5 Common Interview Questions And How To Answer Them

If you have a job interview coming up, take a look at these 5 common interview questions and how to answer them so you’ll be prepared for the big day. Confidence is, of course, the most important aspect to portray when in an interview. Make sure that, regardless of how you feel inside your head, you are dressed well and have a good grasp of the job you are applying for and the company offering it.

1. What Are Your Weaknesses? The nervous interviewee will see this question as “here’s a chance to list all the reasons why we shouldn’t hire you.” Don’t fall into that mindset! Find a way, with every question, to both sell yourself and answer the question being asked. Everyone has weaknesses and your potential employer knows that you aren’t perfect. What they are looking for is honesty and proof that you are self aware and working on your weaknesses. To prepare for your interview, think about your weaknesses professionally that you are well aware of and working on. For instance, if you tend to be scatterbrained, practice saying, “I can sometimes be forgetful, but I have a Blackberry I use religiously to keep me on track.”
2. Why Should We Hire You? Another intimidating, forward question--be ready to cite your relevant experience and the specific ways you plan to apply it. Be confident, be convincing and get your facts right, both about your work history and the company you are interviewing with. They have your resume and they know what they need for their new employee; connect the dots for them so they see just why you are who they are looking for.
3. Why Do You Want to Work Here? This question is a great opportunity to prove you have done your research. “I really need a job and you guys do great work” is not going to cut it. Research the company before you go in for your interview. Be ready to share what you found most attractive about their mission and/or vision statement and why you are interested in working with them on achieving their goals.
4. What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't? This is another great chance to sell yourself not just as another drone but as a person with a unique character and work history that can positively impact their company. Cite a specific job you have listed on your resume and explain how that particularly job equipped you for the job you are now applying for. Convince them that this just isn’t any job for you; you honestly want this job in particular because you know you are right for it and are excited about the work you will be doing.
5. If You Were an Animal… Interviewers use wildcard, seemingly psychological questions like what you would be if you were an animal, plant, superhero, etc. to see how well you think on your feet. They want to make sure your brain is ready and waiting and not simply running on automatic. There is no right answer for these questions, so focus less on the answer you give and more on how you give it. Be honest about your answer and, remember, confidence and cool are what they are looking for so don’t be afraid to relax and smile.

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