Job Interview Questions and Answers Are All That Stands Between You and Success

If you’re going through the process of a job application, questions and answers can be all that stands between you and career success. I’ve put together the answers to five of the tougher job interview questions you are likely to be asked, so hopefully the answers will stay with you!

1-Why did you leave your current/last job?

I think every job interview in the world will contain this question, but sometimes people let themselves down with a bad answer. A badly thought out answer can efficiently highlight any bitterness/resentment on your part, so remain positive at all times. At no point during the interview should you make any negative remarks at all about your previous employer. Instead, make your reasoning positive, explaining how you feel you need to broaden your skills and experiences to get to the next level career-wise.

2-Where do you see yourself in five years?

Another very standard job interview question-it can however be used as a smart interview to highlight how well or badly the candidate has prepared. Unfortunately, most people will fall for this “trick”, by simply stating that they haven’t really thought about it or worse, just mumbling something like being a little higher up on the pay ladder or something. Another temptation will be to show your loyalty and state that you would like to run a department or something for the new employer. While the show of loyalty may be admirable, it’s unlikely to garner respect from the interviewer, as it will just seem like you are sucking up! Instead of falling for these common pitfalls, answer the question in a far more general fashion, eg- “I would like to be in a position where I can make a substantial contribution to my employer and help make decisions that will shape the company moving forward.” Or something like that.

3-How would you deal with a difficult customer?

This question is very common in sales/customer facing roles. An interview basically wants to hear you say that you are willing and able to take control of the situation and to take ownership and responsibility of the solving of the customer’s problem with as little fuss as possible. While it can be tempting to pull faces and tell stories of the horrible customers you have dealt with, this should be avoided as it can give a very bad impression of your attitude toward the customers, those people that pay everyone’s wages!

4-Tell us about yourself-

Try and rehearse and answer for this before the interview. It can be very tough to make something up on the spot that will show you in a good light. Interviews can be stressful enough without the threat of improvisations! Try to give a few sentences or paragraphs describing yourself and your interests, and come to a definite ending. This will make you seem far more together and focussed than just rambling on for a few minutes and gradually trailing off as you run out of things to say. Also, be sure to steer clear of clichés like “team player,” “highly motivated,” “think outside the box” etc. Many candidates will be spouting such bottled -speak, so avoid it to sound original.

5-Why should we pick you?

This can be your chance to shine. Before you go into the interview, spend a few moments visualizing why you should get the job. Think of your skills and abilities, and how they will match up with what is required. You need to explain these things to the interviewer(s), and make them understand why you will be the best person for the job. An excellent tip is to always refer to things you can prove. There is no point telling them you are highly motivated-anyone can claim that-instead tell them of a situation or scenario you have experienced which proves that you are highly motivated. Every employee will claim to be great in one way or another, but if you can prove you are great, more often than not you will come out on top!

So there it is, 5 of the toughest interview questions and answers laid out for your viewing pleasure!

Source by David Raybould