Job Interview Questions & Answers: Know What to Expect and What to Say

Although many candidates dread them, job interview questions and answers are wonderful things!
(1) Anticipate likely questions;
(2) Develop excellent answers;
(3) Practice!

Be enthusiastic and confident when responding to questions.
Most interview questions and answers will relate either to your ability to do the job or to the type of employee you will be. Here's one that is very commonly used to help the interviewer learn about both:

"Tell me a little about yourself."
Highlight experiences and accomplishments you are most proud of. "I'm an experienced communications specialist with extensive knowledge of public information tools and techniques. By studying the job announcement, you'll get a good idea of the skills and experience being sought. Work those into your response.

"What do you feel has been your greatest work-related accomplishment?"
Employers like to hear about accomplishments that reduced expenses, raised revenues, solved problems or enhanced a company's reputation.

"What is your greatest strength?"
Some examples are: leadership skills, team-building skills, and organizational skills. For example, if the job announcement stresses the ability to handle multiple tasks, you could say: "I'm good at organizational skills, prioritization and time management.

"What is your greatest weakness?"
Be careful with this one. IMPORTANT: Be sure the weakness you talk about is NOT a key element of the position!

"How do you handle stressful situations?"
If it's true, say you actually work better under pressure.

"What is the toughest problem you've had to face, and how did you overcome it?"
Try to make this about a problem that faced your company and not just you or your particular work group. Give specific examples of the skills and techniques you used to resolve this problem. Emphasize the successful results.

"Have you ever had to discipline a problem employee? If so, how did you handle it?"
Explain how you used problem-solving skills, listening skills, and coaching skills to help the employee.

"Why do you want this position?"
If you are applying for a position in a company for which you already work, explain how you'll be able to apply and expand on the knowledge and experience you've gained from your current position, and will be able to increase your contributions and value to the company through your new responsibilities.

"Why are you the best person for this job?"
As with all other questions, be confident and enthusiastic when you answer this. I'm dedicated and enthusiastic about helping your company meet its goals, and will provide top-quality results with minimal oversite.

UNEXPECTED QUESTIONS
Interview questions and answers can only be predicted and prepared for to a certain extent. Use every opportunity and unexpected question to mention these.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK
Often the interviewer's last question is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Stand out from those lazy job seekers by asking questions!

Have your questions ready in advance. Relate them to the company or its accomplishments/challenges (your research of the company will show and further impress the interviewer). In addition to specific questions you develop based on what the company does, here are some sample generic questions:

What do you enjoy most about working here?
Be sure the person you ask actually works for the company.
Is there anything I've mentioned that makes you think I'm not the best candidate for this job?
If you've thought about your possible weaknesses in advance, you should have a prepared answer to those weaknesses.

When do you expect to make your final decision?
Be sure to ask that! Failure to do so may give the impression that you're not that interested, and you need to know when to follow up.