Day Boy

These questions give you an opportunity to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job. Be sure to show how your strengths could be used on the job and could benefit the company.

State the positive things that you have learned about the company and how they fit with your career goals. This shows the employer that you cared enough about the interview to prepare for it.

I once interviewed a candidate for a sales role at a early stage start up. I really liked him, and the interview was going well. I wanted to hire him, but when I asked him where else he was interviewing he told me that he was excited about a finance role at Microsoft. Huh? I was confused. We got to talking and it was clear that he didn't know what he wanted.

It's ok if you are interviewing for multiple types of opportunities, however don't tell your interviewer. Keep your answer focused on the opportunity and company that you are interviewing for.

Give examples of ways in which you saved the company time or money or developed an office procedure that improved efficiency.

Even if you haven't had the title of lead worker, supervisor, or manager, give examples of when you recognized a job that needed to be done and you did

If your work experience did not involve working on a team, use examples of teamwork from other aspects of your life, such as family projects or community activities

What are the company's short- and long-range objectives?

What is the common denominator in your successful employees?

What does the company consider unique about itself?

What are some outside influences that affect company growth?

Where does the company excel? What are its limitations?

What is the department's environment like?

Telling the interviewer, "In your job!" is not a good idea. Instead, indicate that you hope to acquire sufficient skills and knowledge within that time to make a positive contribution to the company.

Use this question to show that you are willing to be challenged and to improve. Employers are looking for people who are willing to continue learning. Talk about formal and informal educational opportunities that you have pursued. Mention books and periodicals you have read that are related to your field of interest.

Use this question to demonstrate how well you would fit the job being discussed. When discussing what you are least interested in, try to demonstrate a positive attitude.

It is important to be able to show the process that you go through when presented with a problem. State the problem and describe the steps that you followed to reach the solution.

Be careful not to present a negative picture of any past employers. If given a choice, always talk about your best boss. If pressed to describe the worst boss, pick a work-related characteristic that can be stated in a positive way. For example, "I had a supervisor who was vague when issuing assignments. I learned to ask questions so that I knew what was expected."

Answer this is a positive manner by showing how you overcame a specific weakness. For example, "In the past, it was difficult for me to accept criticism from my peers. I have learned to value and solicit this input, however, and it has improved my job performance."

This is another way of asking "How do you think you will fit in?" You can prepare for this question before the interview by asking friends and/or people you have worked with how they would describe you.

Answer this question in a way that illustrates your enthusiasm for and dedication to your career.

Even though your resume includes this information, some employers like to learn more. Remember to mention any classes, seminars, workshops, and on-the-job training you've attended that support your job goals.