Job interviewing never seems to get any easier, even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are always meeting new people, having to sell yourself and your skills. You need to stay upbeat and enthusiastic throughout each interview. So, how to prepare for the interview? Here are some frequently asked questions and answer tips.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Stick to your current situation, career, and education. 2 or 3 specific experiences or accomplishments and talk about how your prior experiences have prepared you for this certain role and what you have done to be the best for this job.
Introduce briefly about yourself, Present the experience you got when working in the most recent companies and what are the benefits of that experience for new job. Demonstrate the skills, qualities that can meet the requirements of employers.
2. What is your greatest weakness?
Never deny that you don't have weakness. Be honest, explain that you are happy to take on more training to develop your skills. Show how you have managed to turn your weakness into strengths (e.g. education or training)
You need to pick a weakness that you have been working on to overcome (e.g. I have had trouble with planning and prioritization, but I am now starting to correct this by using a pocket planner.)
3. What is your greatest strengths?
Keep in mind the job requirements and compare these with your attributes, such as your skills, abilities, experience, and personality.
Choose and provide specific strengths that are targeted to this job, follow up with an example of how you have demonstrated these in a professional setting.
4. Why should we hire you?
Cover these 3 things: you cannot only do the work but able to deliver amazing results, you can fit in with the culture and team, and that you are a better hire than any other person.
Explain why you would make a great employee, why you would fit perfectly for the job and company, and what you can offer. Highlight your achievements.
(e.g. My experience as a member of a large team will help to contribute to your department and I am very enthusiastic about new challenges that will be involved in this position.)Never deny that you don't have weakness. Be honest, explain that you are happy to take on more training to develop your skills. Show how you have managed to turn your weakness into strengths (e.g. education or training)
5. Why do you want this job?
Company wants to know whether you are passionate about the job.
Try to find a specific feature that the company prices themselves on: training, client base, public image, etc. Talk about their needs and explain what you can do for them. Show them you want to be a part of their success story by helping them to achieve their goal and meet their challenges. Tie in your knowledge of them into the interests and skills that lead you to apply.
(e.g. After researching your company, I have learned that it is an industry leader and has an amazing reputation. I was deeply impressed by the mission statement of the company, as well as the values and culture. I strongly feel that your company is where I would like to work and be associated with.)
6. Do you have any questions for us?
Is there anything you would like to know about the job you are applying for, or the company? How about the department or team?
Sample questions: What experience and skill sets would make a candidate more ideal? What do you believe would be the largest challenges within this position? How would you explain the company’s culture and background? What are you able to tell me about the company’s plans for growth?
7. What's your salary expectation?
Do your research before the interview from Glassdoor or PayScale to get an idea of what the low, median and high pay rate is for the position you are applying for.
You could state your pay rate is open for negotiation or you prefer to discuss this in person. Don’t be too specific or just throw out a number, be flexible, you may mention that salaries in your past have been between a broad range. You could also let them know that you know the suggested pay rate for the position falls into a certain range. (e.g.$30 - $40k)
All in all, do practice those general interviews questions, and do some research about the company, make sure that your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. What’s more, the most important thing is be on time for the interview.
Remember be confident and be smart!