Job Interview - Questions & Answers

When you walk in the room, the very first impression you make on the interviewer can have a great influence on the rest of the interview. It is important that you introduce yourself, shake hands, and are friendly.


The first question is often a "breaking the ice" (establish a rapport) type of question. Don't be surprised if the interviewer asks you something like: How are you today? Did you have any trouble finding us? What do you think of the weather lately?

Don't be surprised by the friendly tone. The interviewer wants to put you at ease (help you relax). Answer the question without going into too much detail. The language you use should be simple but polite.

Talking about your experience and credentials (qualifications) is the most important part of any job interview. Your qualifications include your education from High School on and any special training you may have done in the past. Your experience is any work that you have done that is directly or indirectly related to the job you are applying for.

Work experience is by far the most important topic of any job interview (at least in the United States and Britain). Therefore, it is important to explain what experience you have in detail. Generally, employers want to know exactly what you did and how well you accomplished your tasks. This is not the time to be modest. Be confident, and talk freely about your accomplishments in past employment, if any.

Most importantly, you will need to demonstrate your qualifications and skills, which are required for the job you are applying for. The job skills that you have acquired in the past may not have been for the same exact job. Therefore, it is important to show how the capabilities you do have relate to the job you are applying for.

You have a few minutes only to show how good you really are. By using the precise sentences and being confident can help you make the best impression possible. Here are some typical questions and suggested answers:

Tell me about yourself: What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of whom you are and why you’re the best candidate for this position.

What is your long-range objective? The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives. Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach your goals and objectives.

How has your education prepared you for your career? This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioral examples in your educational background which specifically align to the required competencies for the career. Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for the career. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples.

Are you a team player? Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.

What is your greatest weakness? Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcome it.

If I were to ask your boss or professors to describe you, what would they say? Ask any prior bosses or professors in advance. And if they’re willing to provide a positive reference, ask them for a letter of recommendation. So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have? It is suggested that you focus on two issues: Leadership and Vision. Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and how their impact has helped in your personal development