8 Job Interview Questions And Answers That Job Seekers Should Know

In any normal job interview situation, as a job seeker, you will find that there is NO set format for the way an interview happens. What you will find, however is that there are some questions that you can guarantee will be asked when you are sitting in that room opposite your interviewer. And it is your job to know not only what they are, but how to answer them. Here then, for you is the secret of how to pass that Q & A session. These are 8 key questions that you will be asked during your job interview. And I provide the proper answers to them. Are you sitting comfortably? Lets begin.

1. What are your strengths? A fair question. You pick the three most important attributes that you feel will get you the job, state them, and give examples of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. Once you can show and illustrate how you used these attributes, you are taking a step closer to that paycheck.

2. What are your weaknesses? Ok, a dreaded question we all fear in any interview. How you handle this is to pick something in your life or work acumen that you have made positive steps to repair or redress. Care should be taken in picking this weakness. It should not be a current Achilles’ Heel, or a thing that might eliminate you from getting the job - but something from your past that was redressed. Showing the ability to overcome a weakness is a better answer.

3. Why should we hire you? So what this question is really asking is what makes you special and where do your major strengths lie? Some people struggle from memory to dig out the answers to this, but in fact the answer lies right in the description of the job you are applying for. Problem solving skills and ability listed in there - Check. Ability to work to deadlines and delegate if necessary – check. Exactness and attention to detail required – check. Read the Job Description, as this is so important. Memorize your answer to this question, and practice the answer in your head or in front of a mirror if you need to. Because you ARE getting that job.

4. What are your goals? Which goals? This should consist of two parts and even though it’s not stated in the question, you should talk about your short and long term goals. So talk to your interviewer about the kind of job you would eventually like to do, and then the various steps you will need to take to get there. These are what ought to constitute your goals. This is the joined up thinking they want to see. And it should be as close to honest as possible.

5. Why do you want to work here? Hey! The money is so good! No! Think. If you have prepared for this job interview properly, then you should have a good inside knowledge of the company’s values. Don’t go any further here till you know what they are. All companies have them. A Bank has them. A public utility has them. A Union has them. Every organization works around certain values, so get to know them. There are always values, and do's and don'ts. Ask around – ask someone who works there if need be.

You should also know the company’s mission statement, development plans and products. Homework is essential here. This is yet another question masquerading as a big question - "just how much do you know about our company and the business we do?" If you cannot answer that, then you must endeavor to learn. The job candidates who bother to discover and know this information have the upper hand over those who do not know it.

6. What are the three positive things your last boss would say about you? Cool! This question is your chance to brag about yourself through someone else’s words. Don’t get too cocky and don’t be smug. Sometimes the occasional interviewer throws in the “what are your weaknesses” question after this, so have another peek at my question 2 again. (if you are asked to list three, only list ONE, saying that’s all you have.)

You may well ask yourself, will they check up on those positives? In most cases, they certainly will, so it again pays to be simply honest. Businesses are wary of job applicants who make false claims about some information, and we know live in a world where company officials can easily check things out from a previous employer.

There is another side to this, and should be handled with care. Some candidates mention positives that they wish their old bosses had thanked them for, but for some reason they didn't. Whether you think you ought to go down the road of mentioning unofficial positives is problematic. Mentioning your achievements can actually be tricky, and might reveal things like personality differences between you and a former colleague or whatever. You could also hit some obstacles with other false positives. So perhaps it is best to stay with the official positives.

I once received praise for one particular contract our business had successfully managed and won. Instead of a bonus, I asked for a thank you / appreciation letter instead. After some shrugging of shoulders and gentle "haggling", my old boss agreed. It was very interesting seeing that letter being read during my job interview for my current job. It can be hard to be so forward thinking. Having positives to mention in answer to this important question is important, - it is even better when it is in writing, and unexpected. Those positives can make a difference.

7. What is the salary you are seeking? Ok, some jobs require this to be answered, while some positions don’t have salaries that are negotiable, sadly. So - do your best here not to give any figures in the heat of the moment. Why would I say this? It could put you in a weak position when negotiating later on, This question is a tricky area, and so I have decided to make a separate hub that deals with Salary and Benefits. The link is at the end of this hub.

8. If you were to be an animal, which one would you want to be? I remember being asked this question once, I thought I was being offered a part of a character in a Tim Burton Movie! Yes, it is weird, but actually – interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly, and it is a coy way of profiling you as a job prospect. So the key here is – just what type of personality will it take to get the job done? The Beaver (No Mel Gibson jokes please!) is a firm favorite, since he toils hard and builds and builds! Yes it does sound crazy and funny. Imagine how I felt when I got asked this. But maybe now you have found a better one?

I hope these answers have been of some benefit, and I hope you find success in finding that job you want and that salary you hope to earn. We all want things like that in life. All through this hub, you will see that honesty is the best policy, even though it can be tough being honest in a job interview. They say “information is power”, so hopefully you will have a better idea of how to pass that all important job interview. I wish you the Very Best of Luck.

Feel free to rate this hub. Click here if you’d like to proceed to the Salary Hub. Check this hub for 6 ways to get your CV noticed.

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