How to Answer Common Job Interview Questions

Know ahead of time how you'll answer basic interview questions.

Being prepared for the job interview is the best chance you have for success. Being prepared helps calm your nerves and helps you go in with a confident, self-assured attitude. You may prepare for the interview by researching the company and understanding the nature of the position, but you may also prepare by planning how you'll answer some of the most commonly asked interview questions. All interviewers generally want to know some basic things up about you, and these questions are often the trickiest ones to answer.

Things You'll Need

• A suit or business wear

Instructions

1. Most interviews start with a question asking you to describe yourself. This question often trips people up because they think it's a call to get personal. The interviewer doesn't want to hear about where you were born and what your family is like. He doesn't want to hear a long-winded autobiography. Keep this response short and sweet, and laser-focused on how your experience relates to the position. While this question sounds like it's about you, it's really a chance for you to tell the interviewer what you can do for his company. Give a quick synopsis of your work history, mention an outstanding accomplishment and what you bring to the table.

2. Describing why you left your last job is an incredibly difficult question to answer. If you were fired or laid off, that truth can very easily torpedo your chances. The best route to take in answering this question is putting a positive spin on why you left and focus on the future. Avoid disparaging your boss or coworkers. Instead, talk about how you learned from a mistake or how you're looking for a challenging position that is more in tune with your career goals. Keep this answer brief and focused. Answer with confidence in your voice.

3. Interviewers want to ensure they're making a good decision when they hire someone. They don't want to regret it. If you're asked why the company should hire you, it is your chance to shine and show the interviewer what sets you apart from the rest. Point to your strongest attributes and what you can do that nobody else can. Don't give the tired old response about your work ethic or your people skills. Think about what makes you unique and use that as your main selling point. Think about it in terms of how you can solve a problem for the company.

4. Many companies use questions about salary as a way to screen out potential candidates. Don't name a price until you're actually offered the position. If you're asked a question about salary early in the game, the best approach is to show that you have an idea as to what the price range is, that you know what your worth, but you're also flexible and willing to negotiate. You might say, "I've done some research on this position and I'm willing to go with the fair market value for the job, but I'm willing to negotiate."

5. Most jobs require interaction with other people, and many companies take a team approach to getting the job done. Your interviewer will probably ask you questions about your ability to work with others. For example, you may get a question such as "Do you prefer working alone or with others?" Answer this question by showing your versatility and by offering a specific example of how you worked with others. Talk about a successful team research project or another team project example that highlights your ability to relate and communicate with others.

Tips & Warnings

• NEVER chew gum on a job interview.

References

• Career Builder; How to Answer These Tricky Interview Questions; Kate Lorenz