Top Ten Questions to Expect in a Job Interview

Fielding questions in a job interview with ease, comfort and confidence is a major step in impressing your interviewer(s). A company needs to do their homework before making a hire and the interview is their final exam, their time to find out information about you so they can be sure they are making the right decision.

1) How would colleagues describe you?

Hints: Be prepared with a brief statement that doesn’t sound rehearsed – make it real but not too personal and keep it relevant to the job.

2) Describe a time you failed and how you handled it.
Hints: It is important that you come up with something here. Saying “I have never failed” is a lie- we all have! Come up with an example or a composite example and your solution. For example, you jumped the gun in your eagerness to get something done and had to go back and re-do it, etc. Take something from your own personal library of “lessons learned” but make it strategic and credible.

3) How do you handle it when you disagree with your manager or supervisor?

Hints: This is an important question and avoid using your answer as an opportunity to bad-mouth any former boss or manager. Instead discuss a problem that you may have encountered in getting your idea or point across and discuss how you managed it. Focus on the issue not on the person and emphasize your skills in managing the issue/challenge.

4) Describe your ideal job.

Hints: Be honest and creative, and don’t just describe the job you are applying for – too obvious and insincere! This is a chance to let your true personality come forward – i.e. you always wanted to be a chef, or the ideal job would be blogging from your cabin by the lake, etc.

5) Why do you want to work here?

Hints: This is where you can show off that you did your homework! Some examples: for a public library you read their strategic plan and are genuinely enthusiastic about their goals – discuss that. You agree with corporate mission (and be sure you know what it is!) and want to make a contribution through your job. Show the interviewer you know about the culture, the goals, the environment, etc., and that you want to be a part of it.

6) Why should we hire you?

Hints: Again – do your homework, and be honest!
Describe what you bring to the table- your assets, your energy, your motivation, your knowledge of the tasks at hand based on previous experience. Don’t compare yourself to any other candidates or the job’s predecessor. This is an opportunity to sell yourself. Think this through before you start the interview – be prepared. Above all be genuine!

7) What salary are you looking for?

Hints: Not a popular question amongst candidates! We usually advise candidates not to name a figure- either you’re too low, or too high right? Its better to ask about the salary range, especially if it were advertised. When asked what you made in your previous position, remember that in most instances your former employer will verify the information. You can say you started at X and were promoted, given raises, bonuses, or other non-monetary compensation to show advancement. If you worked at nonprofit and are now interviewing at a huge corporation the salary discrepancy is explainable.

8) What is your greatest accomplishment?

Hints: Keep it relevant to the job – and if you have an anecedote to support or illustrate it – use it. Remember the interview is when you get to sell yourself!

9) What was the most fun you ever had on a job?

Hints: Surely you had fun on a job at sometime! Nothing too risqué or revealing - but something interesting and relevant.

10) Do you have any questions for me?

Hints: Even if you covered everything – come up with something. Is there a transition period when I get started? What is covered in orientation? When do I actually start real work. You can also ask 'when will I hear from you,' 'how long is the interview process typically,' etc.