Job Interviews: 5 Common Job Interview Questions

You've been busy job hunting by sending out countless resumes, making follow up phone calls, and joining networking groups. You've just been scheduled for an interview and hope to land your dream job. It's time to prepare for that all important job interview. You're suddenly filled with terror because you have no idea what type of job interview questions your prospective employer might ask.

I found myself in the exact same boat a few years ago when I was job hunting. After several job interviews, I discovered that many prospective employers ask similar questions when it comes to conducting a job interview. Here are five job interview questions that hiring employers asked me time and again when I was job hunting.

Job Interview Question #1: Why do you think you are the best person for the job?

This question can be tougher than you think. You don't want to sound conceited by giving an extremely lengthy list with details about your qualifications. You also don't want to ramble on about how great you are. However, if you don't think you are qualified to do the job, you probably shouldn't be at the job interview. If you've done your homework, you already know what qualifications they are looking for, so focus on those. Make eye contact, smile, and be confident when you answer.

Job Interview Question #2: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Many potential employers ask this question, so it's a good idea to give this one some thought before you go on a job interview. If you are a confident person, you'll easily think of several strengths that you have to bring to the job. Telling them about your weaknesses is a little more difficult. If you say you can't think of any weaknesses, you could appear arrogant and overly confident. Everyone has a weakness or two. Pick one of your weaknesses and offer a way you can overcome it.

Job Interview Question #3: How would you handle this situation?

The prospective employer gives you an example of a work related situation. You are asked how you would handle the situation or how you handled it in a previous job. You might be asked how you handled working with a difficult co-worker or customer. You might be asked how you handle job related stress or tight deadlines. Think about some of the difficult and challenging situation you've dealt with in previous jobs to prepare yourself for this question.

Job Interview Question #4: Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question always made me want to say that I saw myself relaxing on a secluded beach in five years. Seriously, nobody really knows where they will be in five years, but it's a good idea to have some type of plan. Think about what direction you would like to see your career take over the course of a few years and you'll be able to answer this question.

Job Interview Question #5: Do you have any questions?

If the interviewer hasn't already mentioned it, you might want to ask when they will be finished with the hiring process. Don't feel like you have to ask any questions. You may be anxious to ask about salary and benefits, but keep those questions to yourself. You don't want it to seem like you're only there to see what you can get out of the company. There will be plenty of time to ask about salary and benefits if they call you in for a second interview or offer you a job.

These five job interview questions will give you an idea of the types of things prospective employers might ask you. You can prepare for a job interview by reading over these questions and thinking about how you would answer them. These are not the only questions you might be asked, but you can use these job interview questions as a guideline. They will help you prepare for an interview by making you give some thought to your qualifications and your past job experiences. Practicing for a job interview and being prepared will help you feel more relaxed and confident when you go in for the actual interview.

Source: Personal experience