By Crown Services, 10/17/2018

Preparing for an Interview

After applying to hundreds of jobs, you finally receive a text, e-mail or call for an interview. You have multiple copies of your resume printed on nice paper. You have a list of recommendations. You have planned what you will wear to the interview. Now it is time to prepare for the questions.

There are about 10 different questions with 100 different ways recruiters ask them. It is best to practice your answers. However, you do not want to sound rehearsed. Weave in true stories about your experiences. Be sure to connect with the recruiter. This supports that you can fit into the company culture.

What are the basic questions all interviewers ask?

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. How did you hear about the position?

3. Why are you interested in the position?

4. What are your strengths? What skills do you have that are transferable to this position?

5. What are your weaknesses?

6. What is your greatest achievement? This does not have to be professional. It could be a personal goal such as completing a half marathon. The achievement should show planning and reaching outside your comfort zone.

7. Tell me about a conflict and how you dealt with it.

8. Why do you want to leave your current job?

9. What is your dream job?

10. What type of work environment do you prefer? What type of management style do you prefer?

After the interviewer completes their questions, they almost always ask you if you have questions. Have a list of questions you would like to ask. Some examples are:

1. What are your expectations for this position the first year or what are your top priorities for this position?

2. What is the company culture like?

3. Where do you see this industry and company going in the next five years?

4. Who is the company’s top competitor and why?

5. What are the biggest issues facing the company?

6. What is the interview process and timeline?

Depending on the timeline of the interview process and decision making, either send an e-mail or typed thank you note. This will set you apart from other candidates.