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You need a lot of research to get the right answers. The
company background. The job responsibilities. Your strengths
and weaknesses. Your career goal.
#10: Why are you applying for this position in this company?
Wrong approach: "Because I need the money and/or the
experience." This implies that you'll just use the company
as a way-station before moving on to Bigger Things. Remember:
the boss is looking for an employee who's looking at the long-term.
Right approach: Make sure you've done your research about
the company and the job you're applying for. Explain how this
job opportunity and company fit in with how you want to develop
your skills and abilities. Relate them to past work experiences
(or extra-curricular activities in school) that you loved
and were good at.
"(Corporation A) is known for (cite company's strength).
I've always wanted to work in that kind of setting. This (job)
will help develop my skills in (abilities and talents)."
#9: Why do you want to leave your present job? What are
your impressions of your last company?
NEVER badmouth your past boss. Nitpicking and backbiting
will backfire and present you in a bad light. Instead, highlight
what you've learned from your past company---then emphasize
that, because you are looking for greater challenges, it's
time to move on.
#8: What do you expect out of this job?
Get an idea of the job responsibilities. Understand the pressures.
Then say why you'd like to learn those responsibilities and
face those pressures.
#7: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
For many managers, this is the make-it-or-break-it question.
Make sure that you have a well-thought-out career path before
going to the interview. It shows that you have focus and direction.
#6: Where do you think you could make the biggest contribution
to this organization?
Have a fair idea of what you're good at. Remember your training
and past work experiences. Imagine how can use them to the
fullest---and apply that to the demands of the company and
job you're applying for.
#5: How do you take criticism? From your boss? Or from your
peers?
Admit that criticism hurts. But it can also be a good teacher.
Give past instances where you've faced negative comments.
And though bruised and smarting, you took a good look at them
and improved yourself.
#4: How do you respond to pressure?
Be honest: nobody's super-human. First, explain the kind of
pressure that you're familiar with and can easily hurdle (e.g.
deadlines). Then, admit the kind of stress-inducing situations
that you have a hard time coping with (e.g. no creative atmosphere).
But always end positively, by giving examples on how you are
improving these weak points.
#3: Where do you think you can improve on, in terms of
skills or character traits?
This is an offshoot of #2. The job interviewer appreciates
honesty, not hot air. Take a good look at yourself. Where
do you need to shape up: communication skills? business savviness?
Social relations? In admitting your weaknesses, always end
on the note that you are taking steps to beef them up (extra
after-hour courses in school, membership in a civic club,
etc.).
#2: What can you do for us that someone else can't?
This is the chance to show your unique edge. In a job interview,
you're selling yourself, the combination of experiences, abilities,
and character traits that make you up as a person. Think back
on past experiences wherein you gave solutions that nobody
else thought about. Or when you came up with brilliant, innovative
ideas that spellbound everyone.
#1: THIS IS THE BOTTOMLINE: Why should I hire you?
The one correct answer to this is: "Because I will be
an asset to your company."
Answer the first 9 questions right---and you won't have a
hard time proving your worth when it comes to this part.
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