| We have all undergone job interviews at some | | | | |
| point in our lives but, even | | | | Try not to make derogatory statements about |
| | | | your previous employers or |
| so, not everyone knows how to pass job | | | | |
| interviews. What follows are some | | | | negative comments such as: I needed more |
| | | | money. Generic answers like: |
| common questions and tips on how to answer | | | | |
| them the right way:The most common question | | | | I'm making a career decision by applying at |
| you will be asked is: Tell me about yourself. | | | | this new job, are better.Another common |
| | | | question is: What are your strengths? Use |
| As an open-ended interview question, this is | | | | this lead to |
| your opportunity to play up | | | | |
| | | | play up the positive traits you possess in |
| your positive work habits and your | | | | connection with the job you |
| qualifications. It would be best to | | | | |
| | | | are applying for.The interviewer may then |
| devote your reply to facts about your work | | | | ask you: What are your weaknesses? Try not to |
| and career. A skillful | | | | |
| | | | dwell on your answer to this question. |
| interviewer will know how to use this one | | | | Buffer your weak points by |
| question alone to bring out | | | | |
| | | | pointing out a strength that compensates for |
| more information about you than a series of | | | | it.The interviewer is interested in your |
| questions would. Try to keep | | | | problem-solving abilities when he |
| | | | |
| your answer to a maximum of one minute long, | | | | says to you: Tell me how you overcame a |
| inclusive of a description | | | | major problem in your |
| | | | |
| of your most recent position and what you | | | | past or current job. You will have to |
| are hopeful to do next.After answering this | | | | explain how you solved the problem |
| question briefly, choose to stay silent or | | | | |
| follow-up | | | | and show pride in your skill in doing so.A |
| | | | killer question which you might be asked is: |
| with this question: Is there anything else | | | | What sets you apart from |
| you wanted to know? Listen | | | | |
| | | | the other applicants who are applying for |
| well to the reply of the interviewer so that | | | | this position? It is best to |
| you will know just what he or she | | | | |
| | | | devote your answer to highlighting your |
| would like to hear from you.Do not rush into | | | | skills, experience, and |
| giving an answer immediately to any question. | | | | |
| | | | presentation as you have no inkling of what |
| | | | the other applicants might |
| Interviewers are aware of your anxiety and | | | | |
| will want you to think first | | | | have to offer. Learn to match what you can |
| | | | bring to the table to what |
| before answering. However, try not to wait | | | | |
| too long between answers or | | | | the organization needs since this is key to |
| | | | clinching the job. Determine |
| you will seem like you are stalling. | | | | |
| Interviewers select open-ended | | | | the key elements of the position and how you |
| | | | can add value to the group.It is highly |
| questions just to see what you can come up | | | | likely for interviewers to ask more creative |
| with so do not ramble on while | | | | questions than |
| | | | |
| trying to determine your real answer.The | | | | these but these are the basic and most |
| next most common question interviewers like | | | | common. By using these guide |
| to ask is: why do you | | | | |
| | | | questions, you will be more prepared to |
| want to leave your present job?" Or why did | | | | hurdle that interview and |
| you leave your most recent | | | | |
| | | | get the job for yourself.Dave Poon is an |
| position? These are dangerous questions that | | | | accomplished writer who specializes in the |
| should be treated carefully. | | | | latest in Careers. |