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

How to Shine in a Panel Interview

Not many people are used to interviewing with a panel or a group.  These types of interviews can often make you more nervous.
We have compiled a few helpful tips to prepare for this type of interview.  Much like traditional style of interviewing, one on one, you need to ensure that you research the company, bring along extra copies of your resume + reference sheet, and practice before hand what you are going to tal!k about. Also, prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the panel.

Be Prompt!
Best to arrive a bit early to allow time for introductions and possibly a tour of the facility.

Dress Appropriately!
More than one person will be looking at you so it is more so important that you are well groomed and dressed appropriately. Rembember, your personal presentation will be assessed in terms of how well you will be able to represent the company/employer.

First Impressions are Key! 
Your introduction to each panel member is very important as you may not be able to build a rapport with each panel member individually.  When introducing yourself, remember to smile and offer a good hand shake.  Repeat their names as you are being introduced (it will help you remember them).

Eye Contact and other Body Language
Just like in any situation where you are communication with people, your eye contact and body language will show interest in the conversation. Making eye contact shows your attentively listening and your body language shows whether or not you are engaged.  Sit up straight (just like your mother told you!) and don't cross your arms (you can fold your hands on your lap).  When answering questions, make eye contact with the person who asked you the question, but visually include the other members of the panel while providing your answer to the question.

Asking Questions and Engaging the Panel
Like a traditional interview, you will want to ask questions about the position and the company (see previous post).  Engage the panel by asking questions from the discussions that each member has had, and directly asking questions to the appropriate person in the position that the question would likely be answered, ie: ask the HR director about the type of benefits offered for this position, etc.

Answer questions thoroughly but do not elaborate on your answers unless requested.
Its o.k. to pause and think about the answer to the questions you are being asked!  Don't speak too fast and remember to breathe - it will help to reduce your nervousness.

Stay Calm and be as relaxed as possible.  The panel will be determining your ability to stay calm under pressure.  Panel interviews also provide an opportunity for the employer to assess your ability to communicate with a diverse group of people.

Exiting the Interview
At the end of the interview ask the panel members if there is any other information that they would like from you.

Always thank each person before you exit the interview and send "thank you" notes to each panel member!