Expect good interviewers to ask questions that will help them learn as much as possible about you in a short time. The book Managing for Dummies recommends that interviewers ask some version of the following questions in order to find out whether a candidate is the right person for a job. You need to be ready with good answers.
Why are you here?
The right answer is not, “because I need a job,” “I heard you were looking for people,” or “I saw your ad.” Develop a strong answer that mentions your interest in this specific company or its product or service. You might refer to the company’s excellent reputation and explain that you’d like to begin your career with such an outstanding firm. Individualize all your answers to the company that provides the interview; never give broad, generic answers that would fit any firm.
What can you do for us?
Prepare for this question by learning as much about the company as you can and matching its needs with your characteristics and abilities. Explain specifically how you can help the company be successful. “I know keeping customers happy is how a company succeeds, and I'll make sure that a customer never leaves feeling dissatisfied with the service I’ve provided.”
What kind of person are you?
This question gives you a chance to shine. Answer by giving an honest, positive recap of who you are. You might use some of the following words: organized, analytical, creative, co-operative, focused, responsible, driven, easy going, or upbeat. Think now about your characteristics and skills, but don’t pretend to be something you aren’t.
Can we afford you?
This is another version of the question, “What salary are you looking for?” Do some investigation in your community for entry-level salaries in the same field. If you answer the salary question with an unusually high number, the interviewer will consider you out of touch with reality. If you answer with a number that’s too low, you probably won’t get any more money than that. Interviewers are most interested in finding the right person for the job and will pay a reasonable salary to get that individual.
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