Challenging Interview Questions and Answers
The interview is your opportunity to make a good in-person first impression and share information about yourself. Our Human Resource Directors state that each interview question is designed to ultimately uncover how your skills, abilities and work experiences can bring value to the new company. The candidate who makes the best in-person first impression and effectively communicates his/her answers will get the job offer; this person may not be the most qualified for the position. It is very important to note that when you state your answer, don’t continue speaking just because your interviewer remains silent – be patient and don’t dig yourself into a hole with an extended answer.
Q: Would you tell me about yourself?
A: The purpose of this question is not to find out what your full name is, how old you are or what your zodiac sign is. The purpose of this question is to find out if you can describe your personal strengths with confidence. Remember to use effective verbs and link your strengths to relevant work experience.
Q: Why do you want to work here?
A: The purpose of this question is to find out what is important to you. Research the company and present your answer by incorporating key positive information about the company– make your interviewer feel special.
Q: What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
A: This is your opportunity to link your skills to your accomplishments to describe your strengths. Describe a weakness which may be perceived as strengths for your job position – if your job responsibilities require you to be adaptable to change, then you can state that you get bored easily with repetitive work. Be sure to follow up with how you are working to correct that weakness. Do not mention any weaknesses, which may be perceived as a “deal breaker” for your interviewer.
Q: Where do you see yourself in three years?
A: The purpose of this question is to find out if you are goal oriented. Discuss specific professional goals.
Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: The purpose of this question is to find out if you value your time and use it constructively. Mention activities such as sports, reading and visits to art galleries.
Q: Why should I hire you?
A: The purpose of this question is to find out how your skills, abilities, work experience, personal qualities and training are relevant to the job position for which you are interviewing for. The best approach is to describe the skills and abilities required for your job position and how your “total package” is the right fit.
Q: What did you like and dislike about your last job?
A: Your answer should link the current job position responsibilities with things you liked most about your last job. Do not mention anything you may not have liked about your previous job which may hurt your chances of winning over your interviewer.
Q: Do you have any questions to ask me?
A: This is your opportunity to ask your interviewer questions which demonstrate your level of interest in the job position. Based on previous research about the company, ask your interviewer questions which will have positive answers. This is also a good time to ask about when they will make a final decision or when you should follow up. Job Interview: Next > |
