The document provides sample answers to common job interview questions. It begins by listing the 10 most common questions, which include questions about the applicant's strengths and weaknesses, why they should be hired, where they see themselves in the future, and what motivates them. It then provides more detailed suggestions for how to answer each question successfully. Key advice includes highlighting relevant strengths with examples, framing weaknesses positively, relating qualifications to the specific role, demonstrating ambition aligned with the company's goals, and showing research into the organization. The document stresses preparing for these common questions so answers are confident and don't seem rehearsed. With practice answering likely questions, job seekers can perform well in interviews.

1. 1. Whatdo you view as your risks and disadvantages with the position we
are interviewing you for?
A: I think that with the home office located halfway across the globe,there is a very small risk that one mightnot have the chance to
interact with the key decision makers as often as mightbe ideal.On the other hand,teleconferencing, email,faxing,and having a 24/7
work ethic will go a long way towards bridging the gap.
2. Are you telling me that,after earning years of experience in your field,
you would be willing to start at an entry-level position justto get your foot in
the door here?
A: Sometimes you need to take a step backward to move your career forward. Starting in an entry-level role would allowme to learn
your business from the ground up. The career that I’ve been in is so different than yours that I would love the opportunity to start over
again in your field. The salary cut will be well worth it.
3. Whydid you take so much time off from work, and why do you wish to
get a job now?
A: When I first had the twins, my husband was working 24/7,and I really needed to be there to raise the kids.But during that time,I
really missed working.Fortunately, I keptmy hand in the business during those years by consulting for several of my ex-clients.
4. Whatis your biggestweakness that’s really a weakness and not a
secret strength?
A: I am extremely impatient. I expect my employees to prove themselves on the very first assignment. Ifthey fail, my tendency is to stop
delegating to them and start doing everything myself.To compensate for my own weakness, however, I have started to really prep my
people on exactly what will be expected of them.
5. Whatwould you do if you really wanted to hire a woman underyou, and
you knew the perfect candidate, butyour boss really wanted to hire a man
for the job?
A: I’d recommend thatwe perform an on-site “test,” by hiring both candidates on a freelance basis for two weeks each.
6. Are you better at “managing up”or “managing down”?
A: If you aren’t good at “managing up,” you rarely get the opportunity to “manage down.” Fortunately, I’ve always been quite good at
self-management. I’ve never had a deadline thatI didn’t meet.
7. If you were running a company thatproduces X and the market was
tanking for that product,whatwould you do?
A: I would search for new markets for the productwhile I spurred the engineers to change the productto make itmore marketableto its
original core audience.

2. 8. When do you thinkyou’ll peak in your career?
A: I come from a long line of healthy, hardy, mentally active types and so I confess that I never even think about“peaking” in my career.
That having been said,I do think it’s important to have some self-knowledge, and to recognize when one is past one’s prime.
9. Will you be out to take my job?
A: Maybe in about20 years, butby then, I suspectyou’ll be running the entire company and will need a good,loyal lieutenant to help
you manage this department!
Note that while mostofthese tough job interview questions are likelyto appear on your job interview, the answers provided maynot
specificallyapplyto you. The pointof providing these sample answers is to give you a sense ofthe kind of responses you should give
to show them that you are the rightperson for the job.
Going on a job interview is always an unnerving experience.
Most job seekers dread the idea of facing interviewers and fear the pos sibilityof giving the wrong answer to the questions theymay
ask. Fortunately, mostcompanies use a standard setofinterview questions and knowing these common questions allows you to
practice how bestto answer them. If you go through the questions and answers in your head even before you step inside the interview
room,you will have a better chance at giving the bestanswer and ultimatelygetting the job.
Here are some ofthe mostcommon job interview questions and the corresponding suggestions on how to answer them.Remember
that your answers to these questions should be spontaneous,so you don’t risk sounding as ifyou memorized your replies on yo ur way.
Question number1: Tell us something about yourself
What makes this question very difficult to answer is thatit’s too broad. The question also sounds disarminglyinformal which throws a
lot of job seekers offbalance,enough to lose their concentration and begin rambling in their answers. Most recruiters and employers
often use this question both as an icebreaker and as an opportunity to get to know you beyond what’s in your resume.
Suggested Answer: HighlightyourUnique Selling Proposition or Personal
Branding Statement
This is your opportunityto capture the interviewer’s attention by providing a short“synopsis” ofyour unique selling proposition or
personal brand. Giving a one to two sentence description ofwho you are followed with a statementon your strongestpersonal strength
and how the companycan benefit from the strength you have mentioned is an ideal structure to wrap your answer around.
Add more value to your answer by incorporating a monetaryvalue to the strength(s) you bring to the table. You are mostlikely to get a
follow-up question probing the scenario behind your answer so be prepared to talk aboutthe details of your response.
If done correctly, your answer will pique the employer’s attention and they would wantto know more. This will help increase your
“recall” value that will also increase your chances of getting considered or possiblyhired for the position.
Question Number 2: Whydo you want this job?
Interviewers are looking for a compelling reason aboutwhyyou want the job and why they should give it to you. Answering thi s
question correctlyhelps move the interview forward as the question ofhow much you want the position is alreadyanswered.
Suggested Answer: Come Up with a Great Sales Pitch
The Undercover Recruiter shares four key steps in selling yourselfinto the job:

