Job Interview Questions and Interview

Tips
To put your best foot forward, browse through our top 19 job interview tips. This
information will give you an advantage when applying for jobs and going through
the job interview process in today's competitive markets.    
We also suggest you review our Sample Job Interview Questions and Panel
Interview Tips. 

Come prepared
Know yourself - your strengths, weaknesses and accomplishments. A
job interview is not the time to wing it! Prepare as much as you would for a
presentation to the Board of Directors at your company.

Research the company

Find out as much as you can about the company through annual reports,
Newspapers, Value Line," S&P, etc. Your effort will show in the job interview, and
you’ll be seen as proactive, hardworking and astute.

Dress appropriately to match the company culture

Many companies have gone to corporate casual. Check with your contact to see
what they require. When in doubt, always err on the side of formal business
attire.

Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early

Punctuality is a subtle clue about attitude and behaviour. Tardiness, no matter
the excuse, is a major blunder. Research in advance what your parking options
are and allow plenty of time.

Exhibit enthusiasm
First impressions, positive or negative, dramatically affect the ultimate evaluation.
You can make or break an job interview within the first five minutes.

Appear friendly and outgoing

Smile and say hello to everyone. A positive reaction from the support staff is an
important factor in the evaluation. Many hires have been heavily influenced by an
Administrative assistant.

Be self-confident
High self-esteem and self-confidence are the hallmarks of the successful
individual. With confidence, be able to demonstrate how you have overcome
obstacles. There’s nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself.

Come prepared for key questions

Practice your responses to all the typical questions, such as "tell me about
yourself" and "why are you looking for a new position?" How well you speak will
have a bigger impact than what you say.

Remain involved
The most effective job interviews are those where an active two-way
conversation takes place. Not the typical question and answer type. Begin early
in the interview to interject your own relevant insight. Remember, don’t interrupt
your interviewer.

Establish your worth

Discuss your specific accomplishments that demonstrate a proactive attitude.
Such as: have you installed systems, done something not required, trained
someone, etc. It’s always important to demonstrate how you either created
revenue or saved expenses, and be specific with the amounts and how you
accomplished that goal.

Know your six key strengths

Be prepared to discuss in detail and with examples your five or six main
attributes. These should be the ultimate reason you get the job over someone
else. Assuming you have done the proper homework on the company, these
strengths should also be closely aligned to the key traits the employer is looking
for in a person to fill their position.

Give 1 to 2 minute responses

Communication is the key to successful interviewing. A minimum of one to two
minutes of well-prepared discussion gives the interviewer insight into your
intellect and supports your contentions.

Provide examples/details
Support statements about yourself with specific examples. These will provide
legitimacy to your claims. Without them, the interviewer won’t accept them as
valid.

Remain attentive
Stay alert during the job interview. Maintain good eye contact. Sit forward in your
chair. Be animated. Show high levels of interest and stay enthused. These
actions can maintain or generate momentum during the interview. This is
especially important when you are doing multiple interviews on the same day.
The energy level must be as high for the last as it is for the first.

Don’t be arrogant
A presumptuous, overbearing attitude will offset the finest abilities. There’s a fine
line between being too confident and cocky. Don’t cross that line.

Ask probing questions

A few strategic questions can demonstrate your intelligence, analytical skills and
assertiveness. Have these prepared from your research. Avoid superficial small
talk.

Be positive about co-workers

Don’t bad mouth previous positions, companies or employers. No matter how
well founded, this implies a negative attitude, typical of those who don’t take
personal responsibility for their actions.

Clearly state your interest

By the conclusion of the interview, state that you are definitely interested in the
position and would like to know when the next step will take place. It’s best to
demonstrate this interest throughout the session. Be careful not to go overboard.

Know your objective and end with it

Establish your objective before the job interview, like a second interview or an
offer. Ask for it if you have not achieved it. Ask a question such as, "do you think
my skills match your needs?" This gets straight to the point and, at worse,
reveals other 
https://www.kellyservices.com.au/au/careers/my-career-centre/job-interview-questions-and-interview-
tips/

Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more
interviews than you can count. You are always meeting new people, having to sell
yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't
know. And, you have to stay upbeat and enthusiastic throughout each interview.

That said, there are ways to make a job interview much less stressful.

Invest a little time prior to the interview getting ready, and it will be much easier to
handle. The key to effective interviewing is to project confidence, stay positive, and be
able to share examples of your workplace skills and your qualifications for the job.

Brush up your communication skills, so you can speak clearly and concisely about the
assets you have to offer the employer. Take the time to work on your interview skills -
effective interviewing will help you get hired.

