When it comes to receiving a job offer, an interview is almost all that counts. What you may not realize is that interviewing is a highly predictable event. In all interviews, employers attempt to discern the answers to three major questions:

(1) What skills and abilities do you have?

(2) How will you fit in or get along with the people currently here or the team that’s being built?

(3) How much will you cost me?

In order to ascertain the above information, a cadre of some frequently asked interview questions exist. Be aware of those that follow. Generate possible answers to all that apply to your specific situation. If you do, you’ll have taken one giant step on the road to interview success.

AT THE BEGINNING:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. How are you qualified for this position?

3. How have you prepared yourself for this position?

4.  Describe your education, training and experience that quality you for this position.

 

ON MOTIVATION:

5. What 2-3 accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?

6. What 2 or 3 things are most important to you in your position?

7. What area would you be most interested in being assigned to? Why?

ON EXPERIENCE:

8. What qualifications do you have that make you think you'd be successful here?

9. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

10. What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?

11. Did you like your last supervisor? Why/why not?

12. How do you fit the requirements for this position?

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

13. What do you see yourself doing 5 years from now?

14. How would you describe your management style?

15. What would be your top priorities if you were given this position?

16. What book(s) have you recently read?

17. What magazines do you subscribe to?

18. How would your current manager describe you?

19. Do you consider yourself a leader? Why?

20. Hypothetical questions geared specifically to assess special knowledge required for the job and your problem solving skills.

Knowing what to expect facilitates successful interviewing. If you’re clear about how to describe yourself in answer to these questions, you've got a good start!