Job interviews can be stressful, but it's always easier if you're prepared. Below, we've presented some typical job interview questions and tips on answering them.
“Why did you leave your last job?”
Translation: “Are the problems from your last job going to be an issue here?”
Although it might be tempting if you had a bad experience, now is not the time to vent about a bad boss. If you left due to a strained relationship with your manager or a general dislike for the job, explain that you're seeking a more challenging position or are looking to take your career in a different direction. There’s even a right way to talk about getting fired from your last job. No matter how you answer, never badmouth your last job--nothing good can come from it.
“What kind of hourly pay are you looking for?”
Translation: “Will you be happy with how much you’re making?”
Research what similar positions pay so you'll know what's fair, but don't bring up pay unless the interviewer asks you directly or you've already received a job offer. When the time comes, don't be afraid to (politely) ask for what you want, but also be prepared to compromise – a lower salary might also come with great benefits (insurance, vacation, etc.) that outweigh the pay cut in the end.
“What's an example of when you worked on a team?”
Translation: “Do you work well with the other people?”
Even if you've never worked on a team at a job you can give examples of your experiences on an athletic team or in a club at school. If you served as a leader of that team, be sure to mention that as well.
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Translation: “Do you plan to stay at the company longer than six months?”
Many interviewees make the mistake of talking about their life goals in response to this question. Although getting married or opening your own business are worthy goals to have, talk about your desire to grow professionally with the company or to learn on the job in order to be the best at what you do.
“Why do you want to work here?”
Translation: “What’s going to get you out the door and into work on time every day?”
Always, always do your homework on the company before your interview. Be prepared to talk about what motivates you to work and what you bring to the table as a potential employee. Do you share their ethics and values? Are you passionate about the type of work they do? "I want the employee discount" is not going to get you the job. Show that you would be a good fit at the company and you'll be closer to getting hired.
I am a people person friendly, always ready and willing to help.If you considered me for a positionwith your company, i will lend myself as an asset yet always conducting myself in a professional manner.
Hi Julio! Your best bet would be to follow up directly with the employer. I think this article can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/following-up-got-me-the-job/. Good luck!
thank u your writing is very useful
Julio,
Thank you for your comment. When I interview, I give most of the same answers that you did. I would like to know, DID IT WORK? Did you get the job or do you know yet? Thanks again.
I have an upcoming job interview in a clerical position, which I have been out of for several years but do have clerical experience in my past positions. I and currently in retail and cannot take the standing behind the register all day on my body anymore. What is your advice for the interview process regarding the questions they will be asking, in presenting myself?
Hi Joanne – First, congratulations on the interview! We have a few articles I think can help you, which talk about interview questions. You can find them here: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-tips/interview-questions-answers/. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
I just had an interview where she explained the two open positions and asked which I felt I’d be better suited for. I honestly feel I’d be equally suited for either, but I’m afraid that my answer may have seemed wishy-washy (I stated that I don’t have experience with one aspect–out of several– of one position, but was willing to learn it, and that I believed I would fit in either and could be put wherever they most needed me). How should I handle a question like this in the future (especially with companies where I’ve applied for two positions)?
Hi Patrick! I think your answer was fine. You were honest, which is very important, and you showed that you are a team player by being willing to learn something new. Good luck and keep us posted!
I would like to go for a Pharmaceutical job interview please advice on the questions likely to come up.
Thank you
Hi! They will probably ask you about and pharmaceutical experience you have (if any). Be prepared to talk about why you are interested in the pharmaceutical industry and how your skills from previous positions will help you in this job. Here are some other standard questions you may encounter: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-tips/interview-questions-answers/. Good luck and keep us posted!
I was terminated from my job because I went back to school and got my degree. All of my supervisors only have a high school diploma, however they lied to the main supervisor and told him that I was insubordinate, which is totally untrue. All of the things they lied about I wasn’t even told. How do I talk about this tactfully.
Hi Mary – Do you have any former coworkers you can use as a reference and will defend the type of worker you really are?
Good afternoon,
I need some advice on how to present myself for a job interview. I have gone through the motions and dressed appropriately but have not been gaining progress. Normally when attending an interview where the managers are asking “scripted questions”, I tend to get lost trying to find the answers to give them. Normally I do quite well when talking to the manager on a casual level and have had job offers in the past. But when confronted with a room full of managers asking me questions I feel like I am being interrogated instead of evaluated or considered. Can anyone give me feedback on how to handle that situation and whether or not it is a good idea to speak openly my opinions on the interviewing process?
HI,MY NAME IS MARY ODOM I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK FOR ABOUT 1 YR,AND NOW IAM READY TO GO BACK TO WHERE EVER,I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE NEW WORK EXPERIENCE WHEN EVER IS POSSIBLE.BUT THE HARDEST PART IS THE INTERVIEW.EVEN DOE I SKILLS IN THAT FILL CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME OUT THANKS A MILLION.
Hi Mary! Be sure to double and triple check your resume and applications for spelling and grammatical errors. It is always a good idea to have someone you trust look over your applications to make sure you aren’t missing anything! If you are having trouble interviewing, try practicing with a friend. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel in the interview.