3. Step 1: FlatteryWill Get You Somewhere
A little bit of flattery will get you somewhere.Startyour answer with a shortstatementon why you’d like to work with the companyand
what you really like aboutit. The only way you can answer the question withoutsounding insincere is when you research aboutthe
companyprior to the job interview. Use the internetto find out as much as you can about the organization,the culture, and the people
working for the company.
Step 2: Share Your InsightsAbout the Job Posting
Impress the interviewer by sharing whatyou know aboutthe job posting.This shows thatyou are genuinelyinterested in under standing
the dynamics ofthe position and are willing to embrace the requirements ofthe job posting.
Step 3: Relate Your Previous Achievements to the Job Posting
Interviewers and employers alike will appreciate your efforts to relate your achievements to the job posting you are applying for. This
indicates you won’t have problems going through training,seminars and other activities you may need to attend to do the job well.
Step 4: Prepare a Rebuttal Statement
Expect follow-up questions thatmay question your suitabilityto the job and be ready to fend off concerns aboutwhy you’re perfectfor
the job. Always wrap your answers around the fact that you are genuinelyexcited to be working with them and that the skills you have
fit perfectly with the job requirements.
Question Number 3: Tell us about your Strengthsand Weaknesses
Recruiters,hiring managers,and employers ask this question to assess job seeker skills and assets thatwill prove mostvaluable to the
companyonce hired. The question also allows them insights to job seeker traits that may be problematic for the organization in the
long run.
Suggested Answer: HighlightyourStrengthswhile Downplaying Your
Weaknesses
Hays Hong Kong Regional Director Emma Charnock suggests highlighting the skills you are good at and demonstrating a
competencyrelevant to the job applied for, such as reportwriting,time keeping or your ability to get things done on time.Review the job
advertisementfor information on the skills required for the position and focus on these areas by using examples thatdemonstrate these
skills.
With weaknesses,Charnock suggests talking aboutthings you find difficult doing and putting a positive spin to it. For example,you are
very thorough which can take time, but you’ve also found this means the qualityof your work is always high.
Sample Answers:
“My greatest strength is my ability to multi-task without sacrificing the quality of my work. I do this by keeping a daily calendar of the
things I needed done for the day and sorting them according to priority. I also make sure to follow-through with the schedule as much
as I can and in case I am unable to complete them thatday, I make sure they’re first on my list the next day. My greatestweakness is
my tendency to over-think.I sometimes find myselftaking too much time strategizing on howto go abouta certain task and testing
several solutions before settling on something which was in fact one of the first things I thought of.”
“My greatest strength is my ability to work in a highly-organized manner.I like to plan my strategy from start to finish making sure to
anticipate any hiccups or roadblocks thatI may encounter along the way. My weakness is related to my greatest strength, I am very
organized to a point that when things don’t go according to plan, I begin to worry and can be a bitinflexible.”
These are justthree of the mostcommon interview questions job seekers are likelyto encounter in the course of the job search
process.Stay tuned as we answer more questions in our next article.

4. These are the ten most frequently-asked interview questions that you can expect to face:
1. What can you tell me about yourself?
2. Can you list your strengths?
3. What weaknesses do you have?
4. Why should I consider hiring you?
5. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
6. Why do you want to work here?
7. What is your salary expectation?
8. What motivates you?
9. What makes a good team player?
10. Is there anything that you would like to ask me?
It is fair to say that you might not be asked every one of these questions at an interview. You may
even be asked other, more bizarre ones, like 'if you were an animal, which would you be?'
Such questions are designed to see how good you are at thinking on your feet so you cannot truly
prepare for them. Just relax and say something sensible. For the other common interview
questions, consider how you might answer them before you get face-to-face.
1. What can you tell me about yourself?
Talk about yourself in summary and avoid rambling. Your detailed work history can be found on your
CV, after all, so focus on elements that you want to highlight rather than going through everything.
It is okay to discuss your personality and what ambitions you have. Ideally, you will give the
interviewer a positive insight into how you would fit in as an employee.
2. Can you list your strengths?
An exhaustive list of adjectives, such as 'capable', 'hard-working' or 'diligent', won't really portray you
well because anyone can make such claims about themselves. Instead, think about three things that
you do well and give concrete examples.
If you are a strong organiser, for example, then talk about a project that you coordinated, or a new
procedure that you formulated. If you are good with numbers, then talk about your skills with
spreadsheets or financial matters.
3. What weaknesses do you have?
Never say that you have no weaknesses. Everyone who does this comes across like they have
simply not prepared for the interview. Likewise, avoid giving yourself a back-handed compliment,
such as, 'I work too hard.'
Remember that being able to identify a weakness is a strength. Focus on an area of your work that
needs to be improved. You might have been trained in something that you'd like to take to the next

