IT-006

Answering Interview Questions

Sample question #1: Why should I hire you?
This is the most important question for you to answer well in the interview. Use this question to make yourself look good. Provide the interviewer with advantages - proof that you can help them improve efficiency, reduce cost, increase sales or solve problems. Avoid a know-it-all attitude or any personal information.

Sample question #2: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Relate your background to the position being considered. Such a question is a test of your ability to select what is important and communicate it clearly and quickly. Lead to a discussion of your skills, experience and training.

Sample question #3: Why do you want this job?
Use this question to explain what you have to offer the business or organization. Don't talk about what you want the company to give you.

Sample question #4: What kind of training or experience do you have for this job?
If you have training or experience, don't be modest! If you don't, then tell the interviewer that you are eager and willing to learn. Emphasize the transferable and adaptive skills, i.e., you're knowledgeable in Windows '95, accounting procedures or good at meeting deadlines and working hard.

Sample question #5: What are your strongest skills for this job?
The interviewer is giving you a chance to give strong clues about your good worker traits. Again, don't be modest! Emphasize your adaptive self management skills.

Sample question #6: What areas are you weak in?
Everyone has at least some weaknesses. A good response to this kind of question would be to talk about how you plan to improve. Prepare an honest, undamaging response followed by a brief positive comment to counter the negative.

Sample question #7: Did you enjoy school, why?
Employer wants to know some adaptive skills - are you easy to get along with, a good worker, competitive, high energy level, etc.

Sample question #8: What do you plan to be doing for work five years from today?
Real purpose of this question is to explore your motives for working. Can you be depended upon to stay on this job and work hard at it.

Sample question #9: What sort of pay do you expect to receive?
Create a positive impression. you may ask, "What salary range do you pay for positions with similar responsibilities?" Research the company so you are aware of salary range. Prepare a salary range and be prepared to support that number. Avoid stating an exact number as you may price yourself out of consideration or price yourself too low.

Sample question #10: Do you have any problems or disabilities that would prevent you from doing this job?
Answer honestly. Because of the Disabilities Act an employer must hire you for what you can do not what you are unable to do. Make sure you are aware of your limitations and do not apply for a job that you aren't capable of handling. A possible response may be, "I see nothing in my background that would prevent me from successfully handling this job."