INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & TIPS
Are you preparing for an upcoming job interview? We’ve put together some great tips to help you prepare effectively. Proper preparation will help alleviate some of the stress of the process and will help you feel more comfortable with being interviewed.
Practice & Prepare
Practice, practice, practice! Make sure to rehearse your responses to the typical job interview questions that most employers ask. However, it’s also important to remember to tie in relevant job experiences and skills you posses to match to the job requirements.
Research the Company & Role
Do your homework on the company and the industry so you are ready to answer questions regarding why you would want to work for them. Your responses should make it very obvious that you came prepared.
Be on Time
You should never be late to an interview. That being said, you also shouldn't arrive too early either since they might have another candidate scheduled before you. On time means five to fifteen minutes early. This will give you a few extra minutes to visit the restroom, check your outfit, and calm your nerves.
Stay Calm
It’s normal to get nervous before an interview, however proper preparation should help you to stay calm and come across confident. During the interview, try to relax, remain calm, and take a moment to regroup if you need it.
Follow Up
Always follow-up with a timely thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. This is a great time to include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview and to highlight again your qualifications.
It’s really important to be prepared to respond effectively to the typical interview questions employers ask at job interviews. To help you practice before your interview, we’ve put together a list of some questions you can expect to be asked!
Tell Me About Yourself
This is such a simple yet tricky question to answer. You need to make sure your answer provides relevant information to job you are seeking, while also providing some of your personal interests which don't relate directly to work. The goal of this question is allow the interviewer to get to know you a little better, while staying on track.
Why Do You Want This Job?
This question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer what you know about the job and the company. Be specific about what makes you a good fit for this role, and mention aspects of the company and position that appeal to you.
Your Strength & Weaknesses
These are some of the more common questions employers like to ask. The correct response for a strength should ideally be an attribute that will qualify you for the specific job and set you apart from the other candidates. Most employers ask about your greatest weakness to gauge your self-awareness and honesty.
Your Career Goals
You should be honest and specific about your future goals, but remember a hiring manager wants to figure out a few things from your response. First they want to see if you are able to set realistic expectations for your career and if you have ambition. They also want to see if this position and company aligns with your goals.
Difficult Work Situations
The interviewer wants to get an idea of how you handle various situations and what your decision making and thought process is like. It’s not so much about the situation but rather how you face challenges and move forward. Definitely be prepared to share an example of what you did in a tough situation in a work environment.