Job Interview Questions
Set yourself apart from your competition by preparing for common job interview questions
If you're searching for a job, learning how to answer job interview questions is probably one of your greatest concerns. Your resume may have won you the interview, but it's how you respond to both common job interview questions and the more off-the-wall ones that will set you apart or land you straight back in the applicant pool. Fortunately, many career and job search websites include sample answers to common job interview questions.Some things to consider when researching common job interview questions and answers:
- What questions employers are most likely to ask
- What questions they expect applicants to ask
- What job interview questions are illegal to ask
Research the most frequently asked questions in a job interview
The list of job interview questions varies dramatically between employers, but there are some that are standard to nearly every interview. They'll probably ask you what you think your greatest strengths and weaknesses are, for example, and will want to know why you're applying for that specific position. Many websites list sample interview questions by position or industry, such as sample interview questions for sales jobs.
Try: At Job-Interview.net, search the interview question bank by job skills, knowledge and abilities. The interview question database at Quintessential Careers includes 150 questions and sample answers.
Know what questions to ask at a job interview
Many employers close an interview by saying "Do you have any questions?" This isn't just for the benefit of the prospective employee; it's also a tool for evaluating applicants. Employers place as much importance on what questions you ask as on how you answer their questions. By coming prepared with a list of thoughtful questions, you stand a greater chance of impressing your potential employer.
Try: At the Virginia Tech Career Services site, find samples and tips on asking interview questions. Review the questions most commonly asked by job applicants at GradView.
Find out what job interview questions are illegal
Employers are granted some latitude in quizzing potential employees; after all, they are investing time and money in the person they hire, and sometimes they need to ask difficult questions to determine who's the right candidate for the job. However, some questions are illegal no matter what kind of job you're applying for. Knowing these questions before you interview allows you time to prepare a response, and alerts you that this may not be a company you'd feel comfortable working for.
Try: Find out what an employer cannot ask you at FindLaw, JobBank USA and WorkTree.com.
- Once you've put together your responses to the most common job interview questions, practice them until you feel comfortable and natural doing so. If possible, recruit a fellow job-seeker to help you, and you can both take turns playing the part of the interviewer and the interviewee
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