So, you got the call back and you’re headed to your first interview!
Worse than having to decide what to wear (which we all know is a struggle), you also must figure out what you’re going to say!
This can be more nerve-racking then even writing your resume. You need to really think about what you are going to say ahead of time. This is your chance to make yourself stand out above all other candidates.
Today I am going to help you with that. These are the top 6 interview questions and answers.
- Why Do You Want This Position?
This is a good question to really help you stand out during an interview. The truth is employers love hiring people passionate about their job so that’s great for you! I mean, if it is not true for you, you’re probably in the wrong profession.
Start by emphasizing what you can contribute to the company. Share any skills or work experience relating to the job. Make sure you read up on your research ahead of time. It will help you be more specific about what position your applying for and why you are the best fit.
Remember to keep focus on what you can bring to the company, and not what they can bring to you.
Keep it short and just tell them the key reasons they should hire you.
- Why Should We Hire You?
Ah! Now that’s a nerve-racking question!
We both know you’re the best candidate for the job, but now you must tell them why!
Keep it short and sweet. Make sure you know the job requirements and how to fill them. What skills and achievements do you have that set you aside from the crowd? Don’t be afraid to stand out! You’re an individual with your own skills and talents, so don’t be scared to show your unique or distinctive abilities.
How can you fulfill the need that the employer is looking for?
- Where Do You See Yourself In The Future?
This question is designed to see if you have realistic expectations and if you’re going to stick around or leave at the first sign of a new opportunity or the first sign of trouble. Keep your answer focused on the company you’re applying for.
Be honest, let them know if you are ambitious and if this job aligns with your goals. Leave out information if it has to do with not seeing yourself in this job in the future. It will set off a red flag if your aspiration doesn’t have anything to do with the job you’re applying for.
- Tell Me A Little About Yourself?
This is where you give your pitch.
Don’t go telling the recruiter your whole life story, this should be a short concise answer highlighting your best points and no more. Avoid anything that has to do with race, religion, ect…
Add some of your past experience that relates to the job your applying for and where you hope to be In the future with this particular company.
Most importantly relax, while your answer should focus on skills relating to the job, the hiring manger has already looked at your resume so feel free to tell them some things unique about yourself.
- What Is Your Greatest Strength?
The most successful people have an answer to this almost immediately. Which is good, it means you are aware of what you can bring to the table. So, if you haven’t started thinking about your best skills, start now! It may be one of the easiest questions they ask, but also one of the most important.
Be honest and accurate about what you can do. Keep it relevant to the job your applying for and how it can benefit the company from hiring you. Be ready to explain how you’ve used the skill in the past, just incase the recruiter asks how you have applied it.
The more relevant you are to the job the more likely you will be hired. You want to set yourself apart from other candidates.
- What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
The truth is the only reason for asking this question is not only to see any caution lights, but it’s also to see your honesty and self-awareness. No hiring manager wants to hear how perfect you are, NO ONE is perfect. They want to see if you can reflect on your weaknesses, because that’s the first step in correcting them!
Think about your weakness that won’t hinder your ability to do your job. Pay attention to past jobs weaknesses and what you’ve done to overcome those flaws. This shows the employer you’re able to improve yourself when needed.
Turn your negative qualities into positives.
In the end, being honest and yourself, is the best route to take. Be sure you find a nice line between personal and professional. You want to be able to express what you can bring to the table without giving tons of information totally irrelevant to the position.
So now you can tackle that interview knowing exactly how to make yourself stand out above the rest!
