The reason: Most people lose control of the interview within the first five minutes, a critical period when first impressions are just being formed. This standard opening catches most people off guard, as they had expected to answer direct questions instead of volunteer information. This allows the interviewer to learn about how you perceive yourself, and what information you want them to know about you.

 

The answer: Don’t give your life history, but briefly describe how you got into the field, or information such as where you graduated, what special training you have, your interests in the field, and what work-related life goals you have. This is your personal moment, but make sure the message you deliver combines work with your personal history. Talk about your interest in the position as it relates to your personal investments, and do so with passion, focus, and professionalism. Talk about your accomplishments, not as a laundry list, but with specific examples of success and personal achievement. Rehearse your answer to avoid rambling and see to it that your response is about 30 to 60 seconds long.

 

 

 

The reason: Remember that the interviewer is hoping you are the best person for the job. They want to hire the best candidate, and want you to be the answer to their prayers. This question is used to determine how compatible your plans are with the path the company is taking. Do you intend to leave in a year? Are you only after a check or do you have a passion for the field? The interviewer is looking for someone who will be dedicated and reliable farther down the line.

 

The answer: In your response, be sure to market yourself not only as an intelligent and enthusiastic employee, but as a reliable one. It is advised that you do not mention your intentions to go back to school, start your own business, or change careers as this will question your ability to remain focused on the job. We suggest that you be honest but ultimately proceed with caution. Don’t give the impression that you just want the money to tide you over, or that you will be out of there at the first hint of a better offer. Employers are looking for ambitious workers, also those with a clear plan and a defined sense of goals and purpose. Discuss your future less in terms of job titles and salaries, but in professional satisfaction and your confidence that you will be an asset to the company.

 

 

 

The reason: This question will always arise, and is very enlightening as to what kind of employee you are. Did you leave your last job on excellent terms, seeking something more challenging or fulfilling? Did you quit over a dispute with a boss or co-worker? Did you leave professionally or in anger? Were you fired, laid off, or did you quit, and why?

 

The answer: This is not the moment to describe to your potential employer how crazy your old boss was and to list all of the problems with your former work environment, no matter how legitimate these complaints may have been. The interviewer will hear your answer and only imagine you speaking of their institution in this way. Be very diplomatic, see both sides of the story, and proceed with an answer such as, “While I had many rewarding experiences at X, and learned a variety of things such as A and B, I felt I needed a more challenging position/my real passion lay in this particular field,” and so forth. If you were fired, be honest but tactful. Do not lie, because your lie will be discovered during reference checks and conversations between human resources managers. Instead, view the end of the last job as an opportunity to apply your strengths and talents to this new position, and let the interviewer know your interest in this new company.

 

 

 

The reason: The reason is largely the same as “Why did you leave your last job?”, but this is in fact a more complicated question. One of the most frustrating things about this particular inquiry is that many laid-off employees were never told the precise reason for their termination. The interviewer wants to hear professionalism and competitiveness in your answer, and to see whether you doubt your abilities or if you are confident and capable.

 

The answer: Given the economy, there are millions of hard-working, competent professionals who, due to unfortunate circumstances, have lost their jobs. Being out of work is not necessarily a reflection on you, but on the state of the market. Understanding this, make certain your answer reflects that extenuating circumstances led to your situation, and that you are confident that your performance was always exemplary. Your answer may be something like, “As I’m sure we’re all aware, the economic situation has put a lot of good companies in tough straights, and forced them to make very difficult decisions. While I was let go from X, I am confident that it was due to extenuating circumstances and had nothing to do with my personal performance. For example, while in my last position, I accomplished A, B, and C…”

 

 

5. What are your weaknesses?

 

The reason: The employer is seeking honesty and a candidate that is professional and analytical. Behaving as though you have nothing to learn will win you no friends—and certainly not the respect of the interviewer. The employer is also testing what sort of answer you will give—will you be self-effacing, clever, evasive, or honest? Each of these answers has pros and cons.

