Get Ready For The Employers Questions
- Review your CV, cover letter and application forms to remember the skills and experiences you shared.
- Read the job description and think of questions the employer may ask.
- Do an online search for common interview questions.
- Prepare answers to possible questions. Even if you arent asked them, it will help you plan what skills and experiences to highlight.
How Do You Handle Stress
How you handle stressful situations is an indicator of your ability to solve problems. Employers want to hire candidates who react to stress constructively, so its important that your answer to this question demonstrates personal growth.
Spend some time thinking about your response to stressful situations and provide an example that communicates your abilities around perseverance, resilience and stress management.
Example answer:Im able to stay calm when I focus on the bigger picture and break down my projects into smaller tasks. I always start by asking myself, What is the ultimate goal Im trying to achieve? From there, I make a list of immediate and long-term action items with achievable but ambitious deadlines. Even if the big project is due tomorrow, I ask myself, Whats something I can tackle in the next 30 minutes? Before I know it, Ive made significant progress and that impossible project doesnt seem so impossible.
Read more: Interview Question: How Do You Handle Stress?
What Skills Would You Bring To The Job
While this is similar to questions like, Why should we hire you? or What can you bring to the company? it allows you to be more specific about your work ethic, style and unique abilities as it relates to the role.
An impactful answer will discuss your hard and soft skills and use the STAR method to illustrate how your unique skills might benefit the team or organization.
Example answer:I can make anyone feel comfortable in a new environment, which makes me a good fit as a human resources assistant. In my previous position, a new employee came to me and told me that she didnt think she was right for the company culture. After talking to her for a few minutes, we realized that she felt too much pressure to participate in company events. I started introducing events that involved fewer competitions and more casual environments, and she quickly grew more comfortable with her team.
Read more: Interview Question: “What Skills Would You Bring to the Job?”
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After The Interview: What To Do
- Thank you Notes:
- It is important that you send an electronic thank you note the same day of the interview to the person with whom you interviewed. A handwritten thank you note using high-quality paper should also be sent within 24 -48 hours after the interview.
- Most interviewees only send an electronic thank you note. Writing a hand-written thank you will help you to stand out.
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No matter how many you go on, job interviews can always be nerve-wracking. You put on your nicest clothes, print out your resume, and remind yourself to smile real bigâand just when you think everything is going well, the interviewer hits you with a curveball question you arenât prepared for.
Luckily, youâre not going to let that happen again and youâre planning ahead to ace this monthâs interview. The best way to for anything is to do your research ahead of timeâwhich is why weâre here to help.
If youâre preparing for a big interview during COVID-19, prepping beforehand with these 15 interview questions will help you get one step closer to that dream job.
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Should I Ask About Salary During An Interview
It seems to be undecided whether it’s appropriate for a candidate to ask about the salary during an interview. A safe piece of advice is to wait until a second interview, or until a contract is being negotiated, to broach the subject.
If you ask too early, employers may think that salary is at the forefront of your interest in the role. While this is usually something candidates would like to know, it may be wise to wait until after the first meeting to inquire about it.
Before The Interview: Practice And Prepare
Review the steps below and schedule a mock-interview with Career Services .
- The interview atmosphere should be POSITIVE. Learn to articulate your strengths and weaknesses and emphasize the positive contributions you can make.
- Prepare for Questions
- The questions below are divided into two categories, traditional and behavior-based. You will recognize the difference between the two types of questions immediately. You will need to be prepared for both types of interview questions. The Student Career Development Office and the Library have several books and handouts containing additional interview questions.
- Examples of Behavioral Questions
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How To Prepare For A Job Interview: 6 Tips
Interviews can be intimidating, and having a good system in place to prep for job interviews is essential. From knowing what to wear to how to handle sensitive subjects, job interviews are full of formalities, emotions, and questions.
To help you make the most of your time in front of hiring managers, the following tips will help you prepare for job interviews.
