Typical Questions you may be asked during an Interview

Through research and experience, we have compiled a list of the most common questions asked during a job interview as well as the most complicated.  As previously stated in our posts about interviews, always remember to breathe and remember it is o.k. to take a pause to think about your answer to the question being asked! 

Use these example questions when practicing for your interview; write down how you are going to answer the question and practice!  Some of these questions will pertain to you, some won't.

Why did you leave your last position?

·        Be honest and brief.  If you were fired or quit for cause; don’t bash your ex-employer

Why are you interested in working for our company?

·        This is where your research of the company itself will come in handy, answer this question honestly and use examples from research that you have done. 

·        You could say that your values are in line with the companies values or that you have heard wonderful things about this company culture and atmosphere, etc.

·        You can also use personal examples as well if you don’t have any examples from work experience

What kind of salary are you looking for?

·        Ensure you research the salary range for the position that you are applying for so that you have an accurate answer to this question;  it is best to answer with a range verses a single salary figure

·        There are a lot of resources online to find out salary ranges and they take into consideration the number of years experience you have and education.  Google search:   Salary Finder, Salary Expert, Salary Range Calculator. 

·        Remember, the job posting that you applied for may have already indicated a salary range that the employer is willing to offer; keep this in mind when you answer this question

Tell me about yourself?

·        Keep the answer to this question related to the position you are interviewing for.  Discuss your work history, educational background and attributes that would make you shine in this position
·        Keep the answer brief - 3 minutes max

More complicated interview questions that you may be asked (for some these may be easy to answer, for others, maybe not):

What are your weaknesses?

·        Everyone has weaknesses – it's our ability to recognize these weaknesses and work on them that is important

·        Be selective when choosing your weakness to discuss as you do not want it to hinder the chance of you being hired. It is a good idea to think about this and select a weakness before attending an interview

·        When discussing your weaknesses also explain what you do/can do to improve upon them

·        Discuss any support that you may need from an employer to work on these weaknesses

If offered this position, how would you improve the positions functionality?
 

·        This is another question where your research about the position and the company will come in handy!

·        Remember, don’t step on any toes – but point out a few things that may make the position stronger and be a benefit for the company

Tell me about your strengths.

·        Remember to not be shy about what you are good at!

·        Sell your skills and use examples that relate to the particular job that you are interviewing for

Tell me about a time when you had to use problem-solving skills; provide a situation and how you handled it.

·        At one time or another, we have all had to deal with some sort of difficult situation with a customer, client, co-worker, etc.  Stick with one example and clearly describe the situation and your steps on handling the situation

·        Keep positive and don't be negative towards the customer/client/co-worker, etc who was involved in the situation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

·        Focus on your career goals when answering this question; be honest if you have advancement ideas that may not include this company but will allow to gain the experience needed

·        Showing that you have realistic goals is important and admirable by an employer

·        Show how this position fits into your goals!

There are so many potential questions that an interviewer can ask you, these are just some examples.  It’s always beneficial to practice before the interview and research the company to ensure you know what they are all about!  Don’t forget, an interview is for you to interview the employer as well - so relax and use the interview as a way to practice your networking skills!!

No matter what, if you are asked any questions that you feel are inappropriate, you can politely decline providing an answer.  That shouldn't happen too often, but sometimes it does.

-Sunny & Sassy