Common Interview Questions

The interview process can be very stressful, but if you take some time and prepare yourself, you can be in a great position to land the job.  Make sure you familiar with common interview question for the type of job you are applying.  This will take some time and research, but will payoff in the end.

10 common interview questions you should be ready to answer:

1. Tell me about yourself. – This is your time to show off, feel free to list off major work accomplishments, personal interests and all the things that make you special.
2. What interests you about this opening? (Or why do you want to work for us?) – Think about why you are exploring a new job.
3. What do you know about our company so far? – Make sure you do some basic research before the interview.  The job market is tough and employers are looking for candidates interested in being on the team.
4. Why did you leave your last job? (Or why are you thinking about leaving your current job?) – Be careful not to trash your last company, instead consider relating the questions to your personal growth.
5. Tell me about your experience at ___. (Fill in past job.) – Make sure you can answer how spent your time.  Also, try to list additional projects you took on when you were not busy.
6. What experience do you have doing ____? (Fill in each of the major responsibilities of the job.) – Review the job posting when you apply and before the interview.  Make sure you can answer each of the job responsibility areas.
7. Tell me about your strengths. – This is another question where you can list off accomplishments and personal traits that you will bring to the company.
8. Tell me about a time when… (Fill in with situations relevant to the position. For instance: Tell me about when you had to take initiative … you had to deal with a difficult customer … you had to respond to a crisis … you had to give difficult feedback to an employee) – Be prepared ahead of time with a clear examples for these types of questions.  You don’t want to be struggling in the interview to answer these.
9. What salary range are you looking for?   – Salary discussions usually come toward the end of the interview process, when the company already wants you and understands your value—when you have more leverage. Salary ranges tend to be more flexible once the employer knows you’re the perfect candidate. Few hiring managers will let their perfect candidate get away because of a small gap in salary range.  Do your research and be ready with a number that fits your needs.
10. What questions do you have for me?  – Be prepared with several questions for the interviewer   This is your chance to ask about culture, promotion or any outstanding benefit questions.