How would you answer these sample interview questions?

Common Job Interview Question 1. Tell me about yourself:
The most often asked question in interviews. You need to have a short
statement prepared in your mind. Be careful that it does not sound
rehearsed. Limit it to work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held that relate to
the position you are interviewing for. Start with the item farthest
back and work up to the present.

Common Job Interview Question 2. Why should you be hired for this job?
Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not
mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

Common Job Interview Question 3. Why did you leave your last job?
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never refer to a major
problem with management and never speak ill of supervisors, co-workers
or the organization. If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep
smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other forward-looking
reasons.

Common Job Interview Question 4. Do you consider yourself successful?
You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good
explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are
on track to achieve the others.

Common Job Interview Question 5. What experience do you bring to this position?
Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for.
If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

Common Interview Question 6. What do you know about our company/organization?
This question is one reason to do some research on the organization
before the interview. Find out where they have been and where they are
going. What are the current issues and who are the major players?

Common Job Interview Question 7. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability
to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your
professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

Common Job Interview Question 8. Have you applied for other jobs?
Be honest but do not spend a lot of time in this area. Keep the focus
on this job and what you can do for this organization. Anything else is
a distraction.

Common Job Interview Question 9. Why do you want a job for our company?
This may take some thought and certainly, should be based on the
research you have done on the organization. Sincerity is extremely
important here and will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term
career goals.

Common Job Interview Question 10. Why do you think you would do well at this job?
Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

Common Job Interview Question 11. What kind of salary are you asking for?
This can be a loaded question. Try not to answer it. Instead, say something like,
That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not,
say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide
range.

Common Job Interview Question 12. Are you a team player?
You are, of course, a team player. Be sure to have examples ready.
Specifics that show you often perform for the good of the team rather
than for yourself are good evidence of your team attitude. Do not brag,
just say it in a matter-of-fact tone. This is a key point.

Common Interview Question 13. How long would you expect to work for us if hired?
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should work: I’d like
it to be a long time. Or As long as we both feel I’m doing a good job.

Common Interview Question 14. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way seem like you
like to fire people. At the same time, you will do it when it is the
right thing to do. When it comes to the organization versus the
individual who has created a harmful situation, you will protect the
organization. Remember firing is not the same as layoff or reduction in
force.

Common Job Interview Question 15. What is your personal philosophy towards work?
The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here.
Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That’s the
type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a
benefit to the organization.

Common Job Interview Question 16. Have you ever been asked to resign?
If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying
negative things about the people or organization involved.

Common Job Interview Question 17. What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?
Be honest. If you are comfortable in different roles, point that out.

Common Job Interview Question 18. What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Be sure that you refer to something that was beyond your control. Show
acceptance and no negative feelings.

Common Job Interview Question 19. What is your greatest strength?
Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability
to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your
professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

Common Job Interview Question 20. If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
Be careful to mention traits that are needed and that you have.