The number of questions that can be asked by Human Resources, the hiring manager, and other interviewers is limitless.<\/p>\n
These are some of the most commonly asked questions and my thoughts on how to answer them in a way that makes you memorable in a positive way.<\/p>\n
Even these \u201cboring, standard, or basic questions\u201d can have unique and useful answers — your best answers<\/strong><\/em> — smart answers to these questions!<\/p>\n Take the time to read these questions and to have carefully thought about how you would answer each when asked.<\/p>\n Before the interview, review the job description, and customize your answers to the employer and the specific opportunity.<\/p>\n Preparation is the key to interview success. There are no perfect interview answers, but there are good answers to important questions that can help you differentiate yourself from other job applicants. Use the Interview Checklist<\/a> to identify and document your match with the job description.<\/p>\n Poor preparation is a common job interview mistake<\/a>, demonstrating to the employer a lack of interest. Using your checklist (above), develop your answers to these common interview questions, following the adivce (below) for each question.<\/p>\n MORE: <\/strong><\/p>\n Employers want to understand more about you and how you might fit into their organization.<\/p>\n One of the most common questions in an interview is \u201cTell me about yourself.\u201d Actually, it is not even a question — it is an invitation. <\/em><\/p>\n Your answer to this question is your opportunity to share with the interviewer whatever you think is important about you in their<\/em> hiring decision.<\/p>\n More importantly, it is your chance to differentiate yourself from other candidates. In most cases, the standard questions offer the same opportunity.<\/p>\n <\/a>[MORE: How to Answer: Tell Me About Yourself (with sample answers)<\/a>.]<\/p>\n Don’t interpret this as a philosophical question about your plans for family, retirement, or dinner. The reality is that a potential employer is looking to see if your career aspirations and professional work satisfaction are achievable within their framework. If you want to be a CEO within five years, that may not be a good match for them.<\/p>\n Focus on them:<\/em><\/strong> With that in mind, you will want to know if this job and their organization are a good fit for you. So, instead, share the qualifications, experience, and desires you have that fit this opportunity. Make it clear that this job has all the elements you\u2019re looking for in a role (know what these are).<\/p>\n <\/a>[MORE: How to Answer: What Do You Want?<\/a>]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Employers don\u2019t necessarily care to hear that you expect to climb the corporate ladder and be a supervisor.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n If the job you\u2019re interviewing for is not a supervisor, they probably are not concerned about your management skills. You can share how you have been a mentor to others and led projects with little to no supervision. That should indicate you have leadership potential.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Focus on them:<\/em><\/strong> In five years, you should have made a significant impact to the company\u2019s bottom line. Think about how you can achieve this in the role you are interviewing for. In technology careers, advancing your skills is important, too. You should be able to share what areas you want to strengthen in the near term (but be careful that they are not areas of expertise that the company needs now).<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n <\/a>[MORE: How to Answer: Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years? (with sample answers)<\/a>.]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n This is clearly a differentiation question.<\/em> What you want to tell them is: they’d be crazy not to they hire you.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Focus on them:<\/em><\/strong> You need to only share how you meet almost all the criteria they seek, and also<\/em> have two to three additional abilities that they might not even know they need\u2026yet. They need to know you are a candidate who can not only meet their needs now, but will also be valuable for where they want to go in the future.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n You can help out with those deliverables until they find someone (or be a backup to the person they hire).<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Have you been down a path already that they are currently starting? Having \u201clessons learned\u201d to offer them is a very strong plus for a job candidate.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n <\/a>[MORE: How to Answer: Why Should We Hire You? (with sample answers)<\/a>.]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n There should be a heartfelt answer on this one. Your gut should be giving you the answer.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Although, if the reason is about money, location, work schedule, benefits, and other factors not tied to actual role, you may want to think a little more<\/em> about your answer. None<\/em> of those reasons are important to the hiring manager.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Focus on them: <\/em><\/strong>They want to hear that this job is exactly what you\u2019ve been thinking about as a next step in your career.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Of course, the follow-up question they\u2019ll ask is: How so?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Be prepared to answer with your rationale for how this job meets your professional needs and how you can contribute at your highest potential while in this role. People want to feel like their work means something. There is nothing wrong with sharing that feeling in a thoughtful way.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n <\/a>[MORE: How to Answer: Why Do You Want This Job? (with sample answers)<\/a>.]<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Here\u2019s another opportunity to differentiate yourself. Everyone claims to be: a hard worker, good communicator, and team player.<\/p>\n <\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n But how many are a: problem-solver, game-changer, leader in the industry?<\/em><\/p>\nSamples of Short Interview Questions & Answers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Answer the Most Common Questions During Online or In-Person Interviews<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Answering Interview Questions About You <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Answering the Salary Questions <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Answering Interview Questions About Them <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Handling Special Career Situations <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Examples of Best Interview Answers for Questions About You:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/a>1. Question: Tell me about yourself.<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2. Question: <\/strong><\/em><\/a>What do you want?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/a>3. Question: Where do you see yourself in five years?<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n<\/a>4. Question: Why should we hire YOU?<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n
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<\/a>5. Question: <\/strong><\/em><\/a>Why do you want THIS job?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/a>6. Question: How do people describe you?<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/a><\/h3>\n