What are some common Job Interview Questions and Answers?

Answer:
When answering questions during a job interview,

remember to be honest and specific. Use examples from your past jobs when possible. These examples are a starting point; customize them to your experience, bringing in your own examples to give the interviewer a picture of how you work and what your value to the company will be.

1. Do you like to work/how well do you work as a part of a team?

Sample answer: I enjoy working with a team of people, and definitely consider myself a team player. I believe that talented individuals working together come up with the best answers and solutions possible, since they are able to bounce concepts off of each other, and refine ideas. I am an excellent communicator and thrive off of both carrying my share of the load and discovering what others are able to come up with

Addition: Give an example of a time that you were a part of a successful team, and explain how you contributed to the team.

2. What are your short term/long term career goals?

Sample answer: My short-term career goals are to be a part of developing better financial software for individuals and companies. I hope to work in a position that is a good fit for me, at a company that is growing and that my strengths will contribute to. My long-term career goals are still flexible, as I don't yet know exactly how my career experiences will lead me, but involve more leadership. I would like to be able to direct my software development to markets which I foresee growing and manage a team of people in producing software which will meet the needs of these expanding markets.

Tip: Do not express short-term or long-term goals that involve changing jobs again soon, or you probably won't be seen as a good candidate for the company.

3. How do you deal/have you dealt with conflict in the workplace?

Sample answer: When a conflict occurs in the workplace, I try to defuse it immediately. Many conflicts come from simple misunderstandings, so I always start with clarifying the different positions or opinions. Staying calm and listening to the other person's point of view creates an atmosphere that allows us to calmly solve our conflict, rather than becoming upset. I am usually able to understand each point of view, and I calmly explain my side. If the situation cannot be resolved easily, I bring a neutral third party into the situation to act as mediator.

Addition: Mention a situation in which you successfully worked out a conflict.

4. What are your strengths?

Sample answer: One of my greatest strengths is that I work well with many different personality types. Because I am a good communicator, I am able to hear and understand other team members' ideas and opinions and communicate my own in an effective manner. I am also able to prioritize and do not tend to spend time on unimportant tasks, but get the important jobs done ahead of deadline. I am a very quick learner and am able to problem-solve and think quickly on my feet when presented with an unfamiliar situation.

Tip: Include the strengths that you feel will help you with this particular position.

5. What are your weaknesses?

Sample answer: At times, I have a habit of trying to finish everything myself instead of delegating tasks that should be delegated. This leaves me with not enough time to finish the important tasks. I have become aware of this though, and have made an effort to delegate smaller tasks in order to focus my time and energy on the ones that need my expertise. I am finding that not only am I getting more done, but the quality of my work has improved dramatically since I am able to focus on one important task.

Tip: “Weaknesses” that are strengths in disguise, such as “perfectionism” and “being a workaholic” are overused and can come off as predictable and artificial. Instead, offer a real weakness – but one that's not too bad! - and focus on how you have improved.

6. How would a friend describe you?

Sample answer: My friends would probably describe me as being passionate about my work. I tend to put my heart and soul into work I enjoy or believe in, and it is apparent. My friends also describe me as being a good communicator, both listening and solving problems well. They would also point out my dependability.

Tip: Be honest!

7. Why are you qualified for this position/What can you offer this company?

Sample answer: I believe that I am qualified for this position because of my previous work experience. I have had experience teaching this age group, in a very similar situation. Therefore, I have many proven ideas about how these children can be effectively reached and how to create an engaging curriculum. I have read your mission statement and feel passionately about what you are trying to accomplish. I take initiative and am dependable in the workplace.

Tip: Specific examples of previous work experience are good here – as long as it is relevant to the position you are interviewing for.

8. Why did you choose this career/field?

Sample answer: I decided to go into this field of psychology because it is something that I feel passionately about. I love learning about the different theories in psychology and staying on top of the most current research. I feel strongly that my particular skill set makes me uniquely able to help people in this setting. My previous work experience has confirmed the fact that this is the right field for me.

9. How do you work under pressure?

Sample answer: When possible, I minimize pressure by delegating, prioritizing tasks, and not procrastinating. However, situations will always come up that add pressure to the job. When this happens, I take a deep breath and stay calm. I take a few minutes to determine what needs to happen and when and begin working on the tasks that need to be accomplished. I find that if I stay calm like this, the pressure becomes a positive force that helps me get things done, rather than a negative thing.

10. Why did you leave your previous job?

Sample answer: Although I enjoyed the work, it wasn't challenging and I found that I wasn't learning as much as I would like. I would like to work in a position can use my talents to a greater extent. I hope to grow as an individual and be a part of a more team-oriented environment.

Alternative answers: Feel free to let the interviewer know that you are leaving because of a family relocation, schedule, etc., as long as it is true!

Tip: Never badmouth a previous boss... even if he or she deserves it! It comes across as very unprofessional.

11. Why do you want to work for our company/organization?

Sample answer: After extensive research on your company, I think that this is an exciting new market that has great growth potential! I have many ideas about the products that your company is marketing and would be effective at developing similar products. In addition, I have great respect for the companies that you are partnering with and would greatly enjoy the chance to be a part of this team

Tip: Do your research and find out about the company before the interview! They will be able to tell if you are faking it!

12. Would you be willing to relocate?

Sample answer: I am hoping to be a part of a team at your company, whether that be here, or at one of the other offices.

Tip: Do not lie on this one! If you say that you are willing to relocate and you aren't, you could end up very unhappy.

13. Would you be willing to travel for the job?

Sample answer: I am definitely willing to travel if needed for the job. I enjoy traveling, meeting people in other areas, and working with them. I would like to find out more about how often I would need to travel for this position, if possible.

Tip: Again, be honest! If you hate to travel, you'll be miserable if you answer yes.

Good luck on your Interview!


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