1. "Tell Me About Yourself..."
This classic opening question should probably be put out to pasture but it’s still one of THE most common interview questions you’ll face and it still seems to trip up a ton of job seekers every year. (Plus I doubt it’s going anywhere soon, so you need to prepare for it.) You can check out our article on tell me about yourself for more in depth info.
DO:
Keep your answer succinct and to the point.
Be work specific and tell the hiring manager about where you are now professionally, what you have learned from your past work experiences and then talk about what makes you excited about this specific opportunity.
Do your company research and find out exactly what strengths and qualities this specific company is looking for and in your answer try and show the hiring manager you possess them (You can discover these strengths or qualities in the job description or on their website.)
DON’T:
Don’t dive into your life story.
The hiring manager doesn’t want to hear about you “growing up on 28th avenue down the road from the Trader Joe’s and how it was a coincidence because you had a brother named Joe! (etc…)”.
Don’t go on about experience you may have that isn’t related to the job you’re interviewing for.
Jeff's Tip
At the end of your answer try segueing into an insightful question for the hiring manager that shows you understand exactly what issues or problems the company is for looking for you to solve.
2. "Why Should We Hire You?"
This is another incredibly common question and it gives you a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd and really show the hiring manager how you can help the company.
The key thing to remember here is: be specific.
Leverage your company research and the job description to find exactly why the company is hiring someone for this position. What problem/pain points does the new hire have to solve? You need to show that you are the perfect candidate that can solve those problems/pain points.
We have written an in depth blog post on why should we hire you here.
DO:
Show the hiring manager that you are uniquely suited to filling this position. Be the candidate that solves their “problems”.
Show you know some significant details about the company and their general practices because you have researched the firm and are prepared.
Tell a “success story” that highlights how you have the ‘qualities’ needed to fill their specific needs.
DON’T:
Don’t get discouraged if the hiring manager mentions that “they have lots of very well qualified candidates…” before they lead into this question. (It’s a common “lead in”)
Don’t be too modest. This is your chance to shine. Make it count.
On the flip side don’t go too overboard and sound too arrogant.
Don’t be “wishy-washy” or too general with your answer.
Don’t answer with “why” you want the job. Answer with “why you are the perfect fit” for the job.
3. "What Is Your Greatest Strength?"
This is a fairly straight forward question to handle. Talk about a “strength” that you know the company puts a lot of value in.
We have written an in depth blog post over at: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
DO:
Grab hold of the opportunity this question gives you. This question really lets you guide the interview where you want it to go. This your chance to relate your most impressive success story, so take advantage!
Highlight a strength that is crucial to the position. (As I mentioned earlier)
Find out from your company research and from the job description what strengths the company puts a lot of stock into.
DON’T:
Don’t make claims that you can’t illustrate with a brief example or fact.
Don’t be overly modest but don’t claim to be Superman or Superwoman either.
Don’t name a strength that is irrelevant to the job at hand.
4. "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"
This classic question freaks people out but it shouldn’t. As long as you pick a weakness that isn’t a key competency for the job and you show that you have taken steps to “work on it”, you will be fine. Don’t try and sidestep this question.
For a more thorough look at the what is your greatest weakness question click here.
DO:
Show that you are aware of your weakness and what you have done to overcome it.
Show that you are “self-aware” and that you have the ability to take steps to improve yourself.
DON’T:
Don’t you DARE answer with the cliche “I’m a perfectionist” answer or any other such answer that the hiring manager can see right through.
Don’t highlight a weakness that is a core competency of the job. (Know the job description “inside and out”.)
Don’t dodge this question.
5. "Why Do You Want To Work For Us?"
The hiring manager is trying to get at your underlying motivations for wanting this job. Are you here just for a paycheck or do you see yourself becoming an integral part of the company and growing along with it? You need to show them that you want to become “part of the family”. At the same time however, show how your “wants” coincide with their “needs