Questions You Might Be Asked At A Job Interview

When preparing for a job interview, you want to make sure that you're going to be prepared for difficult questions. Hiring managers enjoy trying to catch their candidates off guard with questions which are uncomfortable. If you practice answers to some of these questions, you may be able to answer them with more poise and confidence when it comes time for your interview. There's no point in being any more nervous than you are already, so here are some common interview questions which you may be asked and which you can prepare for in advance.

Q: Why did you quit your last job/why were you fired from your last job?

A: Don't focus on the negative, whatever you do. If you quit your job, regardless of the personal reasons you may have had, come up with a convenient excuse, for example that you had to relocate for reasons beyond your control or because a temporary job was ending. If you were fired, focus on what you learned from the experience instead of on your mistakes.

Q: Why do you want to work for our company?

A: Do not say something like "I am a people person." Even if the position is a customer service role, it's pretty much assumed that you like people (whether you do or not). So instead do some research on the company to find out what else they are known for, and then say you want to be part of a team which excels at whatever that is.

Q: What do you want to do with your life? What are your goals?

A: This is not a personal question, so don't go into your personal goals. Talk about your "five year plan" for your career. Be ambitious enough that it's obvious you have a goal in life, but don't be too ambitious or the hiring manager may worry you're gunning for his or her job, or that you'll be quickly dissatisfied in your new role.

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: This is not a personal question either, so don't answer it as one. Talk about your employment history and your education briefly to remind the hiring manager of where you're coming from and keep it brief.

Q: Tell us about gaps in your employment.

A: If no one asks you about this, don't mention it on your own. It's better to skip over it since it may not be noticed. If the hiring manager brings it up however, say something about education or self employment. You can also simply say 'the economy,' these days without it being a problem.

Preparing for interview questions can help you to avoid uncomfortable silences or answers which aren't going to get you a job. Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror, but remember that you can't anticipate everything in advance. You still will need to be able to think on your feet at the interview.