Prep for the Top 10 Interview Questions

Read and learn how to pass the hard to answer interview questions. And also learn to know what to ask your candidates in your recruitment interview.

By
Carole Martin, Monster Contributing Writer



Too
many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions are
coming out of left field. But many interview questions are to be
expected. Study this list and plan your answers ahead of time so you'll
be ready to deliver them with confidence. What Are Your Weaknesses? This
is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing your
weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal
qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working
on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter.
I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful." Why Should We Hire You? Summarize
your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial
industry and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make
a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great
addition to your team." Why Do You Want to Work Here? The
interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this
some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an
opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission
statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited
about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list
of desirable choices." What Are Your Goals? Sometimes
it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than
locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate
goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal
will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a
position of responsibility." Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job? If
you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context:
"I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third
round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me." If
you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two
years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused,
where I can add my experience." When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job? The interviewer wants to know what motivates you.
If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited,
the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very
satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers
and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me." What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't? What
makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences,
skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of
strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer
relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down
information to be more user-friendly." What Are 3 Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You? It's
time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes.
This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's
words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever
had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor." What Salary Are You Seeking? It
is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare
by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or
walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time
comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you
typically pay someone with my background?" If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be? Interviewers
use this type of psychological question to see if you can think
quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive
impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive.
What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What
impression do you want to make?