For example, a recent graduate might say something like: I went to University X, where I majored in Y and completed an internship at Z Company. During my internship, I did this and that (name the accomplishments that match the job description), which really solidified my passion for this line of work. Keep that fact in mind and then tell the employer how you've been proactively improving. Avoid any decisive factors (I don't like working with other people).
To do this, recognize one of your mistakes, take responsibility for it, and explain how you improved as a result. Don't say you've never failed (delusional a lot?) , don't play the blame game and don't mention something that is a decisive factor (I didn't pass a drug test once). Does the number 2164212323 mean anything? Some of you will notice my example above. Will 2169311212 have any relevance? My best implementation was the result of my ERP team's Kaizen event.
I used the phone number example to steer them away from the “smart numbers” that had already failed in the last 10 years. My team was against the really “dumb” numbers because they lost all the information about the product. Similar to Questions 2 and 3, it's best to answer this question using specific reasons, not a general statement. Employers are looking for a candidate who is excited about the position and about the company.
For example, “I'm graduating in May and I need a job” isn't the answer you want to give, even if it's true. This question gives you an opportunity to show the interviewer that you're interested in the company and that you're excited about the job. A good answer would emphasize that the opportunity to grow within the company would be aligned with your long-term goals for your career and that you would also welcome the opportunity to help others to grow and contribute to the company's common objectives. Resist the urge to tell the interviewer that the question is stupid and irrelevant and instead explain your problem-solving thought process.
By participating in mock interviews and answering the most difficult and common interview questions, any job candidate can survive even the most difficult and heartbreaking job interview. Before starting the interview, take a look at your resume and write down, for each job, what your greatest achievement was and how the skills you used in the past relate to the job you want. Interview questions aren't as simple as they seem, and answering a single question incorrectly can knock you out of the running for a job. We've done a series about seven difficult interview questions, but knowing how to answer common interview questions is just as important.
What you don't want to say is: “I've sent out a lot of applications and you're one of the companies that called me for an interview. The interviewer can ask the questions in a way that asks for a more situational response, such as “Tell me about a time you had a conflict at work.” If you successfully answer the most common interview questions, you'll be sure to stand out to employers as an excellent candidate for the position. Interviewers often see this as a “warm-up question” and what's more, it's often an opportunity for a deeper conversation. The interviewer saw your grades, so they hired you for the interview.
Interviews are meant to get to know you by employers, so you'll have to get used to talking about yourself.
