Interview Tips 2: More important Questions to Prepare For

As you probably already know, interviews are basically a series of questions. The employer screens you to ensure you are or are not qualified for the position they wish to fill. Simple as that. Right? Well yes and know. No one really wants to become an interview guru, because that would mean that they have been to a few of them giving the impression that they cannot hold down a job, even if that isn't the case. They do however want to be prepared. nextSource has compiled a list of commonly asked questions that a general interview may hold (this includes the wild card questions in the previous post
If you enter an interview confidently and well prepared, everything else should fall into place.

- Typical question number one: Tell me about your self.
(see previous post: Wild Card Questions)

- Typical question number two: What do you know if anything, about our company?

Research on the hiring company should be preformed prior to the scheduled interview. This includes simple Google searches and any websites the particular company may run. Knowing everything about the company can be a turn off. So elegantly show that you have done your part in learning a bit about the organization while keeping a clear indication that your objective is to learn more.

- Typical question number three: Why would you like to work for our company?
Even if it is true, avoid saying anything related to “it was my last resort”. This is a good opportunity to sell yourself, so do it. Relate to the company and the position you are applying for. This could vary from expressing interest in what the company is doing and how you would like to be a part of it. The industry will determine where this question’s answer ends up. Mention that you would like to bring new ideas and leadership to the company and that you know these ideals are encouraged within the organization.

Additionally, if the position deals with HR mention your people skills, if it deals with Technology mention your computer skills. Same goes for an Accounting position; express organizational and numerical skills and how these pertain to the company.
(If you find that you are stating reasons that do not pertain to your own skills and/or interests then perhaps you should not be taking this interview in the first place.)

- Typical question number four: Why are you applying for this position? or What appears most attractive about this position?

This answer most likely will carry over from the previous question (Why would you like to work for our company?)
Include position based factors that have led to your decision to apply. If there is anything about the job that doesn’t interest you, narrow it down to a single, manageable factor, if at all, so as not to turn off the employers.

- Typical question number five: What skills do you have that may place you above the rest? Or Why should we hire you?
Brag away; tell them why you are so special. Express your background and experiences with different plat forms and your success in meeting goals. Make sure you include items mentioned on your resume.

Again, sell yourself, make the company feel as if they need you. Explain your history in leadership and priority setting. Examples from actual situations where you executed these skills may help put the icing on the cake.

In addition, mentioning your personality traits may be helpful here. Maybe you are a high energy, motivated individual who gets the job done. Mention it. This is an appealing trait especially when considering management positions.

- Typical question number six: What do you look for in a career?

Here the employers are probably addressing your long-term goals. Answer in ways pertaining to opportunity, growth and success. Make sure however, that the answer is job based versus personal goals.

- Typical question number seven: Please describe in your own words what this position entails.

Short and sweet is a good path to take for this. Lean towards the tasks and duties the position would hold. It is important that you know this, since it is the position that you are applying for. However, if you are not completely sure state it as, “I am under the impression that this position requires…” This way an opening is provided for the interviewer to correct you if necessary.

- Typical question number eight: How long do you plan to stay with this company?

This is a very direct and even abrupt question. Calmly address it by explaining your plans to make this position a career. Add that you need to be continuously challenged in order to be successful both personally and for the company. Add that as long as the company provides this opportunity, you intend to stay.

- Typical question number nine: What, if any, are some important trends you see in this industry?

This is a good question to do research on. Be prepared with a few examples. This will demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and how you are willing to implement or follow these trends if necessary.

- Typical question number ten: Why have you left or are you leaving your last or current

If not executed accurately, this question could be harmful. Be honest without hurting your reputation. If you were apart of the millions laid off due to the economic recession, mention it. In all other cases don’t bash your previous employer. Many interviewers are probing you to do just that to see where your company loyalty and ethics lie. Be sure keep everything truthful. Assume all references will be checked.

- Typical question number eleven: What components or duties of your last position did you enjoy most? The least?

This is an important question as the possibility that these components may carry over into the new position. If you enjoyed leadership areas, mention it. It could place you in the managerial running.
This again addresses the research preparation. If you know what the position you are interviewing for has traits that you didn’t enjoy at your previous job. Don’t bring them up in this question. (if this is the case, however, ask yourself why you are applying for this job)

- Typical question number twelve: What are your long-term goals?

This relates back to question six. Gear your answer towards long-term opportunities within the company: “In an organization such as this, I would like to…” or “My ultimate goal is to […] and in a company such as yours, I feel I can achieve this by…”

- Typical question number thirteen: How much do you believe you should be paid in this position?

This is a touchy subject, as you want to be sure you are getting paid enough without the company declining.
Through your research its possible you may have found a salary range for this position. This is great. If you agree simply say: “I have found the range to be between $______ and $______. I believe this is appropriate for this position.

If you acquired this interview through a staffing agency, they may already know the expected salary.

If you don’t know a rage, ask if there is one and go from there. Additionally, you may state: “At my current/previous position my salary is/was $______. I would like to increase this figure, however, my top priority is in the job itself."

If at all possible, avoid this question till the end.