Help With Interview Answers
"I'm too hard a worker." "I'm applying for this position because I need money." Both of these sentences have the same problem -- they are the type of answers to questions that interviewers don't want to hear. They are presumptuous and reflect a lack of professionalism. Coming up with truthful yet engaging answers to common interview questions can help you make an impression on a prospective employer.
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Strengths and Weaknesses
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No matter what kind of job you're hoping to land, most interviewers will ask you to identify your greatest strength and weakness. When providing your strengths, focus on giving career-minded examples of your best skills and abilities in action. Instead of simply saying you have a high level of commitment to your work, describe real situations that reflect that strength in your work experience. Telling your weaknesses can be tricky. The goal is to show the interviewer that you have self-awareness of things you need to work on -- and that you have taken steps to address them. For example, if you find speaking in front of groups challenging, you can mention that you've taken a public speaking class to overcome the obstacle.
Your Last Position
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Another potentially sticky situation can come up when you're asked about your last position. If you've been happy with your last job and are simply ready for the next step in your career, crafting an answer will be much easier. If, however, you're miserable and underpaid in your previous or current position, it may be tempting to air the dirty laundry. Doing so makes you, not your former employer, look bad. Take the high road and try to put a positive spin on difficult situations. If asked if you were fired, be honest and explain what you've learned from the event.
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Why You Want the Job
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Employers want to know why you want to become a part of their team. Your answer to that question can say quite a bit to the interviewer. Answers centering on salary and negative comments should be avoided. Ideal answers put the focus on what you have to offer the employer -- not the other way around. Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the employer's business so that you can back up your answers. Showing the interviewer that you know the employer's goals -- and how you can contribute to meeting them -- will make a positive impression.
Questions for the Interviewer
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You've made it through most of the interview when you get hit with one final question: The interviewer wants to know if you have any questions. This question isn't asked out of courtesy; it is still part of the test for whether you are a good candidate for the job. Having no questions tells employers you're either uninterested or unprepared. That pre-interview research will come in handy here as well. Have some questions in mind about the position. If they've already been answered, draw upon issues that came up during the interview.
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