Three Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

If you are going to a job interview soon, it’s a good idea to think about what kind of answer the interviewer is looking for when they ask you the common interview questions. When I interview someone for a job, there are several stock questions I use regardless of the position I’m trying to fill. I mix these in with the interview questions that are specific to the position. Here are three of my usual questions.

Tell me about yourself. I guess that’s not really a question, but I begin every interview this way. My goal is to open up the conversation. The person’s resume has gotten my interest enough to get them in for an interview, but there’s always so much more about a person that a resume won’t reveal.

My advice to you is to use this opportunity to open up to the interviewer and give them more information than they found on your resume. If you’re nervous or shy, try to focus on what you want to communicate to the interviewer and give them a good answer.

What processes have you created to be more efficient or solve problems in a previous job? I’m looking for someone that can solve their own problems. I especially like it when I get an enthusiastic response from someone for this question. Even if it’s just a spreadsheet they created to track some part of their job, it means to me that they look for ways to make their own job easier, and they don’t wait for someone else to do it for them.

My advice to you is to be prepared to tell the interviewer how you solve those little problems we all face at a job. Be specific, and it’s great if you have more than one example.

Do you have any questions? I think every interviewer will ask this question. Believe it or not, I use this as my “trick” question. It’s a tough question if you’re not prepared for it. I usually ask it at the end of the interview. I know the person’s head is spinning at this point. But the responses I get are usually disappointing. The person will either tell me that they don’t have any questions, or they ask about compensation or benefits. That’s not a good idea for this part of the process.

Look, I know and understand that they’re nervous. That’s the “trick” part of this question. If they didn’t prepare a question or two ahead of time, it shows. And it kind of ends the interview with a thud.

My advice to you is to research the company and the position you’re looking for. Try to have at least one question about each prepared beforehand, just in case you don’t think of one during the interview.
There are many more questions you will be asked during a job interview. The best advice I can give is to be honest in all of your answers. If you know you’re right for the position, you should mention that during the interview. And be sure to tell them why.

By: Elton Lowe

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