If there are images in this attachment, they will not be displayed.
Download the original attachment
Top 10 Interview Questions and Sample Answers
1. Tell me about yourself. Be brief! Keep this answer to 30-45 seconds
max or you will lose the employers attention very quickly. Remember,
‘tell me about yourself’ doesn’t mean they want your life story.
Summarize your skills and experience in a way that make you stand out
and show why you are the best person for the job.
Sample Answer: “Hello, my name is Brian Murphy. I am a graduate in
Bachelor of Science in Criminology. My qualifications include five years
of experience in school and office security. I have an outstanding
leadership capability managing large security teams. My experience
also includes knowledge of patrol, search and rescue and investigative
and criminal procedures. I am a sharpshooter with expert marksman
qualifications as well. I would like to discuss how I can bring these skills
and experience to your company.”
2. What about this job interests you? 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. Be clear about
why you are interested in the job and the value you can bring to their
organization.
3. What are your career goals and where do you see yourself five
years Sample Answer: “Within 5 years, I would like to become the very
best mechanic your company has on staff. I want to work toward
becoming the expert that others rely on. Hopefully, this will allow me to
take on greater responsibilities with the company if the opportunity
arises. I am also working towards additional certifications in the field to
enhance my career potential.”
4. Why are you leaving the military? or Why are you leaving your
current job? When answering this question, always focus on the
positive: You are looking for a new challenge, more responsibility,
more experience or a change of environment. Never be negative about
your former or current employers or talk about negative experiences
you had there.
Sample Answer: “I feel that the time is right for me to transition the
outstanding skills and experience I obtained during my last four years in
the military to the civilian job market. I received great training and/or
education in the Army and have been given job assignments that have
enhanced my technical skills, leadership ability and taught me how to
meet deadlines and multi-task in a very fast-paced and often stressful
environment. I can bring these same skills to your organization.” team.”
6. What are your weaknesses or areas you would like to improve? This
is another frequently asked question. Everyone has weaknesses, but
when answering this question in a job interview, stay away from
personal qualities and focus on professional traits. Describe what steps
you have taken to overcome your weaknesses so that you can
demonstrate areas of improvement.
Sample Answer: “I am always working on improving my
communications skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently
joined Toastmasters which I find very helpful.”
Sample Answer: “Sometimes I have trouble delegating duties to others.
This has sometimes backfired because I’d end up with more work than I
could handle. I’ve since taken courses in time management and
learned more effective delegation techniques and I’m happy to say that
my last several team projects were a great success.”
7. What are your salary expectations? Do your research and know
your bottom line. Research the industry standard for the positions you
are applying for in your geographic area. Whenever possible, try to
defer the salary question on the first interview so that you don’t under
or over sell yourself. If pressured, be prepared to give the employer a
salary range.
Sample Answer: “I’m sure that your company offers a fair, competitive
salary for someone with my education / training, skills and experience. I
am also willing to negotiate for the right position.”
Sample Ans of the salary range you have budgeted for this position.”
8. Have you ever had a conflict with a superior or colleague? How did
you handle it? Almost everyone has been in this situation. If you say
no, interviewers will usually dig deeper until you can give them an
answer. The key is to show how you reacted to the conflict and what
you did to resolve it.
Sample Answer: “I think I am a great match for this position. My degree
in management coupled with more than 3 years of experience as
president of the Management Club managing 100+ students and
delivering top notch activities, helped me to improve student activities
by 30% and increase members’ satisfaction. I believe that I can do the
same for your organization and would be a great addition to your
team.”
10. Do you have any questions? Always be prepared to ask the
interviewer a few questions as well. This helps to demonstrate your
preparation and interest.
