Yup,youre at a job interview.
Since you cant yell Cut!
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10 Common Job Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them!)
Tell me about yourself.
Why should we hire you?
This is where you prove yourself.
Confidently elaborate on your capabilities to show that youre the best candidate for the job.
After all, thatiswhy theyre asking.
The job description is coming into play again here.
I also spotted a number of issues within the organization that saved us money and time.
Describe a professional achievement.
Ever heard of theS-T-A-R method?
It stands for situation, task, action and result.
The key is to describe the actions you took to achieve the result.
Be sure to explain the steps you took.
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Tell us about a difficult professional challenge you faced and how you handled it.
This one is simpler than you think.
At one point or another, weve all faced difficult challenges in the workplace.
The S-T-A-R method can help you answer this question, too!
Instead of harping on the negatives, focus on the professionalism you maintained throughout the difficult situation.
And share the results you received once you forged ahead, despite the adversities you faced.
I took the initiative and organized a late-night brainstorm that led to new ideas we hadnt explored yet.
In the end, the client was thrilled with our fresh ideas, and we landed the account.
What are your professional strengths and weaknesses?
The key to nailing this job interview question is striking a balance.
Youre not perfect, and your interviewers arent expecting you to be.
What do you know about our company?
Always, always, always research the company before the interview.
What are a few things that stood out to you when you applied?
What interests you about this position?
Yes, this question is pretty straightforward, but what do interviewersreallywant to know about you here?
Your respect for employees and how you create a great environment for rewarding innovation is also very appealing.
Lastly, I believe my proactive style would fit in well with your companys culture.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What not to say: Im still figuring it out!
I think we can all agree that this question is terrifying.
There are times when predicting what next week will look like is a hassle, let alone five years.
However, your interviewer wants to know how ambitious you are.
What are your salary requirements?
Talking about money is always a bit awkward.
Do some research and find out what the average marketshare salary is for your role.
Instead of providing a specific number, choose a range so you and your potential employer have room tonegotiate.
I feel that this is a comfortable and appropriate range for my work.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Sorry, folks, watching TV a good answer, no matter how relatable it is.
I noticed your company offers paid gym memberships for employees, and I think thats amazing.
Working out and being active is one of my favorite hobbies, outside of trying new recipes and writing.
Always Ask Questions at the Interview
Do you have any questions for us?
Leave a good impression by asking good questions.
Youre not just a question answerer, Gates reminds us.
Keep in mind that youre just as valuable to the company as you feel it is to you.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up.
When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
What is the typical career path for a person in this role?
Is there a path for advancement into other jobs in the organization?
You dont want to get stuck in a dead-end job.
How do you and your team communicate?
As the old saying goes, communication is key.
If selected for this job, what will be expected of me within the first 90 days?
Find out as much as possible about the job before you jump in.
Going in blind can hurt your performance in more ways than one.
Knowing beforehand gives you time to prepare, and it helps you understand more about the companys workflow.
When you start the job, youll know what to focus on.
Ive really enjoyed learning more about this opportunity.
What are the next steps in the hiring process?
Dont be afraid to ask this question, and be sure to save it for the end.
You made it to the end!
Ready to rock your next interview?
Farrah Daniel is an editorial assistant at The Penny Hoarder.
Shes been through a lot of interviews and has learned something from each one.
Check out her latest storieshere.
