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Examples of Job Interview Questions
A face-to-face interview is the most critical aspect in getting the job you want. Even the best resume in the world will not get you a job without an interview. The interview creates a lasting impression that will influence your success on the job.
The Purpose of an Interview
An interview is used to help the employer determine what skills you have and if your skills match the needs of the company. The interviewer wants to know what type of person you are and if you can benefit the company.
The purpose of the interview for you is the chance to sell yourself and your skills to the company. You must be well prepared and able to communicate your strengths and values. An interview is also a chance for you to determine ahead of time if the job will be right for you. By researching the company and asking questions you will be able to make a sound decision that fits your career goals.
Work Experience Questions
What do you enjoy the most and/or least about your current job?
Why do you want to leave your current job?
You can answer this question by stating that you are ready for a new challenge or you want to develop your skills and use all of your capabilities.
Describe the best supervisor you ever had. Describe the worst.
This question is designed as a way to catch you off guard and to see if you blame others. It will also show if you are a negative person. Always be positive and keep this answer short.
Education and Training Background Questions
Why did you decide to go to college?
What type of computer skills do you have?
Are you willing to get more advanced training?
These questions are based on your personal educational and training background.
Character and Personality Questions
Tell me about yourself.
The purpose of this question is to "break the ice" and to get you talking freely about yourself. It is also used to determine what you consider to be important about your life and to see if you ramble at open-ended questions. Be prepared! Talk about the main areas of your life that are most relevant to the job.
What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
Everyone has weaknesses but it is best to turn your weaknesses into strengths. For example, if you are "too young" you can say you have the ability to learn quickly and you have high energy and enthusiasm.
What causes you to loose your temper?
How do you deal with stress?
You want to make it clear that you can deal with stress effectively. You can point out how you eliminate the cause of stress and how you plan and solve problems before it becomes stressful.
Decision Making and Problem Solving Ability Questions
What decision do you most regret making?
What is the worst problem you ever had to solve?
What process do you go through to make important decisions?
Career Goals Questions
Where do you want to be professionally in five years?
Why do you want this job?
What are your long-term career goals?
What attracted you to this company?
Why should we hire you?
Employers want to be sure that you have a clear sense of where you going and that you know what you want to do.
Teamwork Questions
What types of people do you like to work with?
Describe a team project in which you were involved?
The purpose of this type of question is to determine if you are a team player and if you can work well with others to achieve the mission of the organization.
Do you tend to take a leadership role in a group?
Hiring is a big investment and many companies want to hire employees who have leadership potential.
The Interview
Knowing what to expect when you have your interview can reduce the fear of the unknown tremendously. It is better to be prepared because you will have immediate answers to the questions asked by the interviewer. This will allow you to stand out during the interview and it will give you a better chance in acquiring the job you want!