Good evening, I have Tourette Syndrome. I started out not mentioning this in interviews, per what I heard other managers say. When I got hired in a few jobs, they then let me go when they found out it was Tourette Syndrome. I don’t have it where I cuss or make the noises. Even when I didn’t tell them more of the jobs ended up not hiring me at all. I was an excellent candidate, but all they saw was the Tourette’s and not me.
I did start telling them after all the rejection, and now they say that I didn’t need to tell them. I don’t know what to do. Not getting hired just because I have Tourette Syndrome, is against the law on the Disability rights act that I am an advocate for.
Good morning,
I have had several job interviews which have gone quite well. But, now I am wondering if age is playing a roll in not getting the job and being over qualified in experience,plus the number of years on the job. What can I do to land the job. I moved out here in Dec. of 2011, to be close to my son and his family. I lost my husband of 12 years and 3 months to Lung Cancer, I moved from colorado. I know if I move back home I would have a job. What can I do better?
Hi Jayne – I am sorry to hear about your husband. Searching for a job in a new city can be scary. If you are applying to positions you are overqualified for, I think this article can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/im-overqualified/. The good news is that if you’re getting interviews then your resume/application/cover letter is in good shape. In a competitive market, you may be applying for awhile. Keep your head up! Have you thought about volunteering somewhere to fill in employment gaps and to gain local references?
I want on an interview recently and felt it went real well. The interviewer assured me that he had multiple positions and would surely NOT leave me hanging, as he should call me by Friday,if not before. Well, I called him after the weekend had passed, and he stated that the hiring was placed ON HOLD. (RIGHT). I received and email for the same company on Tuesday and they are interviewing for the 3rd shift.
Hi Charles – I am sorry to hear that! Were you originally interviewed for the 3rd shift position?
Last fall,I answered an ad for a local dairy that was needing a driver for delivery of milk to local area schools.I was questioned on driving record,experience,and safety. He then asked me when was I born? I let him know,he counted on his fingers quickly,acted very indignant,and said “That would make you fifty-four”!!! I thought that this sort of activity was illegal,and so I went and checked on the internet. Evidently,with twenty employees or fewer,they can get by with this.Experience must not count for anything these days!
Hi I would like to know what to do when a job ask you to explan my criminal back ground when it doses not apply to the job when a person trying to change my life around without sellingg cds. which was my crime I’m a hard worker pick up fast learner of new skills what am I. to do trying to stay alive to help my kids?
Hi Anthony – We actually have a few articles I think can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/?s=felon. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
Es bien importante prepararsr conocer de la compania
Hola, Habla Espanol!
Conozco a unos sobre que preguntar en companias
Ayudaria si usted sabia(conocia) sobre la compania de donde usted entrevista
Good evening Mr’s Kovak,
I was wondering if you had a chance to look over my post on April 30, 2012 at 11:22 pm.
Tamara M.
Hola Millie Mayo dos, Habla Espanol un pequito!
Conozco a unos sobre que preguntar en companias
Ayudaria si usted sabia(conocia) sobre la compania de donde usted entrevista
Im wanting to get a job that i have little to no experince with, Administrative assistant, why this job…it pays a lot more and if your trying to go your own place then you all readt know that money is going to be the first prioity im currently working as a CNA1 but i dont make enough income to hold down a apt on my own so how can i chenge carees and get the income i need also what do i do if im wanting to do traveling while working do those kind of jobs exist? and last but not least i need my income to go from 10,000 a year to 60,000 a yaer what do i need to do : (
Hi! Changing careers can be scary, but if you are prepared it can be possible. Check out this article for some advice: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-change-careers/. Also, be sure to double check your application/resume for any spelling errors. It is always a good idea to have someone you trust look them over before you submit them. You may not have realized you missed something! Employers tell us this is their biggest frustration when looking over applications.
GOOD DAY SIR
I AM APPLYING FOR A JOB OPPORTUNITY AS POSITION OF AB OR DECKAN IN YOUR COMPANY
THANKS GOD BLESS YOU
Hi Sunny! Following up on your application is very important. However, you should follow up directly with the employer, they probably won’t see your blog post. Be sure to double and triple check your applications/follow up emails for spelling and grammatical errors. For example, writing to them in all caps can make it difficulty to read. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
I dont know where to post problems but when I mention I have kids when and if they ask, and I tell them Yes I am a single mom of 6, I never hear back. Do I tell the truth here? Im not sure how to handle it, but I have daycare all set up and everything and they are super flexible there for all my kids, even after school care for the other ones. I hope Im not putting this question in the wrong spot, if I am I apologize, but what do I really say?
Hi Pollu – Your personal life does not need to be brought up in a job interview. I would stay away from this all together. It shouldn’t have any bearing to whether or not you will be a right fit for the position. If they ask about your family you can just say you have a happy family and bring it around to your skills and experience. Technically they shouldn’t be asking you how many kids you have in the first place.
I know this is a late response, but I just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear you are having a rough time. If you are indeed getting discriminated against because of Tourette Syndrome, you should look into contacting whoever is in charge of the Disability Rights Act to see if there are any legal actions you can take about this. Just an idea. I am sorry I don’t know more about this to offer more thorough advice. I wish you the best of luck, and please don’t let it drag you down. You own that disorder-that disorder doesn’t own you
.