Get Your Interview Clothes Ready
Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear while you’re scrambling to get ready for a job interview.
Regardless of the type of job you’re interviewing for, that first impression should be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.
If you’re applying for a job in a more casual environment, such as a store or restaurant, it’s still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer.
It is also important to think about your makeup and accessories when dressing for an interview.
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How Would You Deal If The Most Desired Candidate Rejects Your Job Offer
Handling negative outcomes professionally and effectively is a big skill for recruiters to have, and this question tries to directly assess your ability to do just that. Recognize that youd be disappointed but grateful for the candidates time, potentially willing to extend a wait list offer, and then move on to finding the next best candidate.
What Are The Skills You Must Look For In An Applicant For The Position At
This question seeks to giveaway just how much you know about the company and the skills needed for the positions theyll be hiring for. This question is tougher in the IT and tech worlds, where you need to understand the roles of various software and coding skills. Make sure you know the company before you walk into the interview or this one could stump you up!
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Ask Thoughtful Questions To The Interviewer
Most interviewers would give you an opportunity to clarify your doubts and queries. Make mental notes during the interview to ask pertinent questions to the interviewer. If you have any doubts regarding the position, company or any other issue, you can get them clarified towards the end of the interview.
Read more:
Job Interview Questions Answers And Tips To Prepare
Theresa Chiechi / The Balance
Do you have a job interview coming up? Are you prepared? The best way to get ready for an interview is to take the time to review the most common interview questions you will most likely be asked, along with examples of the best answers. Knowing what you’re going to say can eliminate a lot of interview stress.
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Prepare Questions To Ask
Thinking of the right questions to ask is an important part of job interview preparation. Draw from your research to create thoughtful interview questions that demonstrate sincere interest in the position and the company. For example:
- If Im hired, what are the three most important things you will want me to accomplish during my first six months at the company?
- What are the biggest challenges of this job?
- What kinds of people fit best with the company culture?
Also ask for clarification about something you read or for more information on an intriguing project. Generating conversation makes the interview livelier. And as the interview takes place, if something intrigues you, try to revisit it during this time.
Prepare For The Interview
You don’t need to memorize an answer, but do take the time to consider how you’ll respond. The more you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel during a job interview.
When you’re not sure what to expect during an interview, also take time to review this refresher on how job interviews work, and these tips on how to prepare to ace your job interview.
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Create A Strong First Impression
First impressions count, and non-verbal cues matter even more than verbal ones. So in those first few minutes, its all about smiling confidently, shaking hands firmly, making eye contact and generally looking as if youre glad to be there and you want the job. Lean in slightly, widen your eyebrows slightly, and wait to be invited to sit down. In everything you do, project an attitude of energy, enthusiasm and interest.
Clothes-wise, try to match your dress style to that of the company youre meeting. You should be able to get a good idea of the companys typical dress code through its website and social media output, especially any content about its working culture, and your recruiter can advise you too. You want to project some personality and charisma, but you also want to come across as a good fit, so if in doubt always err on the formal side.
You’ve Got An Interview Now What
First thing’s first: Confirm that interview.
“Understand who you’ll be meeting with and what the interview process is,” said Bonnie Ward, a career advisor at Southern New Hampshire University .
Then, it’s time to do your research. Sure, you probably did some before applying for the role, but now it’s time to dig deeper.
“As soon as you get the call or email saying you have been chosen for an interview, the first thing to do is do some more research into the position you applied for,” said Steven Brathwaite, a career advisor at SNHU. “Companies will know if your interest and energy are off in the interview or if youre not fully invested in the position. Start to get into the mindset of what it will take day in and day out to be successful in that role.”
And it’s not only the job you’ll want to learn more about. Use this time to find out as much as you can about the organization.
“Research the company to find out the latest news to understand what problems they’re facing or their concerns and celebrations,” Ward said.
Ward said that includes:
- Checking the company website and social media platforms.
