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Interview questions are not trick questions. Although no one can predict which questions will be asked, one or more of these top five questions usually make the list. After preparing and rehearsing your answers, you will gain the confidence you need to impress your interviewer. Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances once you land that interview.
PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
Do not make the mistake of being unprepared. Learn as much as possible about your prospective employer before the interview. Reviewing the company website is the bare minimum. With so many social media tools at your disposal, why not take the time to review your prospective employer’s Facebook page or LinkedIn profile? By doing your due diligence, you will be able to show how your skills and experience make you the perfect candidate for the job.
QUESTION # 1 – TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF?
It is important that you do not let this question take you down the path of your personal life by disclosing information an interviewer cannot ask such as the number of dependents, religious affiliations, sexual orientation, etc. What your interviewer wants when asking this question is a summary of your career highlights and key accomplishments. This is a great opportunity to sell yourself. Remember to keep your answers relevant to the position you are interviewing for. While you are answering this question, your interviewer is accessing your confidence level and listening for an indication of how your past roles and responsibilities match the position offered. Be sure to include information about your goals for the future. Companies want to hire people who strive for ways to improve.
QUESTION #2 WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS?
Interviewers ask this question because they want to see how confident you are in your abilities. The example that you choose will reveal a lot about you. First, it provides a clue into what you value. Second, it will help the interviewer envision you at your best. When you speak of an accomplishment, emphasize your best thinking and contributions. You want the interviewer to see you as someone who has a great track record of producing results.
QUESTION #3. TELL ME ABOUT A TIME WHEN?
Fill in the blank with situations relevant to the position. This is a behavioral question and should be answered using the STAR approach. STAR (Situation, Task, Approach, Results) will help you focus on the key details so that your story is authentic, memorable, and concise. Start by briefly describing the situation, then walk through your key actions in addressing the problem and finish with concrete details that reveal your pride in accomplishment. You may be asked a number of versions of this question. The questions range from asking about a time when you had to take the initiative, deal with a difficult customer or respond to a crisis. Be prepared to answer each one of them.
QUESTION #4. WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE A GOOD FIT FOR THIS JOB?
To answer this question, you should be prepared to explain how your past experiences and skills put you in a position to excel. Prepare a concise summary to show that:
- You can do the work and will deliver exceptional results.
- You will be a great addition to the team.
- Your unique combination of skills and experience make you stand out from the crowd.
Finally, anyone can rattle off the bullet points listed in the job description. Make sure you answer is unique, in your own voice and reveals your specific strengths.
QUESTION #5. DESCRIBE YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS?
Many candidates find this question difficult to answer. After all, you prepared to come to the interview ready to describe all of your great qualities. The best way to answer this question is to tell a story that describes a genuine weakness and then explain how you overcame the weakness. Everyone loves a happy ending.
If you are ready NOW to take the next step to advancing your career, call us today. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we make the job search process a candidate friendly experience. So why not send us your confidential résumé today? SRS will help you put your best foot forward and guide you through the interview process from beginning to end. Contact us about your future today! Give us a call today at 888-366-6508.