Interview Questions and Thank You Letter
for the fourth quarter Self-Branding Project
Too many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the questions are coming out of left field. But many interview questions are to be expected. Study this list and plan your answers ahead of time so you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence. And then follow up with a personalized thank you letter. Feel free to jot things down during an interview have an additional copy of your resume and references too.
NAME____________________________________________________
Type your answers to the following questions, and for 14-18 make up your own questions you would like the interviewer to answer. For 19 and 20 use the answers you gave to create a follow up thank you letter-- it will serve as a reminder and set you apart from all the others who "claim" to have people skills. Please briefly describe the position (you imagine) for which you will be applying:
Position
1 What Are Your Weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. This is a question an interviewer asks when they are afraid they will miss something and make a mistake about hiring you. Handle it by minimizing your weakness and emphasizing your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined Toastmasters, which I find very helpful." Find something to say that you are learning to overcome and work very hard to change. Another good one is, "I get very nervous in interviews but I have decided to try to enjoy the challenge and focus on making a good match."
2 Why Should We Hire You? (i.e. What are your strengths?)
Summarize your experiences: Here is a chance to ask about the job you are applying for... and to make it fit you if you still want it. Or if the details are absolutely clear, "with four years' experience working in security and my proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."
3 Why Do You Want to Work Here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices." Of course, actually knowing the values of a company means you do some research ahead of time as a follow up question might be, "oh, what in particular about our values/ mission statement impressed you?"
4 What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company where I have an opportunity to _______________. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."
5 Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."
I have just graduated from High School and am looking forward to___________________________.
6 When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job? (What was the best job you ever had and why?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."
Not, my dad hired me to work in the shop and it was great because I didn't have to work too hard.
7 What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."
Out of High School you might offer more personal qualities that could be of interest (honesty, earnestness, desire to learn or gain experience, etc.).
8 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. 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."
I do have references available on request, but my last boss would say they were sorry to see me go because___________________.
9 What Salary Are You Seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone with my background?"
Remember, the cost of gas is an important factor now as we approach $3.00 or $4.00 a gallon! What are the benefits? Tuition? Medical? Near public transportation? How much a week is it going to cost you to get to work? How often are salary/ performance reviews? This # comes out of your pay!
10 If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Want to Be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want to make?
11 What Was the Last Movie You Saw (or book you read) Did You Like It And Why?
Interviewers use this type of question to ascertain if what you have told them so far is congruent with what you actually do in your time off. It tells them about your mental age / attitude, taste, possibly who you went with to the movie and ability to communicate.
12 Tell Me About This Event (or Skill) On Your Resume
Interviewers use your resume to form questions, be sure to have an anecdote or two about the events or highlighting your skills. Have an additional copy of your resume to refer to during the interview.
13 How Do You Plan To Go To School and Work Too?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you are flexible and honest. This is tough. Many employers fear losing employees when school begins. If this is the case indicate that you need to work and go to school and have wanted to ask them about working with your schedule as you will make every effort to work with the needs of the business-- for instance around the holidays retailers need more hours and you might be facing finals.
14 Do You Have Any Questions?
Interviewers use this type of question to close an interview once they have formed an opinion about you. This is your chance to ask about the company prepare some ahead of time. There is a story about a person interviewing for IBM it goes like this:
Interviewer enters the room-- Hi, Welcome to I. B. M. corporate headquarters, I'd like to begin with your telling me what I. B. M. stands for? (silence) Well thank you that will be all we need today. (End of interview.)
The moral:-- Getting a good job means doing the homework for a good job.
15 Form a question about the nature of the job and daily duties....
16 Form a question about who you would be working with and reporting to....
17 Form a question about why the position is now open (if the last person left, why?)....
18 Form a question about when you might hear from the interviewer....
19 and 20 THE THANK YOU LETTER
If not during, then immediately after the interview, jot down some notes for you to use in a thank you letter, on the way out or before the interview check the spelling of the name of the interviewer and their title. If there is a business card take one. Send the thank you letter the day of the interview.
Adapted from from "Prep for the Top 10
Interview Questions"