Being prepared for an interview is the most important thing any job seeker can do, and learning some of the questions you may be asked is a part of that preparation. Being able to answer these questions thoughtfully and with ease will help you have an advantage over your competition. Here are five commonly asked interview questions and what you can do to prepare for them.

1. What is Your Biggest Weakness?

   Every job seeker dreads this question. Why? Because it feels like a trap. You don’t want to admit you have a weakness or say something that might negatively impact the decision-maker. But what interviewers want to know is how your thought process works. One technique was always making a strength into a weakness, but that’s no longer viewed as genuine. Instead, be honest about the things you struggle with and focus on how you overcome them.

2. Tell Me About a Time When…

   It’s not a question per se, but it is commonly used in interviews. These types of questions are intended to gauge your behavior in specific situations. The hiring manager may say something like, “Tell me about a time when you had to handle a confrontational customer.” You, then, should use examples from your own career to tell them a story and be sure to include the resolution.

3. Tell Me About Yourself?

   This can feel like an invitation to tell your life story, but It’s not. The interviewer wants to see what kinds of things you’ll say and what you’ll leave out. You don’t have to include everything on your resume, they already read that. Consider telling a story about an experience that shaped you. Stories are relatable and can give them a lot of insight into who you are.

4. What’s Your Salary Range?

   Talking about money in a first interview is sometimes considered bad form. It’s ok for you to avoid specific amounts. You should already know the general range of the salary, so let them know you’re willing to consider their range. Also, let them know that you’d like a little time after the interview to research compensation and can get back to them for negotiation.

5. Why Should I Hire You?

   When they ask this question, they want to see how you’ll respond. Keep in mind you need an answer that reflects how you would be a benefit to the company, not how the company would benefit you. Every job opening is a problem that needs to be solved, so tap into that. Give examples, details, and reasons you’re a good fit for their job.

Are You Prepared For Your Next Interview?

Talk to the team at InterSolutions today to learn more.