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Most job interview questions are open-ended, and the interviewer is often as interested in how you answer over the specific details of the answer. In the case of this common question, they’re looking to understand what you know and what you’ve done, particularly as it relates to the job you’re interviewing for. They’re not
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looking for your full life story. How to Answer: Briefly share details about how you got to where you are today. Tie in those experiences to the skills you have that are relevant to the position. Keep it brief, but be prepared with some more information if the interviewer asks you to elaborate on anything that you mentioned.
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This is one of those questions that has become a bit of a cliche, but it still may come up in your interview. The interviewer is testing your confidence and looking to see what qualifies you for the role. How to Answer: It’s important to discuss what qualifies you for the position, and what may set you apart from other candidates. Study the job
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description carefully prior to an interview, and make sure that you can talk about the “Must Have” or “Required” skills as part of this strengths conversation.
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The typical follow-up question to your greatest strength is your biggest weakness. With this question, the interviewer is looking to see if you’re open to criticism and have a desire to improve. How to Answer: Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits. Think about skills that you’ve been trying to improve,
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or that you’ve made progress with recently. Regardless of your weakness, let the interviewer know you’re currently working on turning the negative (weakness) into a positive. Everyone has flaws, and saying you don’t will likely lead to rejection.
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The answer, “Because I really need a job,” might come to mind but it might be a good idea to back off on that response. What the interviewer is looking for here is what sets you apart from others.They want you to differentiate and sell yourself! How to Answer: Create a short, detailed sales pitch explaining why you deserve the job.
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Emphasize what makes you unique to build confidence in the interviewer’s decision to hire you.
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This is one of those behavioral interview questions which can be tricky to understand exactly what they’re looking for. Just saying that your boss approves of your work isn’t enough. The interviewer is looking to see what kind of relationships you’ve built with the management team, and get an impression about how you may fit in with their team.
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How to Answer: This is a great time to brag about yourself with someone else’s words. Start with “My boss has told me that…” so that it’s clear you understand the question. Stay humble and refrain from sounding arrogant.
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Of all the job interview questions that make people nervous, this may be the most nerve-wracking. The interviewer is looking to see what you’re currently making and if it’s within their budget. How to Answer: It seems like a simple question, but your answer can make or break a job offer. It’s in your best interest that the employer mentions a
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pay range first. Unfortunately, that’s not how it always works. Prepare for this question by doing some research about salaries. Keep a number in mind by understanding the local going rates and your bottom line. What pay rate would you accept and walk away from? Note: In some states it is illegal for an employer to ask about your current salary.
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This is another one of those behavioral interview questions. The specific reasons for your leaving are often less important to the interviewer than how you conduct yourself when discussing it. The interviewer is often looking to see if you speak ill of your former employer and/or left on good terms.
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How to Answer: When asked about why you are moving on, state your reason in a positive manner rather than being directly critical or accusatory. Focus on what you’ll get out of the change in employment. If you are currently employed, you can explain that your career goals don’t line up with the company’s direction, and if you were recently let go, give them
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a brief overview about why, without ever bashing your previous employer.
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Don’t be tempted to answer “Because I need a job!”. The interviewer is looking to see if you’ll be a good fit with the company, and if you have specific goals for your career. How to Answers: Be specific about why you’re a great fit for the role. Mention aspects of the company that appeal to you along with your short and long term goals. Reiterate your
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commitment to the hiring manager prior to finishing the interview.
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This interview question, like the previous one, is intended to see if you’ll be a good long-term fit with the company. The interviewer is looking for commitment and motivation. How to Answer: Focus on your career goals that align with the company. Demonstrate your understanding of the company’s mission, and how you can find your place there.
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If there is a clear promotion path available that you’re interested in, feel free to mention it.
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This is another typical interview question. The interviewer is looking for some insight about how you problem-solve and how you handle a challenge. How to Answer: Share how you’ve handled a tough situation with big implications. Break it down into parts, giving a detailed overview on how it was fixed, especially your role in solving the issue. Make
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sure to provide measurable metrics and results for the interviewer.