With some advance preparation, you'll be able to nail the interview and showcase the
experience that makes you the ideal candidate for the company's next new employee.

7 Interview Tips That Will Help You Get the Job

Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper
preparation will help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews, and the more
you prepare, the more comfortable and successful you will be at interviewing.

1. Practice and Prepare

Practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most
employers ask. Think of concrete examples you can use to highlight your skills. The
easiest way to do this is to make a list of the job requirements, and match them to your
experience. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your
candidacy.

Also, have a list of your own questions to ask the employer ready.

2. Research the Company 
Do your homework about the employer and the industry, so you are ready for the
interview question "What do you know about this company?" Try to relate what you have
learned about the company when answering questions. Know the interviewer's name, and
use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the
interview. Building rapport and making a personal connection with your interviewer can
up your chances of getting hired. People tend to hire candidates they like, and who seem
to be a good fit for the company culture.

3. Get Ready Ahead of Time

Don't wait until the last minute to pick out an interview outfit, print extra copies of your
resume, or find a notepad and pen. Have one good interview outfit ready, so you can
interview on short notice without having to worry about what to wear. When you have an
interview lined up, get everything ready the night before. Make sure your interview
attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a
nice portfolio with extra copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note-taking.

4. Be On Time (That Means Early)

Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take
some time to drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where
you are going and how long it will take to get there. Give yourself a few extra minutes to
visit the rest room, check your outfit, and calm your nerves. Here's more on preparing for
an interview.

5. Try to Stay Calm

During the job interview, try to relax and stay as calm as possible. Remember that
your body language says as much about you as your answers to the questions. Proper
preparation will allow you to exude confidence. Take a moment to regroup if you need it.
Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question (active listening)
before you answer, and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question.

Check out these tips for avoiding job interview stress to help keep your nerves calm. Also
review our interview tips for introverts if the thought of a job interview puts you in panic
mode.

6. Show What You Know

Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.  When
discussing your career accomplishments, match them to what the company is looking for.
Use examples from your research when answering questions, “I noticed that when you
implemented a new software system last year, your customer satisfaction ratings
improved dramatically. I am well versed in the latest technologies from my experience
with developing software at ABC, and appreciate a company who strives to be a leader in
its industry.” Take the time to make a match between your expertise and the company's
requirements, and to sell yourself to the interviewer.

7. Follow Up
Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. You can
also include any details you may have forgotten to mention during your interview. If you
interview with multiple people send each one a personal note. Send your thank you note
(email is fine) within 24 hours of your interview.

More Interview Tips

Avoid Common Interview Mistakes
What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are the most common job interview
mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make. Take the time to
review these mistakes before your interview, so you don't have to stress out about
blunders after it.

How to Handle Any Type of Interview

How to handle interviews that are different from a typical one-on-one meeting, including
tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral
interviews, interviewing in public, and more advice for interview success.

Phone Interview Etiquette

Phone interview etiquette is just as important as in-person job interview etiquette when it
comes to getting hired. That's because, regardless of what type it is, a successful
interview will get you to the next stage of the hiring process. Here's how to ace a phone
interview.

https://www.thebalance.com/top-interview-tips-2058577

Job Interview Questions and Answers

Do you have a job interview coming up? Are you prepared? The best way to get ready for
an interview is to take the time to review the most common interview questions you will
most likely be asked. Knowing what you're going to say can eliminate a lot of interview
stress.

You don't need to memorize an answer, but do take the time to consider how you'll
respond. The more you prepare, the more confident you'll feel during a job interview.
 When you're not sure what to expect during an interview, also review this refresher
on how job interviews work.

Job Interview Questions and Best Answers

Review examples of the best answers for the most frequently asked interview questions
in several different categories, and advice on how to answer. You don't need to memorize
your responses, but do have an idea of how you'll answer the interview questions you can
expect to be asked.

Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions

 

These are top 10 most commonly asked interview questions, with examples of the best
answers. Also review job-specific interview questions for many different positions to get
ideas for framing your own interview responses.

 Top 10 Interview Questions and Answers

 Interview Questions Listed by Job

Interview Questions About You

Interviewers will ask questions about you to gain insight into your personality, and to
determine whether you're a fit for both the job and the company.

These are open-ended questions which will give you the opportunity to show the
employer that you're well qualified for the position.

 Tell me about yourself.

 What is your greatest strength?
 What is your greatest weakness?
 Tell me about something that's not on your resume.
 How will your greatest strength help you perform?

