Sample Interview Question and Answer Section

The difference between getting the job and losing it might be your answer (or lack thereof) to one simple question. Here are some "typical" interview questions and suggested methods to answer each of them.

Sample Interview Question: Tell me about yourself.

No, it's not exactly a "job interview question" but it's a typical interview opener especially when the job interview is being conducted by an experienced or unskilled interviewer. Logically, a good interviewee would think of asking the interviewer to confirm exactly what information they want answered but there is a better way to answer this question professionally and succinctly. Answer this question by beginning with a one-sentence statement that summarizes your career. Then add one or two major achievements in your career that clearly highlights a tangible outcome (ie. cost savings, revenue increase). Finally, end your answer with a one-sentence statement that indicates what you looking to do next in your career ensuring of course that it matches exactly what the employer is looking for. This is just a warm-up question so you'll have plenty of time to regale the interviewer with all your other good points very shortly?

Sample Interview Question: Why do you want to work for us?

This should be fairly obvious?but it isn't always easy to answer succinctly during a job interview. The key to answering this question is to focus on what the company needs not what you want. While there aren't any right or wrong ways to answer this question per se, you want to indicate that you are knowledgeable about the company and you want to let them know that you are being selective about your job search. In other words, you would really like to work for this company specifically and are not simply looking for a job with anyone.

Sample Interview Question: What can you do for our company?

Like the ?why do you want to work for us? question, this is a question where your answer will focus on what you offer the company and not the other way around. The best thing that a company can do for its competitors is to hire the wrong person! When a company hires a good person, they are making it harder for their competitors to compete with them. Basically, you want to try to answer this question by letting the interviewer know what you can do that other candidates can't. Companies hire people to solve problems so let the interviewer know what problems you've solved and how your employers benefited as a result.

Sample Interview Question: Why should we hire you?

Similar to the above question, you are expected to let the interviewer know why you are better than other candidates for this job. Just like you did with your resume and cover letter, you need to separate yourself from the pack and illustrate why you are the best person for the job. To do this, focus on answering the question by describing your experience, skills, problem-solving accomplishments and how the company will benefit by hiring you.

Sample Interview Question: What is your biggest weakness?

This is somewhat of a trick question. On one hand you don't want to make yourself look bad by admitting a weakness but at the same time the interviewer will not look favourably on you mentioning a "fake" weakness that really isn't a weakness and then simply brushing it off. Structure your answer by mentioning a weakness that you have and following up with how you are working to improve upon it. If you are taking training courses to improve your lack of computer skills for example, this would illustrate that you are proactive person who understands the need for self-improvement and that this weakness is under control. Everyone has weaknesses, that's natural. The interviewer really wants to see how you answer this question and probably aren't really as interested in the specific weakness that you mention.

Sample Interview Question: Why do want to leave your current job?

It's not unreasonable to look for a new job of course but if you have a track record of job-jumping, the employer might be a bit hesitant to bring you on board. When answering this question, don't mention that your reason for looking for a new job has anything to do about wanting more money and don't mention anything negative such as having too much work, too much stress, personal conflicts, etc that you had at your current job. Instead, briefly answer the question by reminding yourself why you began looking for a job in the first place. If you were laid off as part of a downsizing at your last job, say so. Bottom line: answer the question briefly, do not sound negative and do not tell a long story with excuses that make you sound defensive.

Sample Interview Question: How much money are you looking for?

Avoid discussing money until the latest possible time. Once you state a salary figure, it is hard to get the interviewer to get that number out of their head. I don't suggest naming a salary range either because the interviewer will then assume that you'd be happy with the low end of the salary range because you said you're looking within that range, even though you might be thinking about the high end of the range. The best solution is to let the interviewer know you are aware of the salary range they are offering (if not, ask them what the range is), and let them know that you'd be happy to consider their best offer within that range but that you are interested to discuss more about the position and responsibilities. Issues about money can be discussed once you are moving to the job offer stage ideally.

Sample Interview Question: How much money are you making currently?

If you are speaking with a recruiter like myself, be honest and tell them the exact and honest answer so that they know. When interviewing in front of a company, a good way to answer this question is to reiterate that you are aware of the compensation range being offered, that you would be very happy to consider offers in that range and that you don't want to prejudice your chances at the position by discussing money before you have had a full opportunity to discuss the job and responsibility in more detail with the interviewer.

Sample Interview Question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is generally at attempt by the interviewer to gauge your organizational abilities and more specifically you medium to long term planning. Do you know where you'd like to be in your career 5 years from now? Perhaps you'd like to manage a team of staff by that time. If you are already a manager, perhaps you aspire to a more senior management position by that time. A good answer to this question will cover your illustrating a growth in your skills, experience and responsibilities.

Sample Interview Question: What do you expect in this position that you aren't getting in your current job?

In other words, what does the company you are interviewing with offer you that your current company can't without speaking negatively about your current employer? This is one question where you can focus on what you want while also speaking highly about the company you are interviewing with. In this case, you could mention the company's reputation, management team, quality of products/services, international scope, technology and any other positive things about them that attract you. You might also believe that the company you are interviewing with offers better long-term opportunities if they are considerably larger than your current employer.

Sample Interview Question: Are you looking at other job opportunities currently?

This is another tricky question but it's fairly easy to answer. Be honest. The company probably isn't just interviewing you for the job so it's unreasonable to think that you aren't also looking at other opportunities. The employer might just be feeling you out to see what else you have on the go. If you have another job opportunity or two that you are considering, say so. This would be preferable to saying that you've applied to 100 other companies are waiting to hear back from them! Let them know that you have a focused career search and aren't just applying to companies with no regard.

Let's continue your job interview preparation by discussing Job Interview Techniques for Questions YOU Can Ask!