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How to Answer Common interview Questions?
"An interview is a great opportunity to reflect on your past accomplishments and future goals, Take the time to review what you have done, where you want to go, be honest and to the point. If you engage in conversation in a compelling, relevant and positive way with your prospective employer, you'll give yourself the best chance to land the job you want."
Interview Tip 1: Look the PartPlan to dress professionally in conservative clothing with appropriate shoes, minimal jewelry, and perfume. Even if the office is casual, you should dress in business attire.
Interview Tip 2: Before the Interview
Bring a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a notepad and pen. Use a breath mint before you enter the building. Leave the gadgets at home or turned off in your bag or briefcase.
Interview Tip 3: Arrive on Time
Arrive a few minutes early for your interview. If you're not sure where you're going get directions ahead of time (Mapquest or Google Maps) and do a trial run, so you know where you're going. When you arrive for your interview, greet the receptionist and let him or her know why you are there.
Interview Tip 4: Answer Questions Calmly
During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you're not sure what's been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.
Interview Tip 5: Ask Questions About the Job
Be prepared with questions of your own, because you will probably be asked if you have any at the end of the interview. Having questions will show that you've done your homework and are truly interested in the position.
Interview Tip 6: Follow Up
Ask your interviewer for a business card. That way, you'll have the correct spelling of names and job titles for your thank you notes and follow up calls. It's important to thank the interviewer for their time and to let them know that you look forward to hearing from them. Follow up by sending a thank you note to everyone you interviewed with.
Common interview Questions with general Tips
1.Tell me about yourself?
This question may be challenging because you need to find a good balance between providing enough information about yourself, without rambling. The key is to keep your answers focused on information relevant
to the position.
2.What are your weaknesses?
This is one of the questions job seekers fear the most. The best way to answer is by choosing a professional trait and explain how it can be an advantage if well managed. When you identify a weakness, remind the employer you are actively taking actions to correct it. For example, "I used to have trouble with procrastination, now I have learned to write down a list of things that I need to do, and keep a calendar to keep track of deadlines."
3.What are your long-range career goals?
The employer wants to know if you can see yourself working for the company on a long-term basis. Emphasize that you want to secure a position that offers opportunities to grow, develop skills and take on challenges and responsibilities. Do not indicate that you hope to start your own business, change careers or are thinking of going back to school full-time.
4.Whatâs your definition of success?
This is a challenging one for many a job hunter because success can be subjective. You might think that success means landing this job and working your way up in the company, but your employer wants to know why you would be successful with the company. What would you be doing on a day to day basis that would lead to success? You might talk about how you maintain a strong work ethic, work with feedback from your boss and peers, and maintain a high level of integrity at all times.
5.What motivates you to do a good job?
The answer to this one is not money, even if it is. You should be motivated by life's noble pursuits. You want recognition for a job well done. You want to become better at your job. You want to help others or be a leader in your field.
6.What's your greatest strength?
This is your chance to shine. You're being asked to explain why you are a great employee, so don't hold back and stay do stay positive. You could be someone who thrives under pressure, a great motivator, an amazing problem solver or someone with extraordinary attention to detail. If your greatest strength, however, is to drink anyone under the table or get a top score on Mario Kart, keep it to yourself. The interviewer is looking for work-related strengths.
7.Tell me what you know about this company?
Do your homework before you go to any interview. Whether it's being the VP of marketing or the mailroom clerk, you should know about the company or business you're going to work for. Has this company been in the news lately? Who are the people in the company you should know about? Do the background work, it will make you stand out as someone who comes prepared, and is genuinely interested in the company and the job.
8.Why do you want to work at X Company?
This should be directly related to the last question. Any research you've done on the company should have led you to the conclusion that you'd want to work there. After all, you're at the interview, right? Put some thought into this answer before you have your interview, mention your career goals and highlight forward-thinking goals and career plans.
9.Why did you leave your previous job, and why are you leaving your current position?
Be as honest and specific as possible. Remain positive and focused on the future. Always be respectful of your previous employer. If you currently have a job, focus on what kind of skills you want to develop and how this position fits in with your career plan.
10.Where else have you applied?
This is a good way to hint that you're in demand, without sounding like you're whoring yourself all over town. So, be honest and mention a few other companies but don't go into detail. The fact that you're seriously looking and keeping your options open is what the interviewer is driving at.
11.What are your salary expectations?
Try to avoid giving out a precise number at this point. Focus on how important it is for you to learn more about the job. If pressed to answer - give a range of what you understand you are worth in the marketplace.
12.Do you have any questions?
This is a great opportunity to show your interest in the company. Ask questions about the company's culture, advancement opportunities and what you can expect from your future colleagues.
Why is this position open?
Can you describe a typical day or week in the position?
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