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Top 10 Interview Questions

top ten interview questions Review the Top 10 Interview Questions that employers use; this interview question list will help you prepare!

Employment interview questions can make the most confident of us a little weak in the knees. Instead of freaking out, spend your time and effort preparing for the interview. A little preparation will go a long way toward making you feel more comfortable interviewing.

As you are reading these standard interview questions, think about the "question behind the question". In other words, what job related information about you is the employer seeking? What qualities and skills are relevant to the job they are seeking to fill? Once you pinpoint the information the employer is specifically interested in, you can plan and create a good answer for those interview questions.

What are your weaknesses?

No one likes to talk about their weaknesses, especially in an interview. Your goal is to keep the interview on a positive note. The employer probably genuinely wants to know how you will fit in at their company, and also wants to see how you handle yourself under pressure. Keep it short and simple. Answer honestly, but minimize the negatives and emphasize the positives.

It helps to write out a statement (1-2 sentences) ahead of time for this. In your statement, talk about a minor weakness that you recognize and have set a goal and timetable to overcome.

Why should we hire you?

Do your homework on this one ahead of time. You should be able to list 5 skills, qualities, or work experiences that the employer is specifically looking for. Say them with certainty and confidence.

Delivery is everything!

Why do you want to work here?

Before your interview, write down the top 3 reasons you want to work for the employer. Be honest and genuine.

This is one of the Top 10 Interview Questions where you can demonstrate that you have done some homework on the company and understand their goals and mission.

What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This is one of the Top Ten Interview Questions where the employer is trying to find out if you are ambitious and eager to succeed. Write out a statement about a goal you have that relates to the position you are interviewing for.

Be honest about your goals for yourself in five years and relate it to opportunities in the company.

Why did you leave your job?

This is one of the Top 10 Interview Questions that can be tricky if the end of your last job was less than ideal. Always stay positive about the reason for leaving the job. The interview is NOT the time or place for venting about past events, supervisors, or co-workers. You can't change it, so stay positive and keep the focus forward.

Smile and talk about goal oriented reasons for moving forward to something else.

When were you most satisfied in your job?

Again, pick something from your job experience that relates to the position you are interviewing for. Relate the skills, qualities and work experiences that demonstrate what the company is looking for.

What can you do for us that other candidates can't?

What does set you apart from the crowd?

This is one of the Top 10 Interview Questions where you can blatently promote yourself! List 3 things that are unique skills, qualities or experience the employer is looking for that you possess. Make sure you follow up with a Post Interview Thank You Letter to demonstrate that you are not like the other candidates!

What are 3 positive things
your last boss would say about you?

What will your last boss say about you? If the company is truly interested in you, they may have already spoken with one of your references.

Carry with you to the interview a Letter of Reference from your past supervisor and give a copy of it to the interviewer with your resume. Someone else?s word about you will speak volumes.

What salary are you seeking?

This is one of the tougher Top 10 Interview Questions, because you don't want to answer with a specific number. You want to be able to negotiate. After all, your salary is only one part of a company's compensation package. You can ask them what the salary range is for the position, or you can respond with a wide salary range.

What was a major obstacle you overcame in the past year?

For this one of the Top 10 Interview Questions, the employer wants to know about your determination, your problem solving abilities, even perhaps your response to adversity.

Pick an example from your professional work and demonstrate again how you problem solved and took action to overcome the obstacle and stay on track with team goals.

Check out our link for more help with formulating Good Answers to Interview Questions.

Happy Interviewing!

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