Commonly Asked Interview Questions
Last week we talked about To-Do’s the night before your interview – so far you’ve:
- Researched the company
- Researched your interviewer
- Driven to the location to scope it out
- Prepared your portfolio
- Reviewed your resume
Now it’s time to take a look at some commonly asked job interview questions. Though your interviewer may throw you a few curve balls, there are a few tried and true questions that every interview contains.
- Tell me about yourself.
When you’re asked this you may think, “How far in depth am I supposed to go? Do they want to hear personal things or professional things?”
Come up with a 2 minute response that ties in the qualifications for the job and how it relates to your experience. - What are your top three strengths?
It’s wise not to have a generic response for every interview you go on. Tailor your strengths to the job’s qualifications. - What are your top three weaknesses?
This can be tough. Provide the interviewer with traits that aren’t critical to the company’s success. Instead of beginning with, “Well, I’m not very good at ____.” Simply state that you wish to learn more about a certain skill and are in the process of developing it. Do not by any means give them a cliché such as, “I’m a natural born leader and sometimes I take on a lot of projects.” - What makes you a good candidate for this position?
As you’ve been throughout the entire interview process, be confident and enthusiastic. Steer away from saying you are the most qualified person, because you don’t know the qualifications of the other applicants. Emphasize your strengths and how they will contribute to the success of the company/department. - How do you handle stressful situations?
Start with giving examples of situations that you’ve dealt with, try not to just ramble off qualities of someone who is calm. Explain how during those situations you used your time-management and problem-solving skills.
Now you’re ready. All that’s left to do this prove to the interviewer how talented you are – show ‘em your stuff! Good Luck!