- Looking up notes from annual meetings.
- Understanding the corporate vision, culture, and products or services.
- Going on LinkedIn to research who you’re interviewing with, as well as to see if you have a connection that works there.
This is also a good time to look more closely at yourself, Ward said. Specifically, take a look at your personal brand and how you are portrayed online.
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What Does Being Prepared For An Interview Really Mean
For many, the idea of being prepared for anything is a bit ambiguous.
Is there a specific point that separates the prepared from the ill-prepared? Do you have to dedicate a certain number of hours to the process of getting ready? Is there a critical step you have to make to cross the threshold?
Technically, the answer to those questions is no. In many cases, being prepared means youve done some due diligence. You know how to talk about your achievements in a way that entices the hiring manager. You can sprinkle in relevant tidbits of information based on research.
Essentially, being prepared means youve taken whatever steps were necessary to set yourself up for success, allowing you to arrive at your interview brimming with confidence. Youve dedicated time and attention to the process.
Even if the idea of being prepared isnt highly defined, that doesnt mean you cant do what it takes to make it happen. By following the right steps which well cover in a moment you can do proper laser focused research, prepare and practice relevant and engaging answers, and increase your odds of handling even the trickiest questions with ease.
Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years
Understanding how you imagine your life in the future can help employers understand whether the trajectory of the role and company fits in with your personal development goals. To answer this question you can:
Describe skills you want to develop and accomplishments youd like to achieve:
In five years, Id like to be an industry expert in my field, able to train and mentor students and entry-level designers alike. I would also like to gain specialized expertise in user experience to be a well-rounded contributor working with design and marketing teams on large-scale projects that make a difference both in the company and the global community.
Provide specific career goals including any dream roles or projects:
“Some of my future goals for the next few years include leading a design team in a formal capacity. Im also excited about the prospect of working with product and event teams on developing streamlined processesthis is a natural fit with my project management background. Id also like to further develop my skills in user experience to aid in creating more user-focused designs all around.
Read more: Interview Question: Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
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What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You
It’s time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss’s quotes to answer the question, “What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?”. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else’s words: “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor.”
How Do You Work Under Pressure
Many jobs involve moments when, for varied reasons, there are unexpected situations that require swift action. The ability to stay calm, think logically and act correctly in such a scenario is a major asset.
This is another good instance of when to use the STAR method to talk about a specific time you were faced with a challenge, might have succumbed to stress but managed to calmly find a solution.
Example answer:Throughout my career, Ive discovered how to embrace working under pressure. I find that routine can make us complacent, so I try to look for challenges that push me to grow.
One time, I was supposed to deliver a project to a client in five days. A colleague who was working with another client had the same deadline, but he had to take a leave of absence due to personal reasons. I was forced to take up both projects at the same time. While I felt an initial sense of panic, I tried to reframe it as an opportunity to see what I might be capable of. Instead of letting the stress get to me, I came up with a very detailed time management plan and found new ways to boost my efficiency that enabled me to deliver both projects on time.
Read more: Interview Question: “How Do You Work Under Pressure?”
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Check Out The Company
Doing research prior to the interview is a great way to stand out among other candidates. You can gain insight into the company and prepare for the interview by looking into it. You can get a sense of their work, company size, company culture, key people, and the job titles of important people. Also, find out what their opinions are about them. These are all factors that influence a companys mission and goals. You can tailor your responses to them if you understand their needs and priorities. Take some time to look at the job description and the company. Take into account the job description, job requirements, job postings similar to theirs, and other information. This will help you get a sense of their expectations and why.
It doesnt have to take too long, the good news is. It takes just a few Google searches and some time. Use their website, social media, employer reviews sites, and any other articles you find online. You should also take the time to get to know the people you meet during interviews. These people are what make the company great, so you should be familiar with them at least. LinkedIn is a great tool to do this. LinkedIn is a great tool for researching companies and hiring managers. This is why the platform exists.
