Getting Ready to Answer Interview Questions

There is a vast range of questions that an employer can ask. They can relate to the technical aspects of the job you applied for, your potential fit with the workplace culture, and how you might relate to the people who work there already.

In this article, you'll explore some tips for answering questions to the absolute best of your ability. Time to don the thinking cap!

Question Tips

Getting Started

When employers interview candidates, they can be as nervous as you are. Sometimes they have experience interviewing, and other times they don't. They will want you to do well in your interview, so they may start the interview with some chatter to help you relax. You can also help them relax simply by smiling, appearing ready, and encouraging their questions.

?You do not need to memorize answers to questions. If you do, what you say can seem forced, as though you are acting a part in a play. However, it would be best if you thought about solid examples of your skills and background that you want to share. You can use your portfolio to support your answers and highlight examples of your work. It is also helpful to demonstrate how organized and thorough you are.

The "Weakness" Question

Employers will ask you interview questions about your strengths, so make sure you know what those are. They may also ask you to describe your weaknesses, which can rattle some people. If they ask about a weakness, offer an answer explaining what you have done to overcome that weakness so that it doesn't stop you from doing your job.

Making Connections

• How could you explain a weakness?
• As an individual, I am good at plenty of things. When an interviewer asks about my strengths, I would say these things:
• I know that, as a human being, there are things that I sometimes struggle with. These might be weaknesses in an employer's eye, but I also know that I can discuss them in a way that shows how I manage them. A challenge (or two) that I might share with an employer in response to this question is:
• The questions I want to ask are:?

Wrapping Up

It would be best if you prepared several questions in advance. Try to create questions you do not think the employer will answer during the interview. Look beneath the surface and explore things you want to know about the place you are considering. Once the interviewer has finished asking questions, they will ask you if you have any.

?You can modify the samples below to suit your needs and work area.

• What methods of training are currently being utilized here?
• How much time is granted for mandatory skills updating for staff?
• What are the first objectives for a new person coming into this role?
• In which area do your priorities need the most attention?
• Do you have other specific projects in which you want me to be involved?
• What is staff turnover like in my prospective department? Organizationally?
• What could I expect by way of orientation?
• Who is responsible for emergency preparedness training? Fire safety? Health and safety?
• What would make me want to work here more than anywhere else in this industry?

General Tips

Prepare Your Answers

If you are being formally interviewed, you can expect an interviewer to take some notes. In some instances, and depending on the job level, they will take lots of notes and grade your answers after the interview. You will have included all the necessary information if you structure your answers using the GOS (Goal – Obstacle – Solution) method. If you can enhance your responses with results (i.e., numbers), that will help to improve your score. Employers use this standard method to help them remember whom they've interviewed.?

The 50-50

You need to have a blend of speaking and listening during the interview. This blend means that the employer will spend half the time talking and you the other half. They will be providing you with information about the organization and the job. If you talk too much, you may come across as overbearing; talk too little, and the employer might think you are trying to hide something about your background. Aim for the 50-50 balance.

The 30-2

The best impression comes from speaking for between 30 seconds and two minutes in an interview. If it takes more than two minutes to answer a question, you may be rambling or not sure what the question was asking. Stop and ask for clarification if you need to, and recognize that not everything needs a long explanation.

Resourcefulness

Demonstrate that you are a needed resource but not desperate for a job. Make sure that your answers focus on what the employer needs, even when you are talking about yourself. (This can take some practice.) The employer is looking for someone who adds value to their organization, not someone who might become a problem or wants the job to make a living. They want someone who cares about what they want. You'll have to show them that you are that person.

Portfolio

Make sure you have your portfolio with you as a demonstration of the work you have done and can do. If you do not have a portfolio, consider creating one because of the value it brings to an interview. For example, instead of saying that you can produce excellent work, you can use your portfolio to show some pictures of work that you have done, even if you are new to the workforce and the images are of projects you did in school.

If you do not have a portfolio, make sure you bring copies of your cover letter, resume (or application form), and references. Bringing these documents demonstrates that you are organized, efficient, and serious about getting a job. It also allows you to offer copies to the interviewer if they have not brought any to the interview.

History

A new job is about making positive changes. Do not badmouth your previous (or current) employer in the interview, no matter how tempted you are. The world is smaller than you think, and you don't want the new employer to get a negative impression of you right away; nor will you want your attitude to return to your previous employer.

Scope?

Accept that an interview is part of your research about the world of work, not just about that company. You do not have to take a job that seems wrong for you (for example, if it conflicts with your values) or is unable to make you feel confident and proud about working there. You won't like the job and will soon start looking for another one.

Empathy

Understand the employer's concerns about this interview. These could include any of the following:

• Is this a candidate who interviews well but performs poorly?
• Will this candidate do their best to be here on time and for each scheduled shift?
• What if this candidate gets hired and trained and then leaves in a few weeks or months?
• Is this candidate someone who wants to put in a reasonable effort or to meet the minimum requirements?
• What if this candidate turns out to be irresponsible, foolish, dishonest, gossiping, a crook, or something worse, and makes me look bad?

Success?

Dress for success. When you go for an interview, the rule is to dress one step above the position you want. If you are going after a job in the service industry, dress the way you expect your supervisor would. If you are looking at an entry-level administrative position, dress as a manager does. No matter the job's nature, your clothes must be clean, pressed, and free of imperfections like dog hair and stains. Your shoes should be neat and in good repair and reflect the type of work you do. They should also be polished.

?If you work in the trades or are interviewing for a job that will lead to wearing a uniform, do not wear your work clothes to your interview. A nice pair of slacks, a shirt or blouse with a collar, and a good pair of shoes will put you in a professional and presentable light and make you look like someone who wants to be taken seriously.

Greetings

Learn how to shake hands. Many people do not have a good handshake, so practice is vital. When you present yourself for your interview, make sure that your portfolio is in your left hand so you can shake with your right hand without fumbling the portfolio from one hand to the other.

Watch for my next article, Live and In-Person.

#jobhunting #jobsearch #jobs #job #jobhunt #jobsearching #jobseekers #jobinterview #jobopportunity #jobseeker #career #jobvacancy #recruitment #hiring #jobshiring #resume #jobopening #jobfair #employment #careers #careergoals #jobposting #jobseeking #nowhiring #recruiting #hiringnow #jobalert #interview #work #careeradvice