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How To Get the Job: Acing the Interview Questions

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Are You Prepared for the Questions You Will Be Asked on Your Job Interview?

You just got the call asking you to come in for an interview. Your amazing resume got you in the door, now it is time to seal the deal and get the job.

In order to land the job, you need to make sure that you are completely prepared for the job interview. You have to make sure that you are prepared for the questions that you are going to be asked and what questions you need to ask of your potential employer.

The 10 Most Common Job Interview Questions You Are Likely to Be Asked

These are the most common questions that you are likely to be asked on a job interview. You need to make sure that you can recite the answers to these questions in your sleep.

Tell me something about yourself. The interviewer is looking for something to humanize you with this question. Up until this point, you have in all likelihood been nothing more than a checklist of qualifications. This is your opportunity to give the interviewer something about yourself that will help them remember you. Make sure that it is something "positive" and something that is not on your resume.

How do you handle stressful situations? You need to make sure that your answer to this questions shows 2 things. First that you will get the job done when the stress is on. Second that you have a coping mechanism for releasing the stress outside of the office on your own time.

How do you deal with criticism? You need to make sure that you answer makes the interviewer comfortable that you will take the criticism positively and work through any issues you might have in a peaceful calm way.

What is your definition of success? What is your definition of success as it pertains to your job, not necessarily you personally. Your answer should be one where your success in your job makes the company more successful.

Why do you think that you would be a fit with this company? Make sure that you have done you homework on the company before you get to the interview. Make sure that you understand what the company does and what you can bring to the organization. HIghlight your skills that will help the company.

Have you ever been fired, and why? Answer this question as honestly as you can. It will come out if you are not honest. If you were fired because of something where you were in the wrong, be honest and make sure the interviewer feels that you have learned from your past mistakes.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? The interviewer is really asking you, "Where do you see yourself in this company in 5 years?" Make sure that your answer is truthful about what you want to be doing in 5 years, but make sure it is framed within the context of their company.

Do you prefer to work on your own or as a team? Make sure you have re-read the job posting before you answer this question. If they are looking for a "self starter" then they are looking for someone that can work on their own. If the are looking for a "team player" then they want someone that works well with others in a team setting.

Why are you interested in working for this company? The answer to this is more personal that to question 5. This is where you can let them know what the company has that is attractive to you.

Why should I hire you? This is the summary question. Summarize for the interviewer what you have been answering in all the other questions. What about your skills and career goals make you the ideal candidate for the employer.