Often in a stressful situation such as a job interview we find that our brains don't work as well as usual and that answers to simple questions can sometimes draw a blank. This is why it is very important to prepare in advance for any possible interview answer. It is easy to get a sampling of potential interview questions on the internet and what you need to do is to look at these questions and formulate your very personal interview answer.
Initially at the interview you may be asked to 'describe you work history'. The interview answer to this is generally based on your resume but rather than parrot the content of what has already been read, this is your chance to inject some personality and the reasons for your job choices into your interview answer. You want to be prepared to tell the interviewer the names of the companies you worked for, your job title, your starting and ending dates of employment, how much you earned and what your job entailed.
The interviewer may then ask you to 'describe a typical work week' based on your current position. They are not looking to hear what time you went to lunch or that you need to leave early on Wednesdays for a standing appointment. You will be expected to discuss what you do in detail so before you answer, consider the position you are applying for and how your current or past positions relate to it. The more you can connect your past experience with the job opening, the more successful you will be with your interview answer.
'Why are you leaving this job' will almost certainly be asked of you in some form. The correct interview answer to this is positive and without blame. You may be looking for more challenge which your current position doesn't provide or you may have decided to change career direction - whatever your answer is do not go down the path of speaking badly about your current employer or job circumstances. This is not an interview answer that a new potential employer wants to hear.
You will be asked 'why should we hire you?' This is an interview answer that is solicited to get your opinion on yourself and the best way to respond is to give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. Take a few moments to compare the job description with your abilities, as well as mentioning what you have accomplished in your other positions. Be positive and reiterate your interest in the company and the position and you will have given an impressive interview answer.
"What are your goals' will likely be asked of you and the theme in asking for an interview answer to this is to find out if you think about the impact your decisions make or if you merely react to situations. Too often, a person's career appears to have happened by chance. In today's fast-paced, ever changing world of work, an employer wants to know if they can count on you to make good decisions and not knee-jerk reactions so your interview answer is very important.
Another popular question at an interview is to ask what you can contribute to or do for the company. First of all, be sure you have researched the company prior to the interview, so you are familiar with the company's mission. Respond by giving examples why your education, skills, accomplishments, and experience will make you an asset for the employer. The interview answer should include specific examples of how effective you have been in your other positions, changes you have implemented, and goals you have achieved.
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