Do You Know These Common Interview Questions? by Garry Gamber

So, you landed an interview with a company that you think you would be excited to work for. You filled out the application and included your sparkling resume and now all you have to do is cruise through the interview. That should be easy, right? Creating the attractive resume was the hard part. Now, winging it at the interview should be simple.

Wrong. If you don't answer questions well at the interview your fancy resume won't save you. You'd better prepare for your employer's questions as well as you prepared your paperwork or you'll be passed over in favor of someone who did.

Of course, you'll never know in advance every question that will be asked of you but there are many questions that seem to be asked frequently by interviewers. So why not anticipate those questions and prepare yourself well enough that you can give good, thoughtful responses?

For example, how often do you think interviewers start out by saying, "Tell me about yourself?" Right, it's a popular question. I hope you're not going to wing it and start into a rambling 5 or 10 minute story about your background, your dreams, your education, and what a loyal, dedicated, hard-working employee you have been. That would be boring and common and you'll only stand out as being boring and common.

Instead, be well prepared with a short response of two or three sentences that tell the interviewer what unique qualities and accomplishments you bring with you. This is your personal brand. It's your unique employment proposition. In your statement give some details and be specific. It's like you're in an elevator and you've got only 20 seconds between floors to make a memorable impression. For example, "I'm a seasoned manager who is strong in training employees and implementing loss prevention techniques that resulted in savings of $1.2 million over the past 10 years for my last employer." If the position is an entry into the company then, "You know how some people always seem to rise faster than others? In school and in my last job I was able to complete the training in half the expected time and I received a promotion before any other trainees." In either case you can follow with, "And I'd like to discuss how I can do the same with your company." You can imagine how such a response will lead into a real discussion with the interviewer who is now intrigued with your qualities.

Also anticipate this interview question, "Why do you want this job?" Now, please don't answer flippantly and with a snicker, "Because I need the money." Next. You can only give a good answer here if you've studied their company and can see where your abilities and goals benefit both you and the company. In your answer you should review the company's needs and mention the qualities you have that are tailored to fit them. Let the interviewer know that you understand the job and the company, and let him know what you can do for the company if you get the job.

After a few questions about your abilities and qualifications, the interviewer may ask, "What was your biggest accomplishment in your last job?" That sounds like an important question, doesn't it? Hopefully you've anticipated this question and have studied for it. The best answer will be one where you are able to cite an accomplishment from the past that is directly related to the job you are interviewing for now. Don't wait until you are sitting at the interview before you consider this question. Think, think, think ahead of time.

The interviewer will likely ask one or more questions designed to discover how you have handled certain situations in the past. Knowing this will help them predict what you will do in the future. The interviewer may ask, "What are the most difficult decisions you've had to make?" If you are wise you will have prepared one or more stories ahead of time that illustrate how you have handled difficult decisions. Be sure to keep your answer positive and specific. Resist any temptation to make negative remarks about a past employer or past supervisor. That would only reflect negatively on you. Instead, describe a difficult situation and how your decisions and actions led to a successful solution. And, if you can relate this story in a humorous way, that's all the better.

There you have advice about how to handle four common interview questions. Your employer will expect you to be as well prepared for the interview as you are for the job.

For more good information about the interview process you may listen to a show on the subject, "How to Dress for an Interview," on Twenty Something Style. It's a lively interview and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

About the Author

Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about politics, real estate, health and nutrition and business. He is the National Director of Good Politics Radio and is a charter member of the podcasting network, Yaktivate.com.