GET A JOB: Interview Questions
5 questions they ALWAYS ask.
by Sophia L. Marshall, MHR
No matter how well we’ve prepared, interview questions always have a way of making us nervous. Richard Bolles, author of “What Color is Your Parachute? A practical manual for job-hunters and career-changers,” said there are five questions all employers ask. Practice answering these questions to align your thoughts and nail your next interview.
Conducting research for interview questions can sometimes result in an overwhelming amount of resources. However, narrowing your focus to these five questions is a very effective technique for covering the basics of what most employers are interested in learning about you. With a little practice, you can ease the apprehension when preparing for your interview. Good luck and happy interviewing.
Q: Why are you here?
A: To effectively answer this question, you must know why you are interested in working for an organization. Be savvy when answering by giving specific examples drawing from the research you’ve conducted about the company. Tell them why you want to work for them and make a positive impression by illustrating any knowledge you’ve acquired about the firm.
Q: What can you do for us?
A: An employer needs to know that hiring you will benefit the company. Provide specific examples from your past experiences and relate them to the position.
Q: What kind of person are you?
A: By meeting you in a face-to-face interview, an employer gets to evaluate your personality and how well you carry yourself. In this case, they are trying to see how well you match up with the company’s culture.
Q: What distinguishes you from 19 other people who can do the same thing?
A: An employer is asking what makes you stand out among the other candidates who are applying for the same job. Your answer should include qualities and specific accomplishments that can be directly related to the job. It should be something that will impress the employer, making them want hire you immediately.
Q: Can I afford you?
A: Just as you want to know the salary for a particular job, employers are often wondering how much you want to be paid. Therefore if you are asked this question, try to state your answer as a range. This helps you to avoid pricing yourself out of the market for the position. Be sure to research your geographical area to determine the appropriate salary expectation.