Interview Questions

• Short, concise, chronological answer focused on major decisions and major accomplishments.
• Focus on two or three major areas of your life (i.e.: education and military)
• Should take between two and four minutes to answer.
• Focus accomplishments on the job opening whenever possible.

• Answer with results produced rather than duties given.
• This should be in your resume; keep your answer job related.
• Don't exaggerate.

• Respond with strengths that correspond with qualities the employer is looking for.
• Use a part of the job opening that you lack experience in and use that as a weakness (i.e.: "I haven't used this type of system but I am a quick study.")
• Take a weakness from long ago and explain how you overcame it.
• Don't shoot yourself in the foot by bearing your soul to the interviewer.
• Have a couple examples of each in case the question asks for a list of strengths/weaknesses.

• Input is encouraged when it helps lead to efficient mission accomplishment.
• Input must be presented in a professional manner. Never criticize a superior in open forum.
• It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable. Make an appointment with your superior if you feel strongly enough about it so you can discuss it one-on-one.

• Always do research about the company ahead of time to have a general idea about their bottom line.
• Make a list of specific skills you have acquired in previous jobs that qualify you for the current opening.
• Your answer should highlight the personality traits that correspond with the job opening.

• Criticism of your previous employer is a warning flag that you could be a problem employee and no one intentionally hires a problem employee.
• Talk about the positive things you learned in your last job that make you a great candidate for hire.

• Always have an acceptable reason as to why you left your previous employment.
• Some examples of acceptable reasons include; Wanted greater advancement opportunities, wanted to be with a larger, smaller, better company, wanted greater challenges, etc.
• Remember not to be critical of your last job: State your reasons in a positive light.

• The interviewer is looking for examples of your professional development to determine future growth potential.
• Give an example from a past work experience that demonstrates how you improved your listening skills, your ability to make tough decisions, your ability to work within established procedures, your ability to lead people and manage assets.

• Don't respond to this question with overconfidence that borders on arrogance ("In your job.")
• Best course of action is to emphasize your desire to continue developing the quality and scope of your work in a professional environment in order to improve the company's profitability.

• Good indication that you have one last chance to make a favorable impression.
• This is not the time to discuss salary, benefits, bonuses, etc.
• Show interest in the company and the position by asking questions like:
  • "What are the most important skills and attributes for a successful career in this company?"
  • Why is this job vacant and what happened to the person that had it last?"
  • Why did you join the company and what is it about the company that keeps you with them?"
  • What type of training is required for the position and how extensive is it?"
  • Who do I report to and when will I get the opportunity to meet that person?"
  • How does the company conduct performance evaluations and how often?"
  • What has the company's track record been over the last few years and what new initiatives is the company taking?"

There are many more questions that an interviewer can ask you. The key is to be prepared by knowing yourself. Answer questions confidently and intelligently by highlighting the work experience you have gained and the value system you possess. Relate your strengths to the specific job opportunity. The better you prepare, the more likely you will be to give the impression that you are the polished professional they want to hire.

Finally, one of the most important facets of any job interview is the way you "close" the interview. Before the interview is over, ensure that you emphasize your interest in the job opportunity and in the company. Tell the interviewer again why you are a perfect match for the position. Ask for a business card and any other company information available and ask the interviewer when you may contact them for a follow-up interview. Above all, prepare and maintain a positive attitude throughout!!