as you get ready for the scheduled interview.
Be Organized. Make sure you prepare a portfolio with all of your documentation. Include additional copies of your résumé and references, copies of certifications and licenses, educational transcripts, and any letters of recommendation. Don’t forget to bring a couple of pens and a note pad.
Research. Know the job, know the employer, and know the company. Most companies have a website where you can learn about their history, mission statement, goals and products or services. Become as familiar as you can with the information available. For those companies that may not have a place to research online, you can visit the establishment and speak to employees, or make a few calls to learn more about the establishment. Business owners take pride in their company, and by portraying your knowledge about their services you will impress the prospective employer with your initiative and sincerity in seeking employment with them. Know the current salary range in your area for the occupation you are seeking.
Are you a good match? Take the time to know exactly what qualifications the position you are applying for requires. Know the areas you are proficient in, and identify the areas you may not be as familiar with. When you are asked about your qualifications, be prepared to respond with enthusiasm about your strengths, and be able to identify how you intend to overcome areas of weakness. Think of the interview as a sales meeting. You are selling yourself (product) to the employer (buyer). You must be able to portray your overall value during the interview.
How will you answer? You know that you will be asked a variety of questions. Spend some time reviewing the most common interview questions prior to the meeting, and think of how you would respond. Even if the questions you review are different from the ones you are actually asked, your preparation will increase your confidence level, and enable you to respond more effectively. Listen carefully to questions, and consider your response before answering.
Common Interview Questions
There are hundreds of questions a prospective employer may ask, and no matter how much time you put into your preparation, there is bound to be a question you did not consider. And that is ok! The confidence you build during your preparation, will better equip you to respond to those unexpected questions in a professional manner. Always be truthful; if you don’t know an answer, or are unable to respond, say so. Some questions are not just factual, but situational. Consider your answers carefully when asked a situational question. Also, some questions are designed to put you at ease or change the subject, and have nothing to do with the company, the position, or a work environment.
What do you know about our company?
How did you learn about the vacancy?
Why should we hire you?
Tell me about yourself.
Have you ever been fired from an employer before?
Why did you leave your last job?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
If we contacted your previous employer, what would they say about you?
You don’t appear to be qualified for this position, what do you have to offer?
How would you manage an employee with poor performance?
Are you prepared to travel?
How many days of leave or sickness have you had off in the past year?
Do you drive? What kind of car do you have?
Do you have any major financial debts?
What do you think the most important factors are in running a business?
What jobs have you had that you enjoyed the most/least?
Tell me five words that describe your work ethic.
Do you work best on your own, or as a member of a team?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you feel about overtime?
Give me an example of a difficult decision you have made in a previous job.
What is your most significant achievement?
How do you respond to stressful situations?
Have you had any legal convictions?
What supervisory or leadership positions have you held?
Describe a time where you performed above and beyond the call of duty.
What motivates you?
What hours do you prefer to work?
You have five minutes to tell me why you should get this job.
How many ping pong balls do you think will fit into a mini-van?
How do you respond to criticism?
What type of community activities do you participate in?
What is your work ethic?
How do you release frustration at work?
What were your duties at your last job?
If you had to dismiss 30 people, how would you decide who to let go?
What was your compensation package at your last employment?
Do you consider yourself a good leader?
Are you a team player?
What is the most recent book you have read?
Can you explain this gap in your employment history?
What are your long range career objectives?
Why did you choose this career field?
Are you willing to relocate?
Give me an example of a mistake you have made and what you learned from it.
How do you adapt to change?
What three things are most important to you in seeking employment?
Do you have any hobbies?
What percent of yourself do you give to your job?
Have you ever had a disagreement with a supervisor?
How do you resolve conflict in the work place?
Give me an example of when you last motivated your peers in the work place.
Tell me how you would handle a situation involving a fellow employee who stole from the company.
Describe a time when you identified a potential problem, and what you did to resolve it.
How do you feel about following company guidelines, rules and regulations?
Have you ever been counseled on a safety violation?
Do you own your own tools and/or safety equipment?
How do you feel about working in adverse weather conditions?
Are you willing to participate in a physical fitness evaluation?
Do you have any medical conditions that would prevent you from performing in this position?
Do you have knowledge of computers and automation programs?
Have you ever had an accident in the work place?
Have you ever been accused of theft in the work place?
