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Job Interviews - Common Interview Questions and Answers
By Karen Schweitzer, About.com Guide
 While it is impossible to guess exactly what you will be asked during an interview, you can prepare yourself by developing answers to the most common job interview questions. This kind of preparation will not only help you remain calm during the interview, it will help you control the results.
Common Job Interview Questions
Regardless of your field, there are five things that almost every interviewer asks:
1. Can you tell me about yourself?
This is the most hated and most common question in interview history. Typically asked at the beginning of the job interview, this question gives the interviewer an opportunity to gain knowledge about you and your capabilities.
When you answer, offer a summary of your personality, skills, experience, and work history. Do not mention your knitting hobby or your pet iguana. Try to stick with facts that will demonstrate why you are the person for the job.
2. Why do you want to work here?
Even if it is true, do not answer with: Because I really need a job and you were hiring. If you did any research prior to the interview, you can answer this question. Utilize what you know about the company. Tell the interviewer why you admire the company, their practices, or their product.
If all else fails, make a connection between the job description and your abilities. Tell the interviewer why you are compatible with their company.
3. Why should we hire you?
This is one of the most important questions that you will be asked, and you need to make sure that you have a very good answer. Try to be as specific as possible. Explain in detail: why you would make a good employee, why you are the right fit for the job, and what sets you apart from other applicants. Point out your achievements, accomplishments, and applicable experience.
4. Why did you leave your last job?
This is actually more of a test than a question. The interviewer wants to see what pushes your buttons. Your answer should be as honest as possible, but whatever you do, try not to sound bitter, angry, or violent. And most importantly, do not badmouth your former company, boss, or co-workers.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why do interviewers continue to ask this question? Because- it shows them how motivated you are and it offers insight into your professional intentions. Instead of telling the interviewer that you would like to be sailing in the Bahamas, try offering information about your professional goals as the relate to your job or industry.
Job Interviews - Dress for Success
The phrase “Dress for Success” is one of the most overused bits of advice for job hunters. At the same time, it is also the best advice. As unfair as it may seem, humans judge one another on appearance and worse yet, on clothes. It is very unfortunate that such prejudices can’t be left in junior high school where they belong. That being said, you must make every effort to have the right clothes for the job that you are seeking.
First impressions are critical. When you go to a job interview, you are selling yourself. Even though your clothes alone will probably not get you the job, they may give you an edge. To help you decide what to wear, do some research. If possible, visit the company to which you are applying. Make sure you don’t go on “casual day”. Check out what current employees are wearing. Try to mimic the best dressed of the group. If visiting the site is not possible, call the human resources department of your potential employer and ask. When all else fails, dressing conservatively is your best bet.
Try on the clothes you choose several days before the interview to make sure they fit. If the clothes are too tight or too loose, trade them in for something that fits better. If you are wondering whether or not your outfit is too wrinkled or whether or not your skirt is too short, the answer is yes. If you have to contemplate the issue, then you are pushing the envelope. Finally, you should also consider hygiene and accessories before the interview. The list below addresses the major issues:
- Shoes should be clean and conservative.
- Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Flashy pieces are fun, but are best saved for other days.
- Fingernails should be cleaned and trimmed.
- Cologne or perfume should be minimal or non-existent.
- Hair should be neat and clean. Take a comb with you to make last minute adjustments if necessary.
- If worn, make-up should be well applied and also kept to a minimum.
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