Interview Questions and Answers

- Tell me about yourself.
Try starting out by sharing some personal interests which don't relate directly to your work. Be ready to share three or four of the personal qualities, skills and/or areas of expertise which would help you to excel in the job for which you are interviewing. Ultimately, you will want to share several other strengths before the interview is over.

- What is your greatest strength? 
The best way to respond is to describe the skills and experience that directly correlate with the job you are applying for. Be prepared to answer by making a list of the qualifications mentioned in the job posting. Then, make a list of your skills that match those listed.

- How do you handle failure? How do you handle stress and pressure?
The best approach to this kind of question is to identify some scenarios when you came up short on the job in advance of your interview.  Choose situations where you took responsibility for your failure, learned from it and took steps to avoid recurrences of similar failures. Some examples: 
-I react to situations, rather than to stress. That way, the situation is handled and doesn't become stressful. 
-I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment.

- Describe your work style
When you are asked about how you work during an interview, it's important to impress the interviewer with your comptentency and accuracy, rather than just your speed.

- How are you different from the competition?
 It's important to be able to share information on why you're the person who should be hired during job interviews.Make a list of the top five qualifications for the ideal candidate. Review that list and try to think of how you have applied those skills, qualities or areas of knowledge to make a strong contribution in your paid employment, internships, volunteer work, academics or activities.  
- What is the biggest criticism you received from your boss? 
Pick a performance area that is not central to the job you're applying for.  If possible, pick an issue that you have addressed and improved upon.

- What strength will help you the most to succeed?
The best way to prepare to respond is to start with a careful examination of the key qualifications that your employer is seeking.  Look for an essential qualification that corresponds well with one of your most prominent assets.

- What did you like or dislike about your previous job? 
When you're asked what didn't like about your previous job, don't be too negative. The reason is that you don't want the interviewer to think that you'll speak negatively about the new job or the company when you're ready to move on, if you get this job.

- Describe your ideal boss
When the interviewer asks about what your ideal boss is like, it could be asked as a reflection upon your past supervisors (who was your best or worst boss) or in terms of your future preferences.

- Why were you fired?
Practice in advance what you'll say. Then keep it brief, keep it honest and keep it moving.That way, you'll get past the sticky issue of getting fired and can move on to your skills and why you're qualified for the job.

- Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants for the job?Why are you the best person for the job?
 “What makes you the best fit for this position?” Your answer to this question should be a concise “sales pitch” that explains what you have to offer the employer.The best way to respond is to give concrete examples of why your skills and accomplishments make you the best candidate for the job. 

- What will you do if you don't get this position?
 The interviewer wants to know whether you are concerned about just the advancement opportunity or the company.