Preparing for Interview Questions

Tell me/us a little about yourself.

• This is your “Me in 30 Seconds” statement.

Why do you want to work for our company?

• The best way to prepare for this question is to learn about the products, services, mission, and culture of the organization. What do you like most about the company?

Why do you want this job?

• Include your core skills that match the job description. Show you are motivated and understand what the position requires.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

• Show the company how this job would enable you to meet their needs as well as your current job/career goals.
• Show the employer how this job ties in with your long-term goals while helping them reach their goals and mission.

What is your greatest strength?

• Share a strength that you feel will benefit the job and the company. 
• Give a short example of how you have demonstrated this strength. 

What is one of your weaknesses?

• Highlight a weakness that can also be perceived as a strength. For example, your weakness might be that you take longer to complete tasks. This can be turned into a strength by explaining that this is because you pay attention to detail and want to make sure you do the best job on each project.
• Share what you are doing to improve on a weakness. What steps have you taken and where have you seen growth? Be optimistic. This is an opportunity to not only show self-awareness, but also your ability to solve problems and strive for growth.

Behavior-based questions
In these questions, an employer will ask you to tell about a time when...

• You had a conflict with a co-worker/supervisor. 
• You had a conflict with a customer. 
• You worked well under pressure. 
• You missed a deadline. 
• You were creative in solving a problem. 

Give specific examples, including what you did in the situation and how you learned from the experience.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself when it comes to…?

• Working well under pressure? 
• Resolving conflicts in productive ways? 
• Managing your time? 
• Being well organized? 
• Communicating well with others? 

Be honest, and avoid giving yourself all 10s, even if you feel you are exceptional at everything. Also, be prepared to share why you gave the ratings the way you did.

In your opinion, what makes a successful (or an effective) ______________?

• The blank is for something about the position like customer service provider, teacher, leader, accountant, manager, salesman, social worker, etc.
• Research the company ahead of time to learn what they are passionate about. 
• Answer with positive statements.

What kind of salary are you looking for?
Whenever possible, avoid going into detail until you have been offered the job. You can respond with:

• I’m open to discussing it, and I am confident it is within the range you have posted. 
• I’m open to discussing it, and I am willing to consider any reasonable offer. 
• I am willing to consider any reasonable offer. If you decide to hire me, I can give you a more detailed answer once we have had the chance to discuss what you typically pay someone with my qualifications for a position like this.

Why should we hire you over other applicants?
Answering this question in a powerful way requires you to thoroughly understand what is required and what you have to offer.

• Know every detail about this job. 
• Imagine yourself doing every part the job.  
• Show them how you can help them meet their business goals. For example:  
  
  • Although I do not know the other candidates applying for this position, I can tell you how I plan to go beyond your expectations [or the unique contributions I plan to make]. Then explain.

Do you have any questions for me?
Even if you don’t have questions, ask questions. It shows you are engaged in the process. Bring five or more thoughtful questions to ask about the position and/or the company. These questions should show how much you know about the company, the kind of employee you are, and/or the kinds of contributions you plan to make. For example:

• “Going beyond your expectations is important to me. If you were to hire me, can you tell me how the onboarding, training, and evaluation processes work?”
• “Can you tell me how success is measured in this position, department, and by the company?”
• What are some of the toughest challenges you would need me to handle if you were to hire me for this position?”