Practice and get comfortable with these common job questions and answer samples before our interview and we’ll feel more confident, while giving much better answers. We recommend spending some time getting comfortable with what we might be asked, what hiring managers are really looking for in our responses, and what it takes to show that we’re the right man or woman for the job.
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
To answer, walk them through our background, starting at how we began our career or our current line of work. Take them through key accomplishments, key career moves we’ve made, and end by sharing what we’re looking to do next in our career and why we’re job hunting.
Good answer sample:
“I started my career in Marketing after graduating with a Business degree in 2011. I’ve spent my entire career at Google, receiving 3 promotions and 4 awards for outstanding performance. I’m looking to join a smaller company now, and take on more leadership and project management.”
2. How did you hear about the position?
This is one of the simplest question and answer scenarios in any interview, but that doesn’t mean it can’t ruin our chances at the job if we answer incorrectly.
Good answer sample:
“I saw the job posted on a website, and the position seemed interesting so I wanted to learn more” “I found the position while looking for jobs online” “Your company was recommended to me by somebody I worked with in a previous job and had heard good things about your organization” “I heard about it from a friend”
1. What do you know about our company?
Our primary goal is to show we’ve done our research or knew about their company before applying. If we do this, we’ll be fine. If we don’t seem like we know anything about them, we’ll come across as desperate – somebody who will take any job they can find. And that’s going to make we unattractive to any good employers out there.
Good answer sample:
“From what I read, your company is one of the leaders in providing security software to other businesses. I read the list of clients on your website. Do you mostly serve Fortune 500 clients? I saw a couple big Fortune 500 companies mentioned on the list, including … and … .” “You’re one of the largest investment banks in the US. Your headquarters is in Raleigh, NC, and you have 25,000 employees worldwide based on what I read on your website.”
2. Why did you apply for this position?
We need to sound like we want the RIGHT job and that we’re being picky. Companies want the best performers, and the best performers are picky in their job hunt.Stay away from negatives and complaints too. Do not bad-mouth our current company or boss. Focus on the positives of the company we’re interviewing with.
Good answer sample:
“I’ve heard great things about the work environment here from a few colleagues.And when I saw this job posting, it seemed to match my skills very closely. For example, I saw on the job description that you need somebody who’s an expert in mySQL programming. This is what I focused on in both of my previous positions, and was even the focus of my academic work before graduating university. I consider myself an expert in mySQL and it’s a skill I hope to continue specializing in.” “Since beginning my career, I’ve wanted to work for a larger organization in this industry, and I know you’re one of the leaders in this space. I’m very interested in your services, especially the mobile applications you’re building recently, so I’d be excited to come here and grow my skills with an organization like yours.”