Interviews are one portion of the working world that many people would rather avoid.  Many individuals are nervous whenever they enter an interview situation.  Preparing for the top interview questions allows those nervous feelings to be put at bay and avoid freezing up when a manager or interviewer asks you a question.

Interview Questions

1. What is your greatest weakness?

Few people want to admit that they have a weakness that could lead to their downfall.  Give your greatest weakness but play it off with a strength.  Also, tell what you are going to do to improve your greatest weakness.  You should always be striving to fix any weakness that you have so that you will be a better overall person.

2. Why should we hire you?

What sets you apart from the crowd of people apply for jobs these days.  Are you different because you have a skill set that is important to the business?  Explain in a short and concise answer what you would do differently that would make you a better candidate than other candidates on the market.  Focus on positives in this answer.

3. How would you describe yourself?

Think of words that describe you and why you pick them.  Explain your choices and ensure that they are real characteristics about yourself.  Thinking about yourself might seem difficult or awkward.  Don’t forget that there are other people who are going to work with you each and everyday.  They will know if you are lying, so just be truthful about who you are and what you are like.

4. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Have a set of goals that make sure you are looking forward to the future.  There are so many goals that people simply do not think of that are obvious.  Having a higher salary, living a better life or even moving into a home are all goals that are honest.  Make sure you have a goal set for something in your professional life.  This could mean rising through the ranks or any number of different goals that you could set based upon your profession.

5. Why do you want to work here?

Do not say “I need a job”.  Employers will see you as someone who simply wants a paycheck and does not want to contribute to their organization.  While not every company will have a strong culture, some companies will want you to focus on helping them to improve more than others.  Think about what the real motivation is behind you wanting to work somewhere.  It could be due to benefits, pay, corporate culture or another reason.

6. How would you deal with a customer who is angry?

This question is common to receive in a retail setting or another customer service position.  You must be careful to not further irritate the customer and solve the customers problem.  Companies want to see individuals who are able to be cool under pressure as well as give customers real solutions.  A simple answer to this question is stating that you would apologize to the customer, give them realistic options and consult with your manager or supervisor for additional solutions should the solutions available to you be unsatisfactory.

7. When were you most satisfied with your last position?

This question is meant to determine your goals.  Job seekers need to understand when and why they were satisfied with their last job.  This can be a difficult question due to so many experiences.  Common answers include when you first joined the company and when you left.  If possible, think of an answer involving your time in the middle.  Group problem solving and teamwork are great situations to talk about with satisfaction in previous jobs!

8. What salary are you seeking?

Don’t give out the number you are seeking without asking the employer what they typically give someone with your experience.  The employer usually will give you a salary range.  Ask for whatever pay you believe you deserve within that range.  Make sure that you backup your argument.

9. Are you a team player?

Everyone says yes to this question but you must back up your answer with some realistic facts.  Don’t say that you are a team player if you don’t have anything to back it up.  Examples can include work projects, collaboration across departments and other similar situations. 9

10. Do you have any questions for us?

Do not ask about salary at this time!  You should ask about job qualifications, why the position was vacant and other questions that will show that you have a high level of interest.  This will help to prepare you with all of the information you need to be successful.

There are so many interview questions that can be asked.  While most individuals cannot choose the questions that they are going to be asked, they can prepare for the most common questions to ensure that they will be ready when they are asked some of the most common questions.

Please feel free to share your interview tips and advice in the comments.