How to Nail The 5 Frequently Asked Interview Questions

By Eileen Williams

Are you preparing for a job interview? If so, ask yourself the following: How certain are you that your responses will make the grade? How can you build rapport, speak to your abilities with confidence and leave a favorable impression? How might you best position yourself as a knowledgeable insider—someone who can be counted on to hit the ground running?

In order to present yourself well at a job interview, it goes without saying that you need to prepare in detail. You have to thoroughly research the company, the needs of the hiring manager and the principle goals of the organization. Once you’ve done that, you will want target your responses to the specific skills and attributes they are seeking in a future employee.

But there are some shortcuts. You can count on several basic questions coming up—in one form or another—in almost every job interview. And fumbling your answers to these frequently asked questions can really trip you up. If you don’t take adequate time to prepare and target your responses, you will swiftly be eliminated from the candidate pool.

The following are 5 basic questions you absolutely need to nail:

4) Give me a time when you… (the event-specific, behavioral-style  question)

• Study the job description and pinpoint the specific skills requested in the ad
• Anticipate questions and prepare targeted examples
• Create a “cheat sheet” (using a resume copy for yourself) complete with trigger words that will help you remember the examples you want to use

5) Do you have any questions for us?
Yes, you do! It is critical that you come with a list of well thought out questions. Then you can pick and choose the most appropriate as the interview unfolds.

• It’s best to start with open-ended questions that will get the hiring manager talking about his/her true needs.
• What do you see to be the most critical components of the job?
• What needs to be done immediately?
• What are some of the long-range goals of the position?
• How can the new person make your life easier?

Also be certain to ask questions that show you’ve done your homework.

• I understand your company is expanding into new markets in Asia. How will this affect your department?
• With the launch of product X, how do anticipate customer reaction?

If you prepare compelling and targeted responses to these 5 typically asked questions, you can approach the interview from a position of strength. Take pride in the skills and experience you offer a future employer and get yourself psyched to win. With the right attitude, confidence in your abilities and a little luck, you just might find yourself at the top of the candidate list!

Read all 5 Questions and their Answers + the complete article