 

The answer: This answer often proves the most problematic for the jobseeker. Most advice columns will suggest you take an aspect that the company would view as a strength and imply it is a flaw, such saying “I’m a perfectionist,” “I work too hard,” and “I am very detail-oriented.” While this is a tried and true tactic, be aware that the interviewer has heard it before and may continue to press you. A safe answer in this situation is to remark on a flaw that has nothing to do with the job you’re applying for: You have a weakness for ice cream, you’re terrible at math and grateful that the job doesn’t involve it, and so forth. The interviewer may be displeased that you have obeyed the word of the law but not its spirit in answering. If the interviewer persists, or if you feel you risk too much with tried but potentially frustrating answers, concede a point from your past work experience. One such is, “I feel very responsible for the projects I work on and feel more comfortable doing the majority of the work myself, but I am trying to delegate work to others and become more open.” A winning tactic is to show weakness, but also growth or attempts at growth.

 

 

6. We're considering two other candidates for this position. Why should we hire you rather than someone else?

 

The reason: Don’t be caught off guard or feel jealous or threatened by this reference. You must not be unnerved or made anxious, as unprepared candidates are. The interviewer wants to see your competitiveness, and also wants to be direct in asking what you bring to the table that another candidate could not. This is, in a nutshell, what makes you the right person for the job.

 

The answer: This answer will vary depending on who you are and the position you’re going out for. Be prepared and have your answer rehearsed long before the interview. Prepare a 45 to 60 second summary as to why you would be the best candidate, what makes you distinct, and how you feel about the position. Be enthusiastic, comprehensive, professional, and stress your achievements specifically instead of offering general talents. Say clearly that you are the best person for the job, and list each ability with a short example of how that ability served your previous companies.

 

 

 

The reason: This question gauges several things. Are you a team player? Can you take criticism? When provoked, do you respond professionally or emotionally? If you evade this question, the interviewer will persist and wonder why you are resisting. Everyone has had a conflict and been forced to resolve it. The interviewer is not invested in what the conflict was, but in how you solved it.

 

The answer: Admit to a conflict. You need not go into detail and may describe it as more of a disagreement. Focus on the measures you took to the solution of the issue instead of the issue itself, which is of no consequence to the interviewer. You may have taken steps to fully understand the other person’s grievances. You may have followed company protocol and gone to a designated third party with the other individual to mediate the dispute. The interviewer wants to see professionalism, intelligence, and a person who is in control of their emotions and actions with a respect for the emotions and actions of others. 

 

 

 

The reason: This question allows the interviewer to weigh your confidence against potential arrogance, your ability to understand the perspectives of others, and your ability to accept those opinions. Do you take criticism well? What accomplishments of yours have received praise and why? What talents of yours have received the most attention and why?

 

The answer: Throughout your career, it is very advisable to keep track of praise and criticism given to you in a professional environment, especially by an employer. Your answers reflect your ability to listen and the kinds of relationships you established with your co-workers. Interviewers want you to be a good fit in their company, and lone wolves seldom make good team members. They also want to hear words of praise from your past employer, which they may later verify while checking your job history and references. Depending on the interview and how confident you feel about its progress, you may use this moment to highlight one of your references. “I actually worked with Sandy on this particular project for my last company, and through A, B, and C, we were able to X and save the company Y amount in what was one of the most successful projects of the year...”

 

 

 

The reason: This question is similar to being asked about your weaknesses. Are you a decisive or impulsive decision maker? Are you calculated or timid? Especially in management positions, this question becomes synonymous with leadership, so be prepared.

 

The answer: While honesty is the best policy, honesty is not usually the problem with this question. The problem is that we often don’t know what decisions we have difficulty making, so we appear unprepared and, ultimately, indecisive. A good answer would be that you have reservations about making decisions based off of little information, or that you prefer to take your time with decisions of high risk. Be prepared to explain why you ultimately reach the conclusion you select. Consider many possible questions beforehand and insure yourself against being caught off guard. It will help tremendously.

 

 

 

The reason: The reason for this question is that many professionals have been forced to leave positions that have commanded certain salaries, but that the vast majority of companies can no longer afford to sustain such positions at their previous level of income. Even if you are an excellent candidate, the interviewer cannot see to it that you are given your previous salary. Ultimately, this question tests your dedication to the position in the face of economic loss.

 

The answer: The answer to this question, unfortunately, needs to be yes. There are millions of Americans out of work who despite their best efforts cannot find employment. In many cases, they cannot find work because they are unwilling to take pay cuts or compromise in what they believe their salary should be. While it is ultimately your decision and your situation may call for particular financial exceptions, your chances of being hired while maintaining your previous salary are slim. As the economy improves, your opportunities will broaden and your salary may be revisited, but for the time being, it is suggested that you accept the need for compromise and step up to the plate.