with some sample responses to consider.
- Tell me about yourself.
This is the typical opening question, and your reply should be well rehearsed. Try to keep this under two minutes. The interviewer uses this question to set the tone and size you up. After your reply you may consider asking the interviewer a little bit about the company’s needs regarding the position.
- Why did you leave your last job?
Try to be well rehearsed and keep your reply honest, breif, and without negative comments. If your job loss was caused because of a plant closing, company re-organization or some other large event, say so. Most likely the other person will understand.
- What are your strengths?
Talk about at least three strong points relevant to the company and position. Be specific and give examples to back up your claim. Consider using the SAR technique (Situation, Action, Result) when formulating your answers.
- What are your weaknesses?
If though you may think this is the wrong person to be reciting them to, don't say you have none. We all have them. Try to identify a minor weakness and say what you are doing to improve or correct this.
- What is your work or management style?
This is a pretty standard question. Try to think it through and have a concise answer with a few buzzwords. Discuss how you handle goals and objectives, how you motivate your people, review performance and resolve conflicts. Try to be honest and use terms appropriate to the style of the company you are interviewing.
- What are your future career plans?
Talk about how you plan to concentrate on doing the job exceptionally well, how you are confident that the track record you’ll establish will enable you to proceed to new challenges and opportunities.
- Why are you interested in our company?
Talk about the specifics of the job and company you find attractive. Remind them of your past accomplishments that will help you meet their goals. Research ahead of time so that you know their needs and what they are looking for.
- How did you get along with your last manager?
Keep positive. Briefly recite the strengths your last boss, while being prepared to elaborate if asked to. Talk about what you learned from him/her. Again, be prepared to give more details.
- How would your peers, subordinates or manager describe you?
Remember to be honest, as references are checked. Show that you are tough but fair, concerned about getting tasks accomplished with the highest level of performance, while also being concerned about developing your staff and allowing them to grow. Give examples where you aided your boss solving problems and meet goals.
- What are your salary requirements?
You should try to wait until the offer is made and negotiations commence before mentioning a specific figure. If pressed, try some counter questions or comments like, “I need to know more about the job responsibilities before I can give a specific dollar figure.” or ”My past successes and relevant experience would naturally place me near the top of the range. Do you agree?”, or “Until I have all the facts on the total compensation package, I can’t put a precise number to the salary question.”
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