Common interview questions and answers

You arrive for your interview eager to make a good impression. The key to a successful interview lies in being able to anticipate the interview questions and being able to answer them. Here are some commonly asked questions and we suggest some ways to answer them:

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is an open-ended question and a perennial favorite. The interviewer wants to test your communication skills; he wants you to open up, to say something that isn't canned, or not right in front of them on your resume.

Talk about personal characteristics and skills that translate into career strengths.

Briefly touch on the following areas.

• Your qualifications and experience related to this position
• Some appropriate personal information to indicate stability and a well-rounded character. For example, personal interests, community involvement and fitness.

In terms of my work experience I offer a solid (name your field) background that includes (give a brief qualifications benefit statement). In terms of my personal attributes I am and (mention a few of your attributes) and I really enjoy this field of work. On a personal note I (name a physical activity), I (name a hobby or interest) and enjoy as a (family/community) activity. I (we) have settled in this area and I'm looking forward to working for an organization such as this.

2. Why did you leave your last job?

Many interviewers will ask this, and although they may be curious as to why you're job hunting, keep your comments diplomatic. Avoid negative comments about your present job. Instead, focus on things such as growth potential and skill development and your goals in those regards.

The interviewer also wishes to discover any problems you have that would be a reason not to hire you and to assess your attitude towards employers, supervisors, policies, organizational changes, or difficult situations.

3. What are your greatest strengths?

The interviewer wants to discover reasons for hiring you, to assess your confidence level and if you are indeed the right person for the job.

Briefly mention that besides the work skills, training and/or experience that you would contribute, you also offer job-related qualities such as (list your attributes). If possible, and if there is time, be ready to back these attributes up with specific illustrations, for example, a time at work when you met a tight deadline.

You may mention your traits such as courtesy, pleasant personality, loyalty, willingness to work hard, motivation, persistence, and tenacity.

4. What is your greatest weakness?

This is another one of those trick interview questions, which may easily trap you. Never say that you are perfect.

The interviewer wishes to discover if you are wrong for the job due to such reasons as a lack of experience or training, poor people skills, refusal to follow orders, poor attitude, laziness, and inability to cope with pressure, to name a few.

Answer this question by:

a) Naming a flaw and indicating the steps you've taken to overcome it. E.g. "I'm so enthusiastic that I want to do 100 things at once, so I have to sit down and make a list of priorities and plan a schedule. That always works well with me."

b) Indicate a weakness, which may be a professional strength e.g. "I'm so compulsive about my work, that I can't stop until the job is perfect."

5. Where do you plan to be in five years?

Everyone dreads this question, but everyone asks it. This question is another favorite of the interviewer.  Demonstrate your ambition by talking about the skills you hope to develop or projects you want to undertake. Employers like goal-oriented workers, so saying you don't know will turn a manager off.

You could answer with "I would like to try the technical career," or, "I want to follow the management career path." Give a concrete goal, focusing on the responsibilities, not the title. For example, you could say you'd like to work on certain kinds of projects, achieve a creative goal or manage a team because you think you have good leadership skills.

6. Why do you want to work here at XYZ Company?

Describe what you know about the organization. If you can honestly compliment the company on such points as its reputation, service, product, location, growth, quality or appearance, do so. Indicate the interest and care you have put into collecting background information. Showing that you have done some research marks you as a self-starter with knowledge of the facts.

A possible answer can be: "Your organization has a reputation for (give examples) and I'm really interested in utilizing my (your occupational field) skills here and growing with the company. Or, "I like a start-up environment where I can really make a difference."

7. Why should we hire you?

You could answer this with: "Because I would be an asset to your organization. I'm loyal, tenacious, motivated, and I learn fast. I'm someone who could be very productive very quickly."

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?"

Managers like well-rounded employees; your answer to this question illustrates some of your personal qualities. If you can mention pastimes that would be an asset to the job you are seeking, so much the better. For example, a bridge player or a chess player must possess valuable analytical skills. Whatever your favorite hobby is, strong outside interests round out your character. Group sport activities indicate a person's ability to be part of a team.

A possible answer could be: "For relaxation I like to read a mystery novel, play chess, bridge. I like to swim, read mystery novels, go swimming, go skiing, make pottery..."