Why Should I Prepare for a Job Interview?

Why Should I Prepare for a Job Interview?

Some job seekers think that being called for a job interview essentially means that they've been hired, but oh my are they wrong. Being called for an interview just gets your leg through the door; yes, your resume and cover letter probably did a good job of impressing the hiring manager but that does not in any way mean that they’ll be greeting you with open arms ready to hire you.

A job interview is where hiring managers get to know candidates; it’s where they decide if you’d be a good fit for the company, if you’re quick on your feet and if you have what it takes to be an ideal employee. So, it’s important that you use the interview to prove that you are all of those things and to be on top of your game during the job interview you need to know what to expect.

This includes knowing what they are likely to ask you. There’s a good chance that the hiring manager will come up with a question that will throw you off your feet, and you don’t want that to be the lasting impression you leave the hiring manager with. So, it’s essential to do your prep work before attending the interview, and this means knowing the company’s website like the back of your hand, as well as preparing for what you may be asked during the job interview.

Top 7 interview questions and answers.

Explain how you would be an asset to this organization

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

What is your greatest strength?

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples: Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude

What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.

What experience do you have in this field?

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

What kind of salary do you need?

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

Describe a typical work week for you.

Interviewers expect a candidate for employment to discuss what they do while they are working in detail. Before you answer, consider the position you are applying for and how your current or past positions relate to it. The more you can connect your past experience with the job opening, the more successful you will be at answering the questions.

It should be obvious that it’s not a good idea talk about non-work related activities that you do on company time, but, I’ve had applicants tell me how they are often late because they have to drive a child to school or like to take a long lunch break to work at the gym.

Keep your answers focused on work and show the interviewer that you’re organized (“The first thing I do on Monday morning is check my voicemail and email, then I prioritize my activities for the week.”) and efficient.

Do you have any questions for me?

Always have some questions prepared. Questions prepared where you will be an asset to the organization are good. How soon will I be able to be productive? and What type of projects will I be able to assist on? Are examples.

For laughs -- and some insight -- read 47 Interview Questions And Answers  

In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only examples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them as your own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinking about how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will face.

Finally, to avoid any awkward silences, never assume that the hiring manager has a sense of humour… Just in case.  

Don’t make the answer come across as rehearsed; rather, just remember the gist of your answer and then let the sentences flow freely during the interview, which gives the interviewer a much better impression of you. Good luck!