 How do you handle failure?

 How do you handle success?
 Do you consider yourself successful? Why?
 How do you handle stress and pressure?
 How would you describe yourself?
 Describe a typical work week.
 Are you lucky?
 Are you nice?
 Are you willing to fail?
  Describe your work style.
 Do you work well with other people?
 Do you take work home with you?
 How are you different from the competition?
 How do you view yourself? Whom do you compare yourself to?
 How does this job fit in with your career plan?
 How many hours a week do you normally work?
 How would you adjust to working for a new company?
 How would you describe the pace at which you work?
 How would your co-workers describe your personality?
 Is there anything else we should know about you?
 What motivates you?
 Are you a self motivator?
 What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
 What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
 What are you passionate about?
 What are your hobbies?
 What are your pet peeves?
 What is your dream job?
 What will you miss most about your last job?
 What won’t you miss about your last job?
 Would you rather be liked or respected?
 Why should I take a risk on you?
 If you could relive the last 10 years of your life, what would you do differently?

Questions About Leaving Your Job

Employers almost always ask about why you left, or are leaving, your job. Be prepared
with an explanation for why you're moving on. Do make sure the reasons you give match
what past employers will say about you if they are contacted for a reference.

 Why are you leaving your job?

 Why do you want to change jobs?
 Why were you fired?
 Why were you laid-off?
 Why did you quit your job?
 Why did you resign?
 What have you been doing since your last job?
 Why have you been out of work so long?

Interview Questions About Salary

Some of the hardest questions to answer during a job interview are about compensation.
Here's what you will be asked and examples of the best answers. Questions about salary
can be tricky to answer, and, in some locations, employers aren't allowed to ask about
your salary history.

 What were your starting and final levels of compensation?

 What are your salary expectations?
 What are your salary requirements?
 Why would you take a job for less money?

Questions About Qualifications

The most important thing for interviewers to determine is whether you're qualified for the
job. Here's what they will ask to find out. When responding, be specific. Share your skills
that are a match for the job requirements, so you can show the interviewer you're well
qualified.

 What applicable experience do you have?

 Are you overqualified for this job?
 How did you impact the bottom line?
 Interview questions about your abilities.
 Sell me this pen.
 What can you do better for us than the other candidates for the job?
 What part of the job will be the least challenging for you?
 Which parts of this job are the most challenging for you?
 What philosophy guides your work?
 What strength will help you the most to succeed?
 Why are you interested in taking a lower level job?
 Why are you interested in a non-management job?

Questions About Job Performance

How you performed in previous roles can indicate how you will perform in the job for
which you're applying. Be prepared to answer questions about what you did well - and
what you didn't. As with questions about qualifications, be sure to relate your
performance to the employer's requirements. Be careful how you to respond to negative
questions. You can frame your responses in a positive manner, even when discussing a
challenging situation.

 What do people most often criticize about you?

 What is the biggest criticism you received from your boss?
 What is the worst thing that you have ever gotten away with?
 What makes you angry?
  What problems have you encountered at work?
 What strategies would you use to motivate your team?
 What would you be looking for in an applicant?
 When was the last time you were angry? What happened?
 Why weren't you promoted at your last job?
 Tell me about something you would have done differently at work.
 If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what would
they say?
 What type of work environment do you prefer?
 How do you evaluate success?
 Describe a difficult work situation or project and how you overcame it.
 Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.

Interview Questions About Your Work History

Is your work history stable, has it prepared you for the job you're interviewing for, and do
you have any gaps in your employment history that the company should be concerned
about? If not, prepare to answer questions about what you were doing when you weren't
in the workforce. Also be ready to discuss your accomplishments and the career
path you've taken, to date. Here's what you'll be asked about.

 Questions about your work history.

 Questions about your resume.
 What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?
 What were your responsibilities?
 What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
 What have you learned from your mistakes?
 What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
 Which was most / least rewarding?
 What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position?
 Questions about job demotions.
 How have you impacted worker safety?
 Describe the gap in your employment history.

Questions About Management and Teamwork

Are you a team player? Do you work well with others? Do you prefer to work in a
solitary environment or as part of a team? Your work style, and how you get along with
others, including co-workers, managers, and customers or clients is important to all
employers. Here are some of the questions employers ask about getting along at work.

 Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
 Describe your ideal boss.
  If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you handle it?
 What do you expect from a supervisor?
 Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
 How did you fit in with the company culture?
 Describe how you managed a problem employee.
 Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
 Give some examples of teamwork.
 More teamwork interview questions.

