How To Prepare for Your Next Job Interview

Have you ever been asked a question during an interview that left you speechless, unsure of what to say next? Ever found yourself tripping over your tongue trying to answer one of these difficult questions? If you really prepared for an interview, you should already have some answers in mind, but only exceptional answers will make you stand out from the rest. Here are some tips for having a successful interview and answering critical interview questions.

1. What is your greatest weakness?

In an interview, this question is almost sure to come up. So how do you answer this without actually giving away one of your horrid character defects? Your goal in an interview is to sell yourself, and this question can actually be a perfect place to do so. A good tip for interviews, always have a list of positive aspects about yourself memorized that you know will leave your interviewer impressed. These statements can be used many times throughout an interview. So what should you reply when answering this risky question? Take one of your positive traits, and explain how others could see it as a weakness, but how it could benefit the company. For example, to answer this question I could say "Some people may find me to take more time than needed to accomplish a goal, but I see myself as making sure my work gets done and done well, above standard. I stay with a goal until it's accomplished to my standards." If this doesn't work for you, you can always stay with the common, "I'm a perfectionist and tend to work harder than I need to," answer.

2. What do you expect as a starting salary?

Never answer this question during an interview. Wait until your sure they are interested and a job offer has been made before discussing this topic. Answering that you're open to discussion about your salary is a great answer. Another great reply would be to answer with a question, "How much do you pay someone with my experience."

3. Why are you leaving/why did you leave your current/previous position?

Your answer should vary depending on the nature of your leaving. Never say you were fired. Come up with a proactive answer beforehand; make sure your answer is honest and sincere. "I am looking for more opportunities to advance than I am being offered in my current position; I'm looking for a more dynamic company that will continue to challenge me." Make sure to talk about your goals for the future in a company like the one you are applying for, avoid talking about your past.

4. What do you see as your greatest strength?

This is another great place to sell yourself and use your list of positive aspects. The best answer would be one relating to the position you are applying for. This shows you did your research and are serious about the job for which you are interviewing.

5. Tell me about yourself.

Sell, sell, and sell. Offer your best attributes and how they can benefit the company for which you're applying.

6. Tell me about a negative experience with your last employer.

This is a difficult question to answer. The best way to respond would be to offer a negative experience, and then explain how you turned it into a positive one, and how it benefitted the company. "Most of the time my employer and I were on the same page, but there was a time when I disagreed with him. I shared my opinions with him and we found a much better solution which actually greatly benefited the company."

7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Employers want to see commitment. If you're not planning to take the job for the long term, state your strengths and offer that in ten years you see yourself utilizing them in a company such as the one you are applying for.

8. Do you have any questions for me?

Yes! Prepare some questions before an interview and be ready to ask them.

Preparation is key. Make sure you are well prepared to sell yourself and to set yourself apart from the others. You can't have an answer prepared for every question, but you can do your best to prepare for the common ones. Be ready for other difficult trick questions, "What would you do if I asked you to sell me the pen I have in my hand?" Practice in front of a mirror, have someone run common questions by you and practice your eye contact and body posture, do whatever it takes to be ready. Also, a quick tip, make sure to remember your interviewer's name when he introduces himself. Send a short thank you card after an interview. It could be the factor that places you at the top of a company's list.

Sources:
Baker, Phil. "Are YOU an Interview Ninja? 10 Toughest Interview Questions & Answers ." www.negotiations.com. 23 Sep 2008 .