Everyone knows that the key to a successful interview is being prepared, so why not prepare yourself for some of the interview questions that may be coming your way? This can help put your mind at ease, and avoid struggling to come up with an answer during an interview. Here we have compiled a handful of common questions that cover your history, your skills, and your future.
How to Ace Common Interview Questions
“Tell me about yourself.”
This is probably one of the most common questions you may be asked in an interview, as it typically is a good icebreaker and introduction/summary of your skills and what you are looking for. It’s important to keep it professional and talk about your work history and explain how and why you are currently looking for employment.
Tips:
- Keep it limited to your professional life. Summarize your work history from the beginning.
- If you have lengthy work history, keep it relevant to the job at hand that you are interviewing for.
- If you have limited work history, try using other experiences to showcase your skills.
“Why do you want this job?”
Interviewers are wanting someone that is passionate about their work, so you should prepare a good response for this question. Research the company and fully read the job descriptions, then pick a few key points that really attracted you to this job or company.
Tips:
- Pick a couple points in the job description that you relate to the most and give examples on how you can excel at them.
- If you know the company you are applying for, do your research on them as well and list a couple key points as to why you would be a good fit.
“What are your greatest strengths?”
Interviewers are looking for honesty and self-awareness with this questions. Focus on something relevant and accurate, not just something you think they want to hear. Don’t feel awkward answering this question, this is an opportunity to toot your own horn.
Tips:
- Avoid a cheesy answers, such as, “I’m too dedicated to my work.”
- Focus on a skill crucial to the job at hand. For example, for a customer service related job, try using “relationship builder” instead of “people skills.”
“What do you consider to be your weaknesses?”
Typically when being asked this question, it’s not to identify any red flags, but a gauge self-awareness and identify self-improvements.
Tips:
- Avoid using a strength as a weakness. Such as, “I am too hard of a worker.”
- Use non-essential skills for this position, such as, “My public speaking needs improvement.”
- Keep it brief and try not to dwell on the questions too long.
“Why did you leave your last job?”
This question is intended to gauge your relationship with your current or past job. Avoid talking negatively about your former employer, this can leave many interviewers feeling hesitant of hiring you, especially if you blame failures on others.
Tips:
- Reference your past jobs as opportunities to gain new experience and learn new skills.
- Try to focus on what new opportunities you’re looking for in your future role.
“Why are you the best person for this position?”
If you’ve reached this question, this is a good thing as it means they are usually interested in moving forward with you. While it may seem a little forward, you should be ready and excited for this question. This is the time for you to cover three basic items: you can successfully do the work, you can deliver results, and you are a good fit for this company. If you have time, feel free to highlight a couple of your skills or accomplishments that make you the better candidate.
“Describe your dream job.”
An interviewer is asking this question not to get the response of, “This job,” but to find out what you’re passionate about and see what your career goals are. They want to find out if you truly would be happy in a certain position.
Tips:
- Give a general job description instead of a job title.
- Tailor your response to a certain job you are interviewing for.
- Use this question to go into more detail about what you’re looking for. So instead of saying that you’re looking for customer service work, you could explain how helping people and being able to change their day makes you happy.
There are many other common interview questions out there, so do some research and start preparing your answers incase those questions may come up in your next interview. This can eliminate so much additional and unneeded stress from the interview process.
If you have not applied with us already, please feel free to use our online application at www.allstarlabor.com then call to schedule your interview. If you have previously interviewed with us but feel you now need a refresh, that’s great! Give us a call and we’ll get that scheduled.
All Star offices:
Portland 503-619.0811
Salem 971-209-7130
Albany 541-791-7928
Eugene 541-228-9751
Bend 541-389-1718
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