Job Interviews: What you do

Be prepared to answer:

What are your values, goals, weaknesses?
What don't you like to do?
What work environment do you NOT like?
What's your passion for life and career?
Describe yourself.

What to do before the interview:

Take deep breaths.
Remember, they want to find the right person; They want you to do well.
Listen, eye contact, sit up straight, enthusiasm, confidence (sound authoritative).

3 Types of Interview

1. Behavior-specific skills (ex: “Tell me about a time where…”).
2. Case-specific problems (ex: “Here is a business case for you to work through.”).
3. Stress (more than one interviewer firing questions, i.e., let's see how you do under stress).

Questions to ask about the company:

Where do you see the company in the next 5 years?
How would you describe the atmosphere here? (formal or informal, etc)
How does the company support work-life balance?
Are things handled differently for in-office and hybrid workers?
How does the company determine salary levels?

Questions to ask about the position:

What was the reason last person left? How long was she in that position?
Why is this position available?
How far along in the interview process am I?
Have there been any changes in the company I should know about—such as layoffs or changes in leadership?
What did you like about the last person in this position?
How many times has it turned over in the last 5 years? (if a lot, ask why)
Who do I report to? Who would work under me?
What are my responsibilities?
Describe a typical day.
Do you have a written job description (get a copy)
What is the potential for promotion?
What is the greatest challenge I will face?
What problems might I face in the job?
How would you describe your management style?
How soon do you hope to make a decision?
Can I take a tour of the facilities?
Do you have any hesitancy in hiring me?

Questions to ask about Benefits:

Health benefits booklet?
holidays and vacations?
Do you have any “employee resource groups” (eg.)?

"Thank you for meeting with me."

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12 Common Job Interview Questions

› What do you know about our company?

Or, are you a consumer of our product?

The employer hopes to learn:

Did you prepare for this interview? Did you do your homework?

Be ready to offer specifics.

› Why should we consider you for this position?

Or, why do you think you are a good fit for this position?

The employer hopes to learn:

Are you confident in your abilities? What does the company gain by hiring you?

› What are your strengths and weaknesses?

The employer hopes to learn:

Companies expect honesty in answering this question. You should be able to articulate what you are best at and areas you are working to improve.

› What do you want to be doing 5 years from now?

The employer hopes to learn:

Are you goal-directed? Or will you be satisfied with an entry-level position?

› What other job experiences have you had?

The employer hopes to learn:

Have you held a job before? How long have you been working? Did you get along with others?

› What people have been important influences in your life?

The employer hopes to learn:

People who are quick to credit others often work well with others and are not driven by ego. 

› Are you a self-starter?

The employer hopes to learn:

Can you work alone and without direct supervision? If you're not given a task, are you the type of person who takes the initiative to find something to do?

› What are your interests apart from work?

Or, what’s special about you? What do you bring to the job that will help you succeed?

The employer hopes to learn..

Hobbies, activities and other interests indicate that people are well-rounded and can manage their time and work. It’s an opportunity to sell yourself.

› Tell me about a problem you solved recently.

The employer hopes to learn:

Insight into your problem-solving skills.

› Tell me about a goal you recently achieved. What did your initial plan look like? What worked particularly well?

The employer hopes to learn:

Can you talk in detail about a goal you have achieved—where you created your own plan and not only followed those plans but also adapted to circumstances and changing conditions.  

› Tell me about a goal you failed to achieve.

The employer hopes to learn:

If you take responsibility for failing without blaming other people or outside factors. Can you admit you were wrong and that you are willing to change your mind? This will also indicate whether you learned from your experience: can you describe in detail what perspectives, skills, and expertise you gained from that training?   

› How do you handle stress?

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