Questions About Why You Should Be Hired

Why should you be hired over the other applicants? What makes you best candidate for
the job? Here's when you'll have the opportunity to make the case for getting a job offer,
and the chance to sell yourself to the interviewer.

 Why should we hire you?

 Why shouldn't we hire you?
 Why should we hire you instead of the other applicants for the job?
 Why are you the best person for the job?
 What can you contribute to this company?

Interview Questions About the New Job and the Company

What do you know about the company, why do you want the job, and what would you do
if you were to be hired, are just some of the questions you'll be asked about the position
and employer. Take the time to research the employer prior to the interview, so that you
can ask informed questions about the job and company.

 How is our company better than your current employer?

 What interests you about this job?
 What do you know about this company?
 Why do you want this job?
 Why do you want to work here?
 What challenges are you looking for in a position?
 What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days on the job?
 What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job?
 Are you willing to travel?
 What is good customer service?
 What would be your ideal company culture?
 When could you start work?
 Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like
to know?
Interview Questions About the Future
Are you going to stick around if you're hired is something most employers want to know.
All these questions will gauge your interest in making a commitment.

 What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
 What is your professional development plan?
 Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
 Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
 What are your goals for the next five years / ten years?
 How do you plan to achieve your goals?
 What will you do if you don't get this position?
 Where else are you interviewing?

The Final Question

The last question you'll most likely be asked is whether you have any questions. Here's
how to respond.

 Do you have any questions for me?

More About Job Interviews

Behavioral Interview Questions
In addition to being ready to answer these standard questions, prepare for behavior-based
interview questions. This is based on the premise that a candidate's past performance is
the best predictor of future performance. You will need to be prepared to provide detailed
responsesincluding specific examples of your work experiences.

Interview Questions Employers Should Not Ask

There are some interview questions, typically known as illegal interview questions, that
employers should not ask during a job interview. Here are questions that shouldn't be
asked during a job interview and how to best respond.

Phone Job Interview Questions

Have a phone interview on the agenda? Here are common questions asked during a
telephone interview, plus tips on how best to answer so you can move to the next stage of
the interview process.

Interview Questions to Ask

The last job interview question you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Have
an interview question or two of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply trying to get
this job - you are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the
position are a good fit for you.

https://www.thebalance.com/job-interview-questions-and-answers-2061204

10 Best Job Interview Tips for Jobseekers

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

When you have successfully mastered cover letters, resumes, and job applications and are receiving
requests for interviews, it’s time to understand how to succeed in the job interview so that you are
ever closer to your goal of obtaining one or more job offers. This article focuses on the ten most
important job interviewing tips for jobseekers.

1. Conduct Research on the Employer, Hiring Manager, and Job

Opportunity
Success in a job interview starts with a solid foundation of knowledge on the jobseeker’s part. You
should understand the employer, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person (or
people) interviewing you. The more research you conduct, the more you’ll understand the employer,
and the better you’ll be able to answer interview questions (as well as ask insightful questions ” see
#8). Scour the organization’s website and other published materials, search engines, research tools,
and ask questions about the company in your network of contacts. Learn more about job search job
interview researching here.

2. Review Common Interview Questions and Prepare Your Responses

Another key to interview success is preparing responses to expected interview questions. First, ask
the hiring manager as to the type of interview to expect. Will it be one-on-one or in a group? Will it be
with one person, or will you meet several members of the organization? Your goal is to try to
determine what you’ll be asked and to compose detailed yet concise responses that focus on
specific examples and accomplishments. A good tool for remembering your responses is to put them
into a story form that you can tell in the interview. No need to memorize responses (in fact, it’s best
not to), but do develop talking points. There are excellent tools available to help you with interview
questionsand responses. Also, consider using the STAR Interviewing Technique.

3. Dress for Success

Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional
appearance you can accomplish. Remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than under ”
and to wear clothing that fits and is clean and pressed. Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum.
Try not to smoke or eat right before the interview” and if possible, brush your teeth or use
mouthwash. Find more detailed advice” including specifics for men and women jobseekers ” in our
article, When Job-Hunting, Dress for Success.

4. Arrive on Time, Relaxed and Prepared for the Interview

There is no excuse ever for arriving late to an interview. Short of a disaster, strive to arrive about 15
minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to
get settled. Arriving a bit early is also a chance to observe the dynamics of the workplace.
The day before the interview, pack up extra copies of your resume or CV and reference list. If you
have a portfolio or samples of your work, bring those along too. Finally, remember to pack several
pens and a pad of paper to jot notes. Finally, as you get to the offices, shut off your cell phone. (And
if you were chewing gum, get rid of it.) For additional tips and advice, read our article, 24-Hour
Countdown to the Job Interview.

5. Make Good First Impressions

A cardinal rule of interviewing is to be polite and offer warm greetings to everyone you meet ” from
the parking attendant to the receptionist to the hiring manager. Employers often are curious how job
applicants treat staff members” and your job offer could easily be derailed if you’re rude or arrogant
to any of the staff. When it’s time for the interview, keep in mind that first impressions ” the
impression interviewers get in the first few seconds of meeting you” can make or break an interview.
Make a strong first impression by dressing well (see #3), arriving early (see #4), and when greeting
your interviewer, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm“ but not bone-crushing “
handshake. Remember that having a positive attitude and expressing enthusiasm for the job and
employer are vital in the initial stages of the interview; studies show that hiring managers make
critical decisions about job applicants in the first 20 minutes of the interview.

6. Be Authentic, Upbeat, Focused, Confident, Candid, and Concise

Once the interview starts, the key to success is the quality and delivery of your responses. Your goal
should always be authenticity, responding truthfully to interview questions. At the same time, your
goal is to get to the next step, so you’ll want to provide focused responses that showcase your skills,
experience, and fit” with the job and the employer. Provide solid examples of solutions and
accomplishments” but keep your responses short and to the point. By preparing responses to
common interview questions (see #2), you’ll ideally avoid long, rambling responses that bore
interviewers. Always attempt to keep your interview responses short and to the point. Finally, no
matter how much an interviewer might bait you, never badmouth a previous employer, boss, or co-
worker. The interview is about you” and making your case that you are the ideal candidate for the
job. Read about more interview mistakes in our article, Avoid These 10 Interview Bloopers ” Critical
Jobseeker Mistakes.

7. Remember the Importance of Body Language

While the content of your interview responses is paramount, poor body language can be a
distraction at best” or a reason not to hire you at worst. Effective forms of body language include
smiling, eye contact, solid posture, active listening, and nodding. Detrimental forms of body
language include slouching, looking off in the distance, playing with a pen, fidgeting in a chair,
brushing back your hair, touching your face, chewing gum, or mumbling. Read more about
perfecting your body language in our article, The Unspoken Secrets of Job Interviewing: How Your
Nonverbal Presentation and Behaviors Impact the Impression You Make.

8. Ask Insightful Questions.

Studies continually show that employers make a judgment about an applicant’s interest in the job by
whether or not the interviewee asks questions. Thus, even if the hiring manager was thorough in his
or her discussions about the job opening and what is expected, you must ask a few questions. This
shows that you have done your research and that you are curious. The smart jobseeker prepares
questions to ask days before the interview, adding any additional queries that might arise from the
interview. For an idea of questions you could ask at the interview, see our article, Questions You
Can Ask at the Job Interview, as well as our article, Make a Lasting Impression at Job Interviews
Using Questions.
9. Sell Yourself and then Close the Deal
The most qualified applicant is not always the one who is hired; the winning candidate is often the
jobseeker who does the best job responding to interview questions and showcasing his or her fit with
the job, department, and organization. Some liken the job interview to a sales call. You are the
salesperson” and the product you are selling to the employer is your ability to fill the organization’s
needs, solve its problems, propel its success.

Finally, as the interview winds down, ask about the next steps in the process and the timetable in
which the employer expects to use to make a decision about the position. See our article, Closing
the Sale and Overcoming Objections in Job Interview.

10. Thank Interviewer(s) in Person, by Email, or Postal Mail.

Common courtesy and politeness go far in interviewing; thus, the importance of thanking each
person who interviews you should come as no surprise. Start the process while at the interview,
thanking each person who interviewed you before you leave. Writing thank-you emails and notes
shortly after the interview will not get you the job offer, but doing so will certainly give you an edge
over any of the other finalists who didn’t bother to send thank-you notes. For more tips on writing
thank-you notes, read this article: 10 Tips for Writing a Job-Search Interview Thank-You Letter. You
can also check out these job interview thank-you letter samples and job search portals.

Final Thoughts on Job Interview SuccessSucceeding in job interviews takes research, practice, and
persistence. The more effort you put into your interview preparation, the more success you’ll see in
obtaining job offers” especially if you remember and follow these ten job interviewing tips.

Finally, if you are still searching for even more information, resources, tools, and samples related to
interviewing, here are a few more key Quintessential Careers tools:

https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/interview/job-interview-tips