5. level, for example. Point out that this is a weakness, but something you have identified and are
focussing on resolving. Interviewers want to understand that you have the ability to be honest about
yourself and to seek self-improvement.
4. Why should I consider hiring you?
If you are highly qualified for the job you are applying for, then you should point this out, but don't
forget that other people being interviewed may match or exceed your suitability. In such cases, focus
on what else you can bring to the job, perhaps with your soft skill set, like being able to integrate well
with existing members of the team, for instance.
Don't give up on an interview if you´re not fully qualified for the job. Appeal to the interviewer's desire
to hire someone with drive. If you are not the finished article, then point out how keen you are to learn
and be mentored. Accentuate the positive aspects of what you can do now and how quickly you will
be able to progress with what you don't know if hired.
5. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
This is your chance to talk about your wider ambitions and goals. It is okay to say you'd like to
progress on from the position on offer in most cases. Bosses want to hire people with determination
so don't be shy about sounding ambitious or hungry for success. Ideally, try to contextualise your
ambitions within the organisation that you are applying to join because this tends to go down better.
6. Why do you want to work here?
This is your chance to show that you have researched the company you are applying to work with.
Avoid saying anything negative about your current employer which makes it seem you are simply
after any job at all.
Typical things you might say are that the company operates in your chosen sector, that it provides a
clearly structured career path and that the organisation has a good reputation. Don't simply trot these
ideas out, though. Do your research!
7. What is your salary expectation?
This is one of the most troublesome questions for many interviewees. For some people, however, it
causes no bother at all. It will depend on your personality as to how you feel talking about salary
expectations. That said, there are some tips to help you deal with the question.
Firstly, it is okay to talk about pay in terms of ranges and not to be specific about a particular number.
It is also okay to include other benefits, like healthcare, pensions and time off within the context of
salary. Make sure you have looked at other, similar jobs being advertised in other organisations so
that you have an idea of the pay rate in the market.
8. What motivates you?

6. Motivation is personal, so there is no wrong answer that you can give. It might be down to your desire
to succeed and build a career, but it might also be because you want to provide for your family – both
perfectly good answers if you choose to give them. In some professions, caring or vocational
motivations might be worth mentioning, too.
9. What makes a good team player?
Many people say in their CV that they are good at working cooperatively or are team players, but few
say what this actually means. Think about examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to
build bridges, form networks or simply get on with people. This needn't be from your professional life.
You could cite any examples from clubs or organisations to which you belong.
Answering this question well is especially important for people who want to be team leaders or to
manage a department.
10. Is there anything that you would like to ask me?
Always have at least one question prepared in advance. This is your chance to drill down into an area
of the business that might not have been covered in the interview. Alternatively, you may simply like
to ask for feedback on how you have done in the interview.
A good tip is to pick up on something that has been mentioned in passing by the interviewer about the
job. Ask him or her to expand on this. Not only does it make you appear interested, but it shows that
you have been listening attentively to what has been said. It should leave the interviewer with a good
final impression of you.
These ten questions are certainly not the only ones that can be posed, but they are the most common
ones. Remember thatyou don't need to answer all questions at an interview if you feel they are too
personal or you are not comfortable with them. Getting yourself prepared for common questions is
necessary prep work before attending an interview.
Don’t make the answer come across as rehearsed; rather, just remember the gist of your answer and
then let the sentences flow freely during the interview, which gives the interviewer a much better
impression of you. Good luck!

7. Too many job seekers stumble through interviews as if the common questions are coming out of left
field. But many interview questions are to be expected. Study this list and plan your interview
answers ahead of time so you'll be ready to deliver them with confidence.
1. What are your weaknesses?
This is the most dreaded question of all. Handle it by minimizing yourweakness and emphasizing
your strengths. Stay away from personal qualities and concentrate on professional traits: "I am always
working on improving my communication skills to be a more effective presenter. I recently joined
Toastmasters, which I find very helpful."
2. Why should we hire you?
Summarize your experiences: "With five years' experience working in the financial industry and my
proven record of saving the company money, I could make a big difference in your company. I'm
confident I would be a great addition to your team."
3. Why do you want to work here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you've given this some thought and are not
sending out resumes just because there is an opening. For example, "I've selected key companies
whose mission statements are in line with my values, where I know I could be excited about what the
company does, and this company is very high on my list of desirable choices."
4. What are your goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into
the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My
long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of
responsibility."
5. Why did you leave (or why are you leaving) your job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two
rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20% reduction in the workforce, which
included me."
If you are employed, focus on what you want in your next job: "After two years, I made the decision to
look for a company that is team-focused, where I can add my experience."
6. When were you most satisfied in your job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project
when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in
my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part
of the job for me."

8. 7. What can you do for us that other candidates can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits.
Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build
strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to
be more user-friendly."
8. What are three positive things your last boss would say about you?
It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag
about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he
has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."
9. What salary are you seeking?
It is to your advantage if the employer tells you the range first. Prepare by knowing the going rate in
your area, and your bottom line or walk-away point. One possible answer would be: "I am sure when
the time comes, we can agree on a reasonable amount. In what range do you typically pay someone
with my background?"
10. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer "a
bunny," you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer "a lion," you will be seen as
aggressive. What type of personality would it take to get the job done? What impression